He smiles widely. “I’ll take that request into consideration.” Lemon steps closer and his confidence wavers again.
I rest my forehead on his, taking his hands in mine. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Okay?”
“I feel like walking out of here is going to put an end to what we’ve… created over the last twelve hours.”
“It’s not, Lemon. Not at all. Promise.”
He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “Okay. Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Pressing my lips to his, I leave one last lingering kiss there. “Be safe. Tell me when you get home.”
His smirk is back as he turns to grab his chicken purse. “Okay.”
Then I follow him to the door and watch him walk out. He pauses just outside, but before I can peek around him, he’s pulling the door shut, saying, “What are you doing?”
The door shuts and I press against it to listen.
“I wanted to know where you’d gone. Look at you—walk of shame!”
I can practically hear Lemon rolling his eyes. “No, Sugar. Stride of pride! There’s no shame here. And if you had my night, you’d be giddy.” They disappear behind a door, and I find I’m smiling broadly.
But then I’m left in the room alone. A room that looks and smells like two people fucked all night. I pass through the shower and get dressed. I wait until just after ten to make sure Lemon and his sister have plenty of time to leave before I make my way down to the lobby.
Leo’s sitting at the dark bar on his phone. He looks up when I join him. “Hey, Coach. You missed breakfast, but they’d probably whip something up for you.”
With a yawn, I rub my face and shake my head. “I’ll grab something at the airport.”
“I’d make a comment about ‘ew, airplane food,’ but I think we all know we’re going to be getting snacks. Which is stupid for such a short flight.”
I chuckle.
My team trickles their way down to the lobby. As I’m loading them onto the bus, making sure that all their equipment and bags are accounted for, I receive a message alert. A quick glance tells me it’s from Lemon, which brings a smile to my face.
I can’t read it until we’re settled on the bus, though. When I do, I’m smiling like a schoolgirl.
Lemon Frost
I’m on the plane and safe so far.
Thank you. For all the nice things you say to me.
This is going to be a long half a day until I can see you again.
OMG, I didn’t just say that. Please don’t read the previous text. See you tomorrow!
I chuckle and click out of the app, leaning my head back and closing my eyes. My smile fades when I remember I need to call Jessica back when I get… home. Well, when I get to my truck, I guess. I’m not sure I really want to have this conversation at Alka’s. Not that I worry that they’ll eavesdrop, but it feels weird. Like I’m bringing this drama to their house.
Which only solidifies that I need to find a new place. Alka’s street is filled with FOR SALE signs. I’m not sure if that’s a good sign, though. I’ll ask them about it.
In the meantime, I’m going to be spending this flight trying to think of a way to convince Jessica that we need a divorce. It’s not like I can’t just push it through. No one can beforcedto stay married. But I don’t want it to come to that. I want her to agree.
In a way, I still want to take care of her. I want her to take all our assets so she’s comfortable for a while. She has passive income coming in from royalties and whatever else, but… I don’t know.
Another text as we’re boarding the plane.
Lemon Frost
Just landed. Safely. See you tomorrow.
