“Absolutely, we’re going to kick back with a few beers, and Stone is cooking a turkey. Way too much food for us, but we have college football to watch. It’s sort of a tradition. Growing up, we had simple Christmases, all of our mom’s savings went into hockey. Then when my brother went pro, followed by me, we still chose to keep it simple. Between hockey, endorsements, PR commitments, and fancy events, it just feels so good to sit back and relax.”
God, I can relate. “I hear ya. It was kind of the same for Briggs and me, or at least until our grandmother got a job typing up hospital records. It paid well, and life kind of changed a little. I had a scholarship at college, and I’m relieved about that. It meant I wasn’t relying on her.”
Our shoulders occasionally touch on our leisurely stroll, and we slow down as we approach my car, not wanting this conversation to end.
“You have a strong head on your shoulders, Isla.” His praise causes my cheeks to lift, because I think I needed to hear that; it’s the only way I can be now.
“I can imagine you must be able to relate. It must get lonely focusing on hockey. You don’t ever want to have people waiting for you when you come home?” I’m testing him again.
He stalls in his step, and it causes me to side-eye him to investigate the look on his face, highlighted by the streetlight.
“Why do you ask? You’re not holding out that maybe I want more, are you?” I hear the concern in his voice, and it only confirms my theory. Yet he isn’t harsh either. Maybe he feels it too, that beyond our attraction we’re able to connect on a different level that feels like a relief since he can relate to so many things.
My head goes side to side. “Not at all. Just asking.” I don’t dare ask him if he would have been happy or confused if he had answered the phone. “I needed to call,” I mumble to myself, only realizing the thought in my head escaped my lips.
“Right, how come you called?” A deep low sound escapes his mouth in contemplation. “I guess I would have been a little confused if I had answered, as we kind of had a plan to leave it at one night, but I was also debating sending you a message.”
I think of a fib. “Because we knew we would run into one another.”
“Yeah. There isn’t much more that I can offer.” He sounds serious, but his smile remains gentle.
“Except screwing me. You’ve implied it once or twice tonight,” I tease him.
He laughs. “Well, that is on offer. We’re laidback around each other and are well aware that we’re not going to be anything more than a hookup… maybe two.”
Except we made a baby.
The words to make the announcement seem to be vanishing. I’m too scared, as his views are clear. A baby is the last thing he wants. I knew this was a possibility, but I hate the thought that another father figure has failed me.
“So, this is me.” I indicate my car.
Vaughn nods as he steps forward, guiding me until my back rests against the door of my small SUV. There is heat blazing between us, despite our breath visible in the cold air. “It is. Going to offer me a ride?” He came by taxi.
“I think that would get us in trouble.” I grin to myself.
His fingers adjust the wool hat on my head. “I’m starving.”
My head lolls gently to the side to swipe my cheek along his hand. “A good thing you have the food then.”
Vaughn sets the bag on the top of my car. “Except that’s not what I’m hungry for.”
I snort a laugh. “That’s a ridiculous line, and you know it.”
He nods in agreement, his eyes pleading like a man entranced. In this moment, I hold the cards more than he will ever know.
My brain is crossing wires, and I do the stupidest thing I can think of.
I take hold of his coat and yank him forward so that we can share a kiss. However, I know better. Instead, our lips are within breathing distance, tracing one another, both eager for more. A brush of our lips gives us a hint of what could be our night. A feathered-feeling reminder that our attraction is dangerous… but I won’t give in.
Which is why I nuzzle his nose and inhale his scent, as if it will give me strength for the months ahead.
“I think,” I whisper, “we’re in a risky situation. I had every intention to drive you to the Dizzy Duck and get out of my car with you. But it’s better if we say goodbye here, trust me.”
“I disagree,” he chides softly.
His lips nip at the corner of my mouth, and I retreat slightly.
Taking a breath, I do what’s best because I’m far too petrified right now due to our conversation tonight. “Bye, Vaughn,” I simply say.
