Page 77 of Slap Shot Surprise
“You sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine, I just...” She glanced right and left, then spoke low. “You said out loud that I was the mother of your son.”
“Yeah, I guess I did.”
“It might get out. A lot of people heard it, and some of them know who you are.” She glanced down. “I mean, I’m wearing your name.”
I realized something. “I don’t care who heard it.”
“You don’t?”
“No.”
Her lips tipped up, color returning to her cheeks. “Okay.”
“I want everyone to know if they don’t treat you with respect, they will fucking answer to me.”
“Thanks,” she said shyly.
“I told Tessier earlier tonight anyway. I’ll tell the rest of the guys tomorrow.”
“Okay.” There was no denying she looked happy about it.
“You ready to get out of here?”
She nodded.
“Me too. Let’s go.” Placing my hand on the small of herback, I guided her toward the back room so I could settle my tab, get our coats, and say goodbye to the guys.
That’s right, asshole, I thought as we passed the jerk-off who hit on her.The only person allowed to touch her this way is me.
But of course, that wasn’t true.
Someone could come along at any time and touch her any way she invited him to. In fact,Iwas the one she didn’t want touching her.
I was broody and silent in the car on the drive home, and Mabel was preoccupied trying to get rid of her hiccups. When we got inside my apartment, I hung up our coats in the hall closet and turned to find her standing there, looking nervous.
“Are you okay?” she asked. “I’m sorry if that guy ruined your night.”
“Do not apologize for that asshole,” I said, scowling. “He’s lucky he walked out of there with two good legs. And I’m fine. I just got a little too worked up.”
“Need a hug?” she offered, opening her arms.
I laughed a little, the hard edges of my mood softening. “Sure.”
She rose up on tiptoe and wrapped her arms around my neck, and I embraced her with caution, careful not to let my hands stray out of bounds or my lower body make contact with hers.
After a few seconds, she released me and stepped back. “Thanks for bringing me to the game. I really loved it.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you were there.” I stuck my hands in my back pockets so I wouldn’t be tempted to touch her again. “Get some sleep.”
“I will. Good night.” She went into the bathroom and shut the door.
I stood there in the hallway for a moment before heading into my bedroom, where I dropped onto the edge of my bed in the dark.
After a few minutes, I heard her cross the hall and go into the guest room, the door shutting with a decisive thunk.
I exhaled.
