Page 65 of Timelessly Ours

The only rule I’d come up with for her was Stop being the woman I haven’t been able to tear my eyes off of for the last two years. The woman who I’ve yearned to protect and shelter from the pointing and whispering. The woman I couldn’t touch for too many reasons.

But instead of setting said rules, my mind wanders wickedly to every which way I would break them.

Every which way I would make her moan, make her come again and again and again. With my tongue, my fingers, my cock.

Fuck I’m in trouble.

After our win—a victory we desperately needed—I’m too in my own head to celebrate with the boys. I head down to see if I can catch anyone at the bar. The female bartender smiles at me the moment I sit and it makes me think of Nicole’s easy smile every time I sat at her bar.

The drinks she’d create based on what mood it looked like I was in. Or whatever she was feeling that night. We’d spend the quieter hours of the night making fun of the patrons, taking bets on who’s likely to pass out and who will be the first to leave.

My money was always on Nick and Cora. The team captain and his girl would rarely make it past one drink each before they made up some excuse about getting up early.

But those two were never the social butterflies.

“Shouldn’t you be out celebrating?” she asks.

“Some things a coach should not bear witness.”

She grins. “What are you drinking?”

“Whatever you have on tap is fine.” I don’t have it in me to order a scotch. I’d just hate it. It wouldn’t have her special touch. Her cloves or burnt citrus or…carry the scent of her as she handed it to me.

Fuck, I’m doing it again.

“Hey, Coach. Night cap?”

I grunt. “Why is it when Jace has a beer after hours, you call it a drink. But when I have one, you call it a night cap? Is it because I’m a hundred?”

Nick laughs and slaps my back. “A hundred. Is that how you think we see you, Coach?”

Coach. I miss my first name from her lips. She’s one of the few people who use it anymore and each time, it ignites me.

“Good game tonight.” I slap him right back.

“How’s it going with my sister?”

I stiffen. “Rory adores her,” I say, because it’s the truth.

Nick scoffs and drags a hand through his hair. “Who knew the answer to all your prayers was Nicole? She’s certainly the last person I thought you’d consider but…I really appreciate you giving her a chance and trusting her.” He swallows. “Not many in our town would have.”

“Hank did,” I offer quickly, diverting the attention away from myself.

“Yeah, well, I’m just glad that Nicole happens to have magic with children and not just beverages.”

His food order arrives, and he thanks the bartender and pats my shoulder. “Going to give Cora a call, then head to bed.”

“Isn’t she with Nicole?”

“Oh no, the girls left this morning. Angel had to prep for her classes this week and Cora said something about needing one day to herself.”

I knit my brows. Not loving the idea of Nicole being alone. I should probably call her. But I wouldn’t be the father I pride myself to be if I didn’t check on my little girl first.

I check my phone, swiping away a message from a Veronica. The name is familiar, but I disregard it until I check on Rory.

I click on the baby monitor app I never removed. It comes in handy for when I’m traveling. Checking on my little girl while she’s safely tucked into her princess bed has been everything these past few years.

There’s one installed in my bedroom and hers. A few years back one of the babysitters told me Rory preferred to sleep on my bed when I was away, so her camera became utterly useless to me. Until I updated the system.

---