“He’s a good D-man.”
“Yeah. But we have other guys who can fill in.”
“Maybe they’ll call up one of those young guys from Binghamton.”
I nod. “Yeah, could be.”
We discuss options.
“And what about you? How many goals have you got this season?”
“Sixteen.”
“That’s good, isn’t it?”
“It’s okay.”
“Assists?”
“Thirty.”
She pats my arm. “That’s my boy.”
I glance up to see Ayla watching us with such a tender expression on her face, my heart gives a jolt. Her mouth curves and I see the gratitude. And I’m glad I came.
Gia continues to quiz me on team stats and how we’re playing until it’s time for dinner to be served and everyone starts taking their seats. Ayla and I are at a nearby table with her family again.
I’m distracted by her beauty in the pink dress, her bare arms and shoulder, the slit in the dress that shows off her legs. I keep looking at her. I keep touching her. And I catch the looks between her sisters. I enjoy their confusion. I also enjoy feeling Ayla’s soft skin and inhaling her scent when I lean in close to whisper, “You look so fucking hot.”
She slants me a glance, cheeks pink, a little smile playing on her mouth. “So do you, Mr. Big.”
Damn. That name. I haven’t heard it in so long and it induces a weird twisting feeling in my gut.
19
AYLA
Not gonna lie, I love the way Carson looks at me. The way he whispers to me. The way he touches me with small caresses and gentle pets.
But this isn’t real.
It feels so real, though. Because we’ve been here before. Because this is what we were like. Before.
We can’t go back. But could we go forward… together?
Our eyes meet. And hold. And it’s heavy and honest and steadfast. The room fades around us as Carson reaches out and takes my hand. I curl my fingers around his and he rests our hands on his thigh. An immense feeling of urgency and regret and longing swells inside me. My heart beats in heavy thuds.
He leans closer. “How fast can we get out of here?”
“We can’t.”
“Damn. I was afraid of that.”
We share a resigned look.
Everything is going to plan.
Except for things with Carson.
