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“Yeah?” Her smile is innocent, but her intent isn’t.

“Come on—let’s go for a walk.” I take her hand and lead her out of the room. We walk past my teammates, reporters, and other family members, and keep going.

“I just blew off poor Lindy.”

“You can make it up to her.”

“What exactly are we doing?” she asks breathlessly.

“Exercising our options.”

Chapter Twenty

Maya

We turn so many corners, I couldn’t find my way back to the lounge if you paid me. Cash seems to know exactly where we’re going, and I follow along happily because…why not? Our relationship has been moving at a snail’s pace, and I’m done with playing it safe. If I get my heart broken, so be it. He’s willing to try and has been completely honest about his issues.

What more can I ask for?

A lot of guys would lie, tell me what I want to hear, just to get in my pants.

Cash has done the opposite, and that in itself tells me a great deal about the man he is.

He slows down, looks around, and then we duck into a room, closing the door behind us.

“Where are we?” I whisper, even though we’re alone.

“This is where we keep overstock equipment. Damaged goods that could be repaired if anyone had the time.” He turns, seemingly assessing our options. “How do you feel about storage closets?”

I pause and then very slowly drop to my knees, my eyes never leaving his.

“I feel like a guy who scored two goals on opening night deserves a storage closet reward.” I run my hand over his growing erection.

“Hang on.” He turns away and grabs what looks like a really well-used pair of goalie pads. He drops them in front of me. “That should save your knees.”

“My knees are fine but thank you.” I position myself and then reach for his slacks. Unbuttoning them and sliding the zipper down, I reach into the opening of his boxers.

“I’ve missed him,” I say softly, closing my hand around his cock.

“He’s missed you too,” he whispers gruffly.

I tighten my fist, rubbing my thumb along the leaking head. “I can see that.”

My mouth waters—I love giving head—but I don’t want to rush. It feels like this is a new beginning for us, and I’m going to savor it.

One of his hands drifts through my hair, moving it away from my face.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Maya.”

I smile. I’ve had men tell me I’m pretty or sexy or some variation of those words, but I don’t recall anyone ever calling me beautiful the way Cash just did.

Stroking my hand up and down, I can feel him hardening, and I love having this effect on him. I use the tip of my tongue to circle the head, getting my first taste of him. He’s as delicious as I remember, and though I want to take my time, I have a feeling our time is limited.

I open my mouth and suck him deep, earning a hiss.

“Fuck, baby, that’s nice.” His grip on my hair intensifies, and he fists a handful.

I reach down to cup his balls, squeezing lightly until he jerks a little. I know I’m not hurting him but it’s fun to let him think I might. He trusts me, though, because he doesn’t move away or say a word.