He’s waiting at the top, so heartbreakingly handsome in his tux. You’d never know the man is slammed into the boards and sent to a penalty box for a living.
I freeze, my hands gripping my clutch so tight as I try to blink. Form a thought. Remember to breathe.
Sweet baby Jesus.
“Impressive,” I say finally, stepping off the escalator.
Play it cool. Play it cool. Play it cool.
“I was thinking the same.” Jack cracks that easy, sly grin that twists around my heart.
Maybe more than friends…
His hand gently touches my elbow as he rakes his eyes over me in a long, slow sweep. “Spin around.”
I do, biting my lip when I hear his low growl when he spots my ass in the red velvet gown that’s decidedly sexier than what I’d planned on wearing. But I couldn’t resist the bow.
Jack reaches out and presses his thumb against my bottom lip. For a minute, I’m not sure if I should open my mouth and suck on his thumb just to surprise him or…
He pulls his hand back, like he could read my thoughts, and my cheeks heat. “Why did you do that?” I ask, a little breathless.
“I wanted to see if we’d have a problem later.”
“Later when?”
“When your lips are wrapped around my cock.”
Words tumble in my brain as I try to come up with a witty, sexy comeback. But all I manage is a soft “Didn’t smudge, did it?”
Jack swallows, then leans in close enough for me to catch the small hitch in his voice. “Always planning ahead like my good girl.”
His palm gently guides me forward, warm against the small of my back. It’s steady and somewhat calming, even if it feels as if I’m about to be eaten alive.
I pluck a glass of champagne off a passing tray.
I don’t belong here.
Not walking beside Jack, that’s for sure. My heels are too high, my dress a little too tight, and I don’t think I can even sip the champagne I have in my hand. I’m so nervous.
But Jack looks like he was born for this. That black tux, perfectly tailored to his body, a crisp white shirt that only makes his blue eyes pop more, his hair brushed back and almost gold under the soft lighting. He’s laughing with a teammate, dimples flashing, one hand tucked in his pocket like this is any other night. Then his arm slides around my waist, tugging me close, and suddenly, everyone’s eyes are on us.
“It’s about time Jack brought you around.” The massivelytall man sticks out his hand and roughly shakes mine. “Bobby Becker. I’m a defenseman on the Breakers.”
“Nice to meet you.”
A woman joins him. Her short blonde hair brushes against her tanned shoulders. “So you’re the girl who’s got him tripping all over the ice. I’m Bobby’s wife, Stephanie. Next game, you should come sit with us WAGs.”
Jack laughs, scratches behind his ear, then glances down at me. I’m not expecting his gaze to be so soft, so…kind.
This is just pretend. We’re pretending. I can do that too.
“I’m lucky to have him, if that’s what you mean.”
The other woman mutters something that sounds like “So did the rest of Boston.”
“Last week, while he was away, he ordered dinner for me because I was stuck at work. He’s so thoughtful like that.”
Bobby laughs. “Sure, he’s thoughtful.”
