I raised an eyebrow and dropped my gaze to his now semi-hard dick. “No way?”
He shook his head, expression resolute. “No. Not until you know, without a doubt, that I care about you, that you’re theonlywoman I want in my bed.”
He strode into his bathroom and shut the door, leaving me to contemplate his coved ceiling and its lack of nasty popcorn bumps.
Chapter33
Keelie
Cormac brought me to the arena early on Saturday to watch the game. The space echoed with the rows of empty seats, and the screens were dark, the ice smooth and unvarnished after the Zamboni tooled through.
“Hey.” I turned around when someone tapped my shoulder and looked up a row into the gorgeous smile of a slim, dark-haired woman who could have been a twenty-something Halle Berry.
“Hello,” I said.
“You’re Keelie, right?”
I nodded, flummoxed.
“Cormac said you’d be here today. I’m Adam’s wife, Naomi. Adam’s the goalie.”
“Oh, yeah, of course. It’s great to meet you.”
She chuckled as she climbed over the seat next to me and sank into the plush cushion. “That’s nice of you to say. I’m a bit much, which you’ll discover tonight, I’m sure.”
“Um…”
“Cormac wanted to make sure you were happy, having a good time. There are a couple of other girlfriends—the guys call us CATS, which I think is weird and probably misogynistic…” At my confusion, she leaned closer. “Cat’s meow. A body part…” Her gaze dropped to her lap.
I gasped. “Oh! Cormac said it stood for comrades, allies, teammates, and spouses.”
Naomi cackled. “Sure it does, officially. Maybe the team even means it.” She tapped her lips. “Okay, I bet the big boss man wanted the name to be more inclusive than just ladies. He’s been pretty insistent on ensuring everyone feels like they’re part of the organization.” She shrugged. “But you know these alpha men love us sitting in the CATS section.” She winked.
I didn’t know how I felt about Naomi’s comments. Actually, yes, I did. I disliked the name—the reason for it. Naomi continued talking, having moved on from the whole hoo-ha explanation.
What waswrongwith people? Why did everything have to be a ridiculous innuendo?
“The other ladies aren’t here tonight,” she continued. “Right now, we have ladies and sometimes kids, none of those partners, but I’m a great ally.” She winked. “Nicole was super upset to miss out, but she has a cold and stayed home. So, how long have you and Cormac been banging?”
I forced my jaw to stay closed. Gaping was rude. “We’re not—”
“Gotcha. Man, your face!” She giggled. “That’s twice now you’ve looked like you’re trying to swallow glass. Adam rubbed off on me because I never would have asked that question two years ago. I’ve always been over the top but not straight-up rude. I’m sorry…didn’t mean to embarrass you. And I made up the thing about CATS. Gunnar, the owner, is a great guy, one of the best in the league. He is trying to be more inclusive. Hell, he snapped up the first openly-gay player. I’m waiting for that cutie to find the love of his life and set him up with us here in the CATS section.”
“It’s fine.” Even I heard the stiffness in my tone.
She grabbed my hand. “I am sorry.” Her pretty eyes pleaded with me—as if I could say no to her.
“We’re good. Really.”
“Don’t you have a friend? I thought she came with you last time.”
I swallowed, my throat heavy. “Marian. She moved.” I twisted my fingers in my lap. “It was a shock.” I forced down the hurt. “Why don’t you tell me a bit about you?”
Naomi smiled, her deep dimples appearing. “Sure! I’m a brand manager for a lingerie boutique. Think Victoria’s Secret but more upscale.”
“W-wow. That’s amazing.”
She crinkled her nose and lifted her shoulders. “I know,” she squealed. “I love it. All the time, I get to feel feminine and flirty. Even better, Adam loves the products.” She winked.
