All the Way (Hot Jocks #2)(34)

We stay still for a moment, my cheek resting on his thigh while he gathers himself. After a few seconds, he tilts my chin up and looks down at me with kind eyes.

“You didn’t have to do that for me, you know.”

A smile tugs at my lips. “It was for me too. I wanted to.” And it’s true. Knowing that I can have that kind of effect on him is such a rush.

He smiles back at me, shaking his head in disbelief. “Come here, you.”

Moments later, he lays us both down and pulls me into him, spooning me in his big strong arms. He holds me tight enough that I can feel his heart beating against my shoulder blades.

I’ve never felt so safe in a man’s arms as I do at this moment. It’s like Owen is my shield of armor, protecting me from the elements. I want to tell him this, to thank him for everything he’s done for me already.

But instead, in the circle of his arms, I drift off to sleep before I get a chance to even say good night.

? ? ?

The next morning, I wake up to an empty bed and an empty feeling in my chest to match.

After the night we had, he’s already gone?

I check my phone—a few texts in my group message with Sara and Bailey about our shopping plans later, but nothing from the man I fell asleep with last night. But when I get up to wash my face and get ready for the day, I find a sticky note on my bathroom mirror that instantly turns the knot in my stomach to butterflies.





Last night was fun. This morning’s team workout, not so much. Let’s talk later? xoxo


I can’t help but let my eyes linger on the xoxo at the end. Hugs and kisses. Both of which I’d love to give him right now.

I consider texting Owen to thank him for the note, but I decide to save it. He’s in the gym right now, probably cursing the lack of sleep he got last night. It can wait until later. Besides, I’ve only got thirty minutes to do something about this bedhead and meet my girls at the outdoor mall.

With a ponytail and a few coats of mascara, I’m presentable enough to be seen in public. It’s an added bonus that when I meet up with Bailey and Sara for a pre-shopping latte, they’re both rocking similar looks. Between the three of us, we’re a united front of leggings and less-is-more makeup.

Before my almond-milk latte even has a chance to cool down to a drinkable temperature, Bailey asks the question I knew I would get this morning.

“So, is it safe to assume that you didn’t sleep alone last night?”

Since I already filled them in on the details of my deal with Owen, I knew there’d be no fooling them when we left together last night.

“That’d be a correct assumption. Although we didn’t, y’know.” I giggle as I try to think of the best way to put this. “Let’s just say the puck didn’t go in the net. Yet.”

“But you’re feeling good about it?” Sara asks, ever the practical one. “Like, you’re comfortable with everything? You’re comfortable with Owen?”

I nod as I push through a rack of crimson sweaters. “I feel great,” I say with a genuine smile. “Like, really great. He makes me feel safe, and that’s something I haven’t felt around men since . . .”

“I’m so happy to hear that. You deserve the best, Becca, and if Owen helps, then I fully support you and this weird, yet pretty awesome arrangement you two have.”

“So, I’ve got to ask. He’s . . . really great?” Bailey shimmies her shoulders suggestively at me, and the three of us burst into giggles.

“Let’s just say whatever practice he’s put in has paid off.” I glance around, making sure no one is within earshot, then whisper, “I didn’t even know it was possible for someone to get me off that quickly. I thought after everything, I would never be able to experience that again.”

Bailey puts up a hand, and I high-five it. “You deserve it,” she tells me. “More than anyone I know.”

Just then, there’s a buzz in my purse. For a second, I hold my breath—did I put the toy in my purse? Wait, no. That’s my phone. Duh.

I snag it out of my bag and do a mini victory dance when I see it’s a text from Owen.

Hope you found my note. Come over tonight?

I can’t make my fingers move fast enough across my screen.

Loved the note. What time do you want me?

With that, I put down the sweater I was eyeing and head straight for the lingerie section. It looks like my shopping list just changed to something with a lot less fabric.





13




* * *





Dessert First, Then Dinner





Owen



This is it.

Tonight’s the night.

I’ve made plans to cook for Becca after hearing Justin say that he and Elise are going to be staying at her place tonight. So far, I’ve cleaned my bathroom, changed the sheets on my bed, bought condoms, showered, manscaped, and now I’m standing in the kitchen as nervous energy skates through my stomach.

I can’t believe I’m actually nervous. I’m never nervous. Not even when we’re down by two goals and playing for the championship.

And I should clarify—I’m not nervous about having her here, or cooking. I’m nervous because we’ll probably have sex for the first time tonight, and every part of me wants to make this perfect for Becca.