Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 55048 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55048 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“No, it wasn’t that.” She looked out the passenger window.
“Then what?”
She shrugged. “I thought I knew something, but I was wrong.”
“Sorry, I missed that last part. You were what?”
She glared at me. “You heard me just fine. I was wrong.”
“What were you wrong about?”
She sighed heavily. “I figured Mila assigned you to seduce me so I’d become a Coyotes fan.”
The idea was so far-fetched that I burst out laughing. “I’m guessing it takes more than great dick to change your mind about things. And I can’t believe I have to say this, but I’ve never slept with a woman for any reason other than both of us wanting it, and that’ll never change.”
“So you like women who act like a hot mess? Women with mangled toes who cry into their wine on their patios at night?”
I glanced at her. “There’s one in particular I’ve got a thing for, yeah.”
“It would complicate things,” she said softly, sliding her hand into mine without looking at me.
She was right. Getting involved with her could blow up in my face, especially if the new arena project didn’t get approved, but I couldn’t bring myself to care.
Elle was a lot more than a gorgeous face and an amazing body. She was smart, loyal, and strong. I liked that she said what she really thought instead of just telling me what I wanted to hear.
“It’s been a really long time since I’ve held hands with someone,” she said.
Damn. Her vulnerability was her sexiest quality. I wanted to do a hell of a lot more than hold her hand, but if holding hands meant something to her, I was down for that, too.
“Why is that?”
She shrugged. “I guess because no one has wanted to hold my hand.”
“No, that’s not it. You could get a date anytime you wanted to.”
“I don’t date just to date,” she said. “My last breakup was messy and I’m in no hurry to do it again.”
I pulled up to a red light and looked over at her, needing to know more about this woman who made me feel jealous, protective, and crazy all at once. “What do you mean by messy?”
“He didn’t want to let go.”
“Does he still bother you?”
She shook her head. “No, it was a while ago and he finally left me alone.”
I ran the pad of my thumb over her knuckles. “Are you hungry?”
“Yeah, I am. Should we get something to eat?”
I tried to remember some of the restaurants I knew of in this area. There several fast food joints and a solid sushi place.
“Fast Tacos,” Elle said. “They have a brisket and queso burrito that will change your life. It’s drive-through only, though.”
“I can handle that. Just tell me where to go.”
Fast Tacos was only a couple of miles away, and within fifteen minutes, we each had a brisket burrito in hand and there was an order of seasoned tots we were sharing sitting in one of the cupholders.
“This is the shit,” I said through a mouthful of food.
“Right? It’s perfect for soaking up alcohol.”
We ate in silence for a minute and then she burst out laughing.
“What?” I asked.
“I can’t believe I’m eating burritos and tots with the captain of the Colorado Coyotes. In formal wear, no less.”
“It’s actually not the strangest part of the night for me.”
She gave me a puzzled look. “Then what was?”
“Being propositioned for anal sex by Stormi.”
Her laugh was warm and rich, and it made me smile. “You’re making that up.”
“Nope. She said her seventy-three-year-old husband likes to watch.”
“Am I keeping you from that?” she asked in a teasing tone. “Because I could get an Uber.”
“I’m good.” I shook my head as I remembered the interaction from earlier. “I told her I’m a virgin and I’m saving myself for marriage.”
I stole a glance at her as she laughed, cringed, and took another bite of her burrito. Her shoulders were relaxed and she was totally at ease. We were approaching the entrance to The Pines, but I wanted to drive past it and continue our evening.
“How’s it going with Luke?” I asked.
“So far, it’s been good. He’s exercising a lot, hanging up pictures for me, and binge-watching shows.”
“Good.”
I turned at the entrance and drove to the underground parking garage, slowing down enough so the automatic scanner could read the sticker on my windshield. The gate went up and I drove inside, parking in my spot.
We’d finished our food and the evening was over. But at least I could see her again tomorrow when I took her to get her car.
“I have a workout in the morning, but I can still take you to get your car,” I said.
“I’ll just have Luke take an Uber to get it. He wanted to run some errands so it’ll work out.”
I hid my disappointment as she got out of the car. I stepped out, too, and we began our walk to the elevator.