She shook her head. “No, red’s great.”
He pulled a bottle from a Liquor Market bag on the side table.
“What—did you buy out the city’s entire stock of Penfolds Grange?”
He poured two glasses. “You know, I probably did.”
“Happy birthday!” she said, lifting her glass.
“Thanks.” He sat beside her and clinked her glass. “How about coming with me to LA?”
She curled her lip, not expecting an invitation. Plus, she didn’t have clothes for warm weather and couldn’t take Rory across the border without proper documentation. “I can’t. The World Juniors start tomorrow.”
“And?”
“And it’s the best hockey tournament of the year.”
Cary snapped his fingers. “You can watch it in LA.” He picked up his phone from the coffee table. “I’ll order the channel.”
“We watch it together,” she said. “At my dad’s house. My brothers and their families will be there. It’s a holiday thing.”
He sighed. “I’m back on the road next week.”
He didn’t have to remind her the situation was temporary. And even if she borrowed her sister’s clothes and left Rory in Winnipeg, she couldn’t swing another charge on her credit card, especially a first-class ticket.
“I know.” She gave a small nod, then pivoted. “Kim told me about the gift you gave her.” Her bestie had texted a photo earlier—from a hot tub in Whistler. “You’re too generous.”
“Did I tell you I’m keeping her on after Vegas comes back?”
“Ugh.” She gritted her teeth. “How does Sebastien feel about that?”
“The last time I checked, my name’s on the ticket.” He leaned back and laced his fingers through hers. “Come with me. Just for a few days.”
“Why don’t you stay here?” she asked. It was a reasonable request, given he was already there. “Joe’s family is leaving tomorrow and there’s room at my dad’s.”
He shook her hand. “Deal. But we’re sleeping here.”
After they finished the bottle of wine, Tyler kissed him, the taste of red still lingering on her lips. Her mouth was warm, her breath sweet.
“I’ve got another present for you,” she whispered, tipping her head toward the bedroom, which now felt like it was an entire galaxy away.
Cary’s eyes followed her gaze, then dropped back to hers. “We don’t have to—”
“Yes, we do,” she cut in, her voice soft but certain. “I mean, I want to.”
He searched her face, serious for a beat. “Are you sure?”
She didn’t blink. “One hundred percent.”
I want your sex.
He kissed her neck, under her ear. “What about—”
“Protection? I have a cervical cup. After my ex, I got tested for everything. I haven’t been with anyone since.”
He seemed perplexed. “That was what . . . two years ago?”
“Something like that.” She didn’t want to tell him it was closer to three.
