Page 44 of Sin Bins and Second Chances
As the evening goes on, the bar becomes livelier. Most of the guys have slid out of the booth. Several going to play pool and a few on the dance floor with girls that held their gazes long enough.
That used to be month. Six months ago, that was me. Not anymore. I’m not looking to numb the loneliness with one-night-stands and alcoholwhen I’m not on the ice. I’m not the person I was a year ago.
“You want to get out of here?” Daisy asks next to me.
I smile down at her. “Whenever you are.”
She downs the rest of her drink, then grins up at me. “I’m ready.” Her eyes dip to my lips, then back up to my eyes.
“You got it, baby.” We slide out of the booth and I take her hand, leading her out of the bar.
The drive back to the ranch is the longest it’s ever felt. I turn the music up to help pass the time. My eyes stay on the road even though I can feel her eyes on me.
“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”
“My mom is going to be gone for a while longer still.” She speaks up next to me. “I like you keeping me company.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
I’m glad she liked me keeping her company, considering I wasn’t planning on ever being without her again.
Chapter Twenty
DAISY
Isqueeze the edge of the countertop as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. The lights in the bathroom usually feel warm and cheerful, bright even. Now, it’s like they criticize me. They highlight everywhere I find faults and I’m left second guessing if this is even a good idea.
The black lingerie was sexy when I tried it on in the store. This, however, is not the stuff I typically go for. I prefer to dress for comfort and practicality. My idea of dressing up is sundresses, and I have a closet full of those. Those are different, though. They have a way of showcasing the assets I want them to while hiding my insecurities.
Lingerie is different. I don’t even remember the last time I bought some sexy panties for myselfjust because. It’s because I don’t do it. Where’s the bad bitch from the dressing room? I need to channel her again, because right now I am so out of my comfort zone.
It’d been last-minute, though. The shop with the pretty window display was right next to my favorite local bookstore. I had time to waste before his practice would get out. I think I must have blacked out when I was in there, because I walked out with more than I thought I did.
I take a deep breath and let it out slow, my hands release the counter, and I take a small step back.
“You’ve got this,” I whisper to myself as I stand up straight. “You’re beautiful and sexy and if this doesn’t work, there’s something wrong with him.”
It’s a lie. There is nothing wrong with Ethan. He is stupidly perfect with his perfect body and face. The way he always knows what to do or say.
I stand up taller and continue to stare at myself. My eyes go out of focus for a moment before the switch flips. I don’t know if I catch a twinkle in my own eye or some sexual goddess possesses me,but I’m taking advantage of the moment. Even if we don’t have sex tonight, I’m going to bring him pleasure. I want to be on my knees for him.
I open the door slowly and see his back towards me. His focus is on some pictures scattered across my bookshelf. Memories of the last twenty years. Even a few with him in them. They weren’t the ones of just us, but group photos. There were too many wonderful memories still associated with them for me not to display them, even if I missed him.
“The Starlight Festival was always my favorite. I’m sad I’ve missed it since I left. It’ll be nice to go to it again.”
The festival is during the summer, it’s nearly the end of October. The idea of him sticking around because he wanted to, and not just because of hockey, made me ridiculously happy.
I approach slowly, taking my time to look at his back side. His broad shoulders and back. The tattoos that go up his arm, across his shoulders, and connect at his back. His athletic shorts hang low on his hips.
We’d discussed getting comfortable and putting on a movie for the night. I can onlyassume he thought I would get into some comfortable pajamas.
“It’s still my favorite too.” I wait for him to turn around before continuing. His eyes widen as he looks me up and down. “There’s something special about a night sky full of stars.” I step up to him slowly. “I love seeing stars, don’t you?” He nods. I move to my knees at a leisurely pace.
“What are you doing, baby?” His hands clench into tight fists at his sides.
“Something I never got a chance to do before.” My fingers move up his outer thighs. I trace the edge of his shorts lightly, then lick my lips.
