Page 49 of Playing the Pucking Game
“I’m sorry.” The sincerity in her voice makes my steps falter. I don’t look back, though. I can’t.
“It’s fine. It was a stupid idea anyway.”
“No, it wasn’t,” she says in a rush, moving closer.
Goose bumps prick my skin as I spot her in my periphery. She’s close enough to touch me. She won’t, though.
“It was so thoughtful. I really appreciate it. I just…I wish I knew. I’m sorry I didn’t and messed it up.”
“Don’t worry about it. Dinner wasn’t all that nice, anyway.” It’s a lie. I pulled out the big guns and made her my specialty, parmesan chicken. I might not be a great cook, but that dish…I nail it every time, even if I do say so myself.
“That can’t be true; it smelled amazing.”
“Garlic and tomato always smell good,” I mutter, forcing myself to continue.
She lingers behind me as I pull out a pair of underwear.
I consider my actions for almost a full second, but I quickly decide that she’s the one who invited herself into my room, so screw it.
Her breath catches as my towel hits the floor, leaving me standing before her bare.
I’ve never been one to be shy about my body. It helps that women throw themselves at me daily and that I’m on more billboards than I’d care to count. But knowing that I’m naked with Parker hits differently from every other woman I’ve ever been with.
Heat courses through my veins, awareness making my hairs stand on end.
“Linc,” she warns.
“What? You invited yourself in here. Just be glad I didn’t walk out of the bathroom naked.”
I step into my boxers and tug them up my body before spinning to face her.
Her cheeks are rosy, and I swear there’s desire in her eyes.
I wonder how long it’s been since she saw any action.
“None of your business.”
I rear back, blinking at her in surprise. My hand lifts to the back of my neck, massaging my tight muscles.
“What?”
Shit. I didn’t mean to say that out loud.
“We don’t all sleep with every willing candidate.”
“Nor do I. I’m selective.”
“How discerning of you.”
“I know what you think of me, Parker,” I point out. “As you said earlier, youknowme.”
Her eyes immediately drop to my inner thigh. I grit my teeth, trying to convince my body that she’s only interested in my adductor.
“How is it feeling?”
“Fine.”
“Liar,” she hisses.
