Page 41 of Don't Fall for the Goalie
Lovely. Here we freaking go again.
One minute, he looks at me like I’m the center of his universe.
The next, he acts like letting me close is the worst mistake he’ll ever make.
11
DALTYN
“YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE BEAUTIFUL BABIES SOMEDAY.”
Gram’s comment rolls through my head like a recurring nightmare.
I white-knuckle the steering wheel as I drive. Peyton sits in the passenger seat, foot propped on the dashboard. I can tell she’s in pain.
Shit.I need to get her Tylenol or ibuprofen since I don’t even have that.
Plus, I still need groceries. Because apparently keeping another human being alive requires more than bottled water and wishful thinking.
Maybe I’ll just get her some pain meds, then take her home. She can rest while I go to the store.
I glance at her profile. She looks pale. I have no idea whether it’s from the pain in her ankle or Gram’s comment freaking her out.
Guilt eats me alive. I know I’m not acting right. I know I’m frustrating Peyton.
My jaw clenches.
First, we had that flirtation last night that involved lace panties, vibrators, and her wearing my sweatshirt.
Then I found her stolen panties in my pocket and jerked off to them. They’re still shoved inside my nightstand, my cum staining the fabric.
I’ll have to have Thelma wash them.
My thoughts go right back to that horrific nightmare. I’ve been plagued with them for years, but over time, they’ve lessened.
Last night brought it all back.
It felt so damn real. For a moment, I no longer felt safe.
I felt like I was back there. In my childhood home.
I shake my head slightly, pulling myself away before I fully slide into the darkness.
“I’m going to get you some medication. Do you have a preference?”
“None. But since my ankle’s swollen, ibuprofen is good. You can just get me something generic.”
I pull into a space, then put the vehicle in park and glare at her.
“I’m getting you what will work best. Sit tight. I’ll be right back.”
I hurry away, needing air. Her vanilla-and-coconut scent is driving me crazy, making me want to do things I shouldn’t.
Stop it. She’s vulnerable.
The last thing she needs is you. A broken man with a traumatic past.
I grit my teeth and head into the store to get what I need. As much as I need space from her, I hate leaving her alone in my truck.
