Page 88 of You Had Me at Hockey

I kiss her forehead. “Sorry.”

“No, you’re not. I could see your killer instincts coming out.”

That makes me laugh. “Babe. That wasn’t killer instinct. You should see me on the ice.”

“I’d be afraid.”

“Also, it’s called mental toughness. I don’t try to actually kill people.”

“I’m not so sure of that. I’ve seen you hit guys.”

I pause. “But you know I never intend to hurt anyone…right?”

Her eyes soften and she cups my jaw. “I know.”

We all gather back at the table for more drinks. Her friends are actually fun. I feel bad thinking the word actually; I just didn’t think I had much in common with them. But they’re good people, and I can see they care about Sara, and that’s what matters.

“We’ll play foosball later,” Sara tells me. “I’m good at that.”

“Okay. I have to bring the guys here. They’d love this.”

“Oh yeah! You should do that. Let’s plan something. I can talk to Lilly!”

I blink a few times. Then I smile. “Yeah. Okay.”

The rest of the evening is more fun…more beers, foosball, lots of laughs. When we stagger out of the bar in the early hours of the morning, I say, “We’re getting a cab.”

“The subway’s right there…”

“I know.” I lead the way over to Sixth Avenue and it doesn’t take long to hail a taxi. I give the driver Sara’s address.

Settled in the backseat, she snuggles into me. “You let me win at foosball.”

“Nah.” I slide my arm around her.

“That’s okay. You’re a good sport.”

I smile. “I wouldn’t let you win. That would be patronizing.”

She tips her head to look at me. “You’re a good guy.”

Our eyes meet in the darkness as city lights stream past us. Heat builds between us, smoldering with lust. “I’d say you’re a good girl, but I know you’re not.” I touch a fingertip to her cheek.

“Are you saying I’m bad?”

“Badass.”

Her lips curve. “I like that.”

“Badass with a big heart.”

Her eyes soften.

I rub my thumb along her bottom lip. She parts her lips and I slide my thumb inside. The hot suction of her mouth has my dick thickening.

“I wrote another poem for you,” I say, my voice husky.

“Tell me.”

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