Inappropriate is the perfect way to describe what I’m going to do to you later.
Me
And as much as I’d love to do all of those things, you should definitely head out and celebrate with the boys. You deserve to.
A couple of minutes pass before my cell vibrates on the table with another text from Emmett.
Emmett
Do you know how fucking perfect you are, Billie? You’re everything I want.
“Down baaaaad,” Collins sings, shimmying past me with a couple of cocktails.
Me
You could always come over to my place afterward?
Emmett
I’ve got a better idea. When you’ve finished up with the girls, head home and pack for three nights for you and Blake. I’ll swing by and pick you up after I spend a couple of hours with the team.
Me
Three nights? And where are we going?
Emmett
Initially? Back to my place, followed by two nights in the Catskill Mountains. I just booked us a secluded cabin.
My heart actually flutters. Two nights of uninterrupted time together.
Me
But what about hockey?
Emmett
Coach has given me two days off ahead of our first playoff game.
Me
Has he granted that to the whole team?
Emmett
Only me. Giving my body some extra rest time.
Just to clarify, when I say “rest time,” I’m talking about hockey-related activities and not sleep. I’m going to keep you awake for forty-eight hours solid.
Me
Sounds perfect. If sleep wasn’t necessary to care for Blake.
Emmett
Well, rest easy, Mama. I have B and all her needs covered.
With Blake nuzzled into my chest, her gentle inhales and exhales keep my racing brain centered. Each time I speak to or see Emmett, I can’t help but wonder if it will be the last. So much of what we have feels borrowed, even stolen, from the hands of fate. It’s only a matter of time before everything goes up in flames.
