“Thank you. All part of the game.”
“It must’ve been so hard on you to sit on the sidelines, Devil.” Vanessa’s other friend, tanned and toned, dressed in a tight Kings’ tank top and a jean miniskirt, cozied up to me. “I’m glad to see you’ve recovered.”
I gazed at her and knew I should play the part, but I didn’t want to. Not anymore. I was tired of faking it, and I had no problem using my health to get out of being forced to spend an evening with someone I didn’t want.
“I still have to take it easy. Just gonna hang out with my buddies for a little while. No partying for me tonight. Fact is, I’m planning on turning in early.”
She laughed. “Seriously? You’re the Super Bowl champ. You can’t.” She slipped her arm through mine. “I’m Aurora, by the way.”
“Well, Aurora, I’m afraid I can.”
“Y’all ready to head out?” Dante asked. “Cars are waiting to go to the club.”
“I’m ready.” Aurora left my side, and Brody gave me a face full of surprise.
“I’m not into it tonight,” I explained, and Brody nodded.
“Understood.”
I knew he would. He always did.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brody
With Dev hanging out on the edge of the dance floor, watching everyone celebrate, I had a burst of clarity. He was being true to himself and our marriage, while I continued to play the game we’d been forced to for a decade. Connie stood by my side expectantly, but my focus wasn’t on her. It was on Dev who, as if sensing me, raised his gaze to meet mine. God, I wished I could stride right to him and plant a kiss on his lips.
Attuned to me as always, Dev shook his head, turned, and walked to the bar.
“Wanna dance?” Connie cooed.
“Sorry, sweetheart, but I’m crashing right now. Been a helluva day. I’ll have to pass.” I left her and made a beeline for the one person I wanted to be with.
At the bar, Dev stepped aside and made room for me. That wicked grin kicked up his lips, and I knew he was planning something.
“What’s goin’ on in that evil mind of yours?”
He widened his eyes at me. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m innocent.” He smirked, and I snickered.
“You’re many things, but innocent has never been one of them.”
He sipped his club soda—his doctor had forbidden drinking alcohol. “I’m wounded.”
But I knew my husband, and I didn’t have long to wait for him to make his move.
Leaning on the bar, I felt Dev’s hand slide over my ass and into the back pocket of my jeans. Mother of God, he was going to kill me. But what a way to go. He kneaded the cheek, and I desperately needed to be alone with him.
“Gonna hit the head.” Hoping he got the hint, I walked away into the dark recesses of the club to find the men’s room. A minute later, Dev followed me and locked the door behind him.
“Dev.” I sighed, uncaring that someone might want to come in and they’d find us.
He didn’t answer me, just held my face and crushed our lips together. My greedy hunger for him exploded, unable to be quashed. He couldn’t keep his hands off me, and I reveled in it.
“Fuck, baby, I just needed to touch you so bad. It’s been hell being away from you all these weeks.”
Knowing our time was brief, I grabbed him again and covered his mouth with mine. We sucked each other’s tongues until I broke away and unlocked the door. “Can’t take the chance. But we’re gonna be together tonight. Later. Gotta figure out how.”
Panting and wild-eyed, Dev traced my lips with his thumb. “Kelsie’s parents have a place near here, and they’re away visiting her sister in California. She’s been here all week for the pregame stuff, but she’s gonna stay with her friends tonight and gave me the key. I’m gonna leave in a few, blame it on a headache. Stay a while, then follow. I’ll text you the address.”
