She pouted, thinking that would sway me. “Zeke doesn’t care. He’s the one who invited me.”
Alarm bells rang. “He did?”
She nodded. “Yeah. He said you’d wanna party.”
“And you know Zeke?”
“Oh, yeah. We get together every time he’s out here. But he told us you’d be up for it. Maybe the three of us?” She arched a brow and adjusted the strap of her tiny bikini. Through the flimsy fabric, I could see hard nipples poking out.
Unfortunately for her, that was the only thing hard between us.
“Sorry. Team rules.” I brushed her cheek with my lips.
Coach was insistent that players not have sex the night before a game and definitely not if we were in the playoffs. And the evening after? I had zero desire and wanted nothing more than to lie down and rest.
“Guess it’s your loss, Devil. See ya.”
She walked away, her thong giving me a view of a tanned, firm ass. I made a beeline for the pool and an empty chaise by Jonas. Several tables were set up with platters of chicken, coleslaw, and salads. The grill was going with burgers and steaks, and my stomach growled.
“Sure you don’t want what she’s serving, Dev?” Jonas cracked.
“Bet she wanted something else eaten.Mmm.” Marlon shook his head. “She sure was hot and wanted you.”
“You guys are acting stupid. Hand me some chicken, please.” I tore into a leg. “You think I’m gonna break the rules for some groupie? Besides, she’s one of Zeke’s regulars. That was enough to make her a big no. I just gave her a kiss to make her feel better for wasting her time.”
Brody, who’d remained silent until then, chuckled and tipped his head toward the opposite side of the pool. “Looks to me like she feels okay.”
I followed Brody’s gaze to see her snuggling with Zeke and another woman.
“He’s free to be a fool if he wants. He seems to make a habit of it. The gossip sites all say he’s way behind on his child support payments. I hope these women don’t think he’s going to be a loving father.”
This was so damn stupid. Here I was with my husband, and I couldn’t even acknowledge him, but some random girl could maul me, and everyone thought that was fine. Sooner or later, something was going to have to give.
Chapter Seventeen
Brody
Two months later
I loved a bye week. Having extra days to rest and recharge gave me life. Ezra’s friend Ross and his husband owned a cabin upstate, but they were away in Europe, and Ezra said they were happy to lend it to Dev and me. I’d rented a car, and following the GPS, I prepared for a drive upstate.
Dev called as I hit the Thruway. “I just got here. It’s gorgeous, but it’s already chilly.”
I changed lanes. “Guess you’ll have to keep my feet warm. And don’t hog the blankets.”
“Just get up here,” Dev growled in that husky voice that set my heart racing. “I’m gonna start a fire and get my surprise ready for you.”
“I should be there in about two hours. What’s my surprise?”
Dev laughed. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be one. See ya.”
Without giving me a chance to respond, he ended the call. Knowing Dev, it could be anything from a couples massage to a puppy. I took a swig from my cup of coffee and hit the accelerator. Three days alone with Dev. I couldn’t wait.
Less than two hours later, I pulled in front of the large wood-shingled cabin. It reminded me of the house I’d built but, as Dev had said, it was a damn sight colder up here. Tall pines shot to the sky, and evergreen bushes surrounded the area. The lights were on, and Dev’s Porsche was in the driveway. Anticipation rushed through my veins, and I pulled my duffel from the back seat and slammed the door shut.
Dev opened the door and waited. I took the steps two at a time and settled my mouth over his. He held me at my hips but didn’t grind his pelvis into me as he always did when we’d been apart for a while.
“God, you taste good.” I nuzzled into his neck. “Can’t wait to lick you all over.”
