Page 42 of Scarred

I choke on my drink as I laugh unexpectedly.

Chuckling, Connor pats my back as I cough.

“Lu, my love, are you okay?”

“Lu?” The soft growl is barely heard above the noise in the bar, but I hear it clear as day. Green eyes latch onto mine, and I quickly realize that Connor’s little plan has gone on long enough. His chest heaves from controlled restraint, and I can tell he’s close to losing it.

Pulling away from his fierce glare, I get up quickly and smooth down my black dress.

“I need to use the restroom,” I mumble, walking past Connor and heading for the nearest bathroom sign. The line is long downstairs, and I don’t have the patience to wait. I just need a minute to myself, so I decide to check out the upstairs to see if the line is shorter.

The upstairs is just as nice, with a bar and tables overlooking the downstairs. I walk toward the restroom sign on the opposite end and notice booths along the wall that are more private. Some have the curtains down while others are open with larger groups sharing food and mingling.

I finally find the women’s bathroom and breathe a sigh of relief when I get right in. Walking into a stall, I lean against the door and take a moment to calm the storm within. Cayden’s pull is strong as my thoughts drift back to him.

It was hard enough to watch him play all night, but now I have to sit across from him and feel his eyes on my every move. Having him this close, but unable to do anything about it, is harder than it should be. I can control it easier in a professional setting, but this is different.

It feels different.

Like a tight rubber band is being pulled from both ends until one of us finally snaps.

During the game, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He’s beautiful to watch, and you can tell he was born to stand in front of that net. Every movement was of purpose and control. The love of the game was evident on his face. He owned that net with every fiber of his being.

It was also sexy as hell. I found myself imagining what it would feel like to be his. To know that after this game, I could strip off his jersey and dive into what’s waiting for me underneath.

Pushing my thoughts away as best as I can, I press a hand to my chest and take a couple of deep breaths to calm my racing heart before walking back out and over to the sink.

My cheeks are still flushed, so I pat some cool water on them before applying a new coat of lip gloss to my lips. I smooth down my hair and muster up the strength to get through a few more minutes downstairs before Connor takes me dancing.

I’m halfway to the stairs when a hand shoots out from a parted black curtain, dragging me into the secluded booth.

I yelp and whirl around to defend myself when I notice Cayden standing in the dimly lit space. The curtain falls back into place, leaving us alone to the outside world.

“You scared the shit out of me,” I wheeze out, placing a hand to my throat.

“Sorry. I guess in hindsight, that wasn’t the best way to get you alone.”

“No, it wasn’t.” I look around at the curved booth and table. A small chandelier hangs over the center, making this space the perfect romantic setting. “Why did you get me alone?”

He runs a hand through his hair, and I can feel the turmoil raging inside of him as he debates on how to answer.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had a boyfriend?” he asks suddenly, ignoring my first question altogether.

“Why didn’t you tell me who you were?” I blurt back.

“Would it have mattered?” he asks, narrowing his eyes at me.

“No, but a heads-up would have been nice instead of the shock at seeing you on the ice in an NHL game.”

“With your little boyfriend. Which brings me to my first question. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I sigh, deciding to put him out of his misery. “Connor and I are just friends. He’s also a dancer, and we’ve worked together in the past.”

“Just friends? I don’t buy it,” he says, shaking his head. “A guy can’t drink all night with you at your place and not make a move. It’s impossible.”

“Unless he’s gay,” I add. “You’re more his type than I am.”

His eyes widen in surprise before he rubs a hand over his light scruff.