Page 4 of Slap Shot Surprise
“That’s—that’s, um—” Joe struggled for words and shook his head, like the concept was entirely foreign.
“I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, you know?” Now I was rocking back and forth, words gushing out of me like water over Niagara Falls. “I tend to date guys who just aren’t that exciting or talented in bed—like they have the right equipment and all, but they’re not sure how to use it.”
He smiled. “Like the shot’s all lined up, but they can’t put the puck in the net?”
“Exactly! And I thought I’d have more time to remedythat. I’m only thirty! I thought there would be more pucks! Better pucks!”
“You’ve got plenty of time,” he assured me.
“I don’t, I don’t,” I howled, squeezing my eyes shut. “This is it. My life is flashing in front of my eyes. I’m going to die right here in this seat without ever experiencing agood puck!”
And just like that, I realized the plane wasn’t shuddering anymore. The ride had smoothed out and the cabin was quiet. All around us, people were talking and laughing in relief.
Or maybe they were laughing at me.
My eyes flew open. I gasped. “Oh God.”
The hot stranger holding my hand laughed.
“Oh.God.” I lowered my lids again. “I’m not going to die, am I?”
“Nope.”
“But now I want to.” I peeked sideways at him. “I’msosorry.”
Another chuckle, warm and genuine. He took his hand off mine. “It’s okay. You kept me entertained.”
“Oh God.” I wrapped my arms around myself, wishing I could curl into a little ball and roll under the seat. “What was your name again?”
“Joe Lupo.”
I looked at him in complete despair. “Joe Lupo, you have to promise me you will forget all about this.”
“I mean, I could try. In all honesty, I’ve never had a great memory, and I’ve taken a few bumps to the head that make it even worse.” One side of his mouth hooked up, and his blue eyes twinkled. “But something tells me I’m gonna recall this for a long time to come.”
I slumped in my seat.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we do apologize for the rough air.” The flight attendant spoke calmly. “The captain has informed us that we’ve cleared the storms and it’s now safe to move about the cabin, so he’s turned off the fasten seat belt sign. We will offer a quick beverage service, so please keep the aisles clear.”
“Would you like another drink?” Joe asked.
“No, thank you,” I said, plucking my blouse away from my chest. Beneath the silk, my skin was sticky. I probably had armpit sweat rings.
Flight attendant Barbie was back with her flirty smile and perky banter, and Joe seemed to eat it up. I took my glasses off and cleaned the lenses, just for something to do. Then I dug my earbuds and laptop from my bag and listened to music while I went over some of the notes I’d taken at the conference.
But I was distracted.
Next to me, Joe Lupo sipped a cup of coffee and chatted with the pretty flight attendant, who seemed to have an awful lot of free time. Wasn’t there something else she should be doing? Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his big hand wrapped around the cup and recalled the way he’d touched me.
Envy rippled low in my belly. He’d probably ask for her number. Maybe they’d hook up later tonight. They’d have a hot one-night stand during which she wouldn’t be shy about what she liked or wanted, and she’d probably have a mind-blowing orgasm.
Probably? I snuck a peek at those muscular thighs again.
Make that definitely.
Joe Lupo struck me as a man who knew how to score.
TWO
