Page 120 of Instigator

“It’s never been like this before,” I admit. He knows what my ex did in broad strokes, having joined the team right after everything blew up in my face. He knows I didn’t have much desire for dating, and even less for casual relationships. “This could be the real thing.”

“So when do I get to meet her?”

“When are you in Boston next?”

He hums. “Dunno. I don’t think we’re going back to you until playoffs.”

I snort out a laugh. “You think you’re making it to the playoffs?”

Buffalo hasn’t made the playoffs in… well, I don’t think I can count that high without laughing.

“Fuck off.”

We fall into another comfortable silence.

“Want to play some Madden?” he finally says.

A smile spreads across my face. “Fuck yeah. Let’s do this.”

“Okay, switching over to my console. Give me ten minutes.”

We hang up the call, and I take the opportunity to piss, fix a snack, and check my phone—no texts from Ceci—before I turn on the gaming console and navigate to the game.

Within a few minutes, I get a request from Bax, and we connect again.

“Ready to get your ass whooped?” he says.

I laugh, a hearty chuckle. I’ve forgotten how much he likes to trash talk. A lightness fills my chest. Gaming with Ceci is fun, and it’ll always be my preference, but it’s reassuring to know I have friends outside of her. A life outside of her.

I take a sip of my sparkling water, relaxing into my recliner. “Bring it.”

forty-five

. . .

Ceci

The Boston Grizzlies Charitable Foundation gala is Hailey’s pet project. In years past, she was on the event committee; now she’s the chair and in charge of everything.

I want tonight to go well for her. I want tonight to go well for us.

Before the event, I had my glam girl squad come get us ready in Aidan’s living room. I’ve been primped and curled and painted and waxed from head to toe, and I’m ready to mingle and schmooze for four hours.

Aidan is going to hate tonight, but this is where I’m in my element. I’m an extrovert by nature, so I love parties and networking. Connecting with my friends and colleagues brings me joy. I love when we all succeed.

And we’re raising money for a good cause. Win, win, win.

My dress for the evening is a shimmery gold floor-length gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a structured bodice that draws attention to my waistline. It’s extravagant and sultry, and I feel sexy as fuck in it. And it has pockets!

I’m sitting down to fasten the buckle on my stilettos when Aidan’s bedroom door cracks open. I look up, and my mouth goes dry.

I thought my man looked hot in a suit. In a tuxedo? Holy fucking hell, does he look handsome. It’s a good thing I’m already seated, because my knees just went weak.

Aidan smooths a hand over his torso, his fingers lingering where the buttons on his jacket start at the top of his abs. I’ve noticed he likes to trail his fingertips over his abs. It’s probably a self-soothing technique. He might not even realize he does it.

His red hair is styled away from his face, and his short beard is trimmed to a little longer than scruff. I drink in the sight of his broad shoulders and trim waist, those thick thighs…

He clears his throat. “Are you done objectifying me?”