Shutting off the water, I grabbed a towel, running it over my head before tying it around my waist. “You have no idea.”
He and Jenner trailed behind me as I moved toward my stall. I was grateful for the surplus of team-branded apparel that was readily available to us as I grabbed an extra set of my base layer from the cubby-style locker and tugged it on over damp skin.
“I’m sorry, too,” Jenner offered. “Didn’t even know you were dating someone.”
“Yeah, you did,” I replied, pulling my jock on before shoving my legs through my padded goalie pants.
“What? When did—” Braxton stopped mid-sentence when the truth sank in. “Nooooooooo.”
His expression of pure horror was a little over the top, and I bristled. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, Slate, I suggest you keep it to yourself. “
“We are talking about the same girl, right?” Braxton visibly shuddered.
“If you mean Gemma, then yes. That’s who I was with last night, and you need to get used to it because she’s not going anywhere.” There was a rare steel edge to my tone.
He held up both hands in surrender. “Yep, got it.” Peeking at Jenner before turning back to me, he said, “But seriously, wasn’t there even a tiny part of you worried she might go all praying mantis and take you out once the deed was done?”
“Jesus,” I muttered, shaking my head as I threw on my chest pads. “I think Dakota’s imagination is rubbing off on you. Not that I owe you any details, but Gemma and I had a nice evening out, and the rest of what we did was private.”
Before he could open his mouth to say anything more, Maddox barked from the doorway, “On the ice! Now!”
Jenner clapped me on the back. “If she’s the one you’ve been searching for, I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, man.”
“Don’t listen to Braxton. Everyone has their bad moments. Most are lucky enough not to have them plastered all over the internet. I think he forgets the knee-jerk reaction that landed him here in Indy.”
Braxton had come over in a trade from the Connecticut Comets—our divisional rivals and the team his brother captained—halfway through his rookie season.
“You’re a good judge of character. I’m sure she’s great, and I can’t wait to meet her.” He left me to dress, the last one in the locker room.
I knew my ass was skating the second my blades touched the ice, but nothing could bring me down today.
Last night, I’d conquered Gemma’s body. Now, it was time to go after her heart.
It may have only been a few hours since I last saw Gemma, but when she opened the door, my lungs filled with air, and I felt like I could breathe for the first time since leaving her in bed this morning.
She looked incredible. Don’t get me wrong, she’d been stunning dolled up last night for our date, but dressed down, she gave off a cozy vibe that warmed my insides.
An oversized cream sweater fell off one shoulder, exposing her smooth skin. The hem hit her mid-thigh, where those luscious legs were encased in tight-fitting black leggings. Thick wool socks stretched up her calves, keeping her warm on this cold fall day. She was fresh-faced and natural, not wearing a stitch of makeup.
A shy smile graced her lips. “Hi.”
“Hey, beautiful.” Dipping my head, I kissed her softly, unable to resist. Pulling back, I held up a paper bag. “I brought lunch.”
Gemma sighed, stepping back to allow me entry. “You already bought me dinner last night and had breakfast delivered this morning.”
Fuck. I’d almost forgotten she wasn’t used to being spoiled. I hated that for her, but the silver lining was that, because of that, I had a chance with her. If some guy had treated her right years ago, I wouldn’t be here now.
I tossed the takeout bag onto the counter before pulling her into my arms. She stiffened for a split second before relaxing in my hold.
Dusting my lips over her temple, I whispered, “Let me take care of you.”
Her head dropped to rest on my shoulder, and her heavy exhale warmed my neck. “You don’t understand.”
“Then help me understand.”
When Gemma pulled back, I released her, allowing her the space she needed to have this conversation.
