Page 44 of The Chase

“What?”

I shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t like the job itself, but I love working for the team.”

He sipped his old-fashioned in silence at my admittance.

What was there to say? Being in sales wasn’t a glamorous job, and I wasn’t that good at it. I didn’t want to tell him how much I truly hated it. Lots of people didn’t like their job, but sometimes the job actually pained me. I couldn’t tell him that I only stayed because I loved that I got to work for the Bulldogs. Who knew if that would get back to my boss. He didn’t need to know how I really felt about my job.

“Sorry if I pushed you about it. I wonder what I’ll do after hockey,” he admitted.

“You’re only twenty-five. You still have a long career ahead of you,” I argued.

He shrugged. “One severe injury, and it could go to shit.”

I squeezed his hand. “Hey, don’t think about that. You’re still in your prime.”

He nodded and swallowed more of his drink. We flirted and talked a bit more, and when I finished my too-sweet drink; he gave me that lopsided smirk again. “Want to get out of here?”

“Yes, please! Let’s go to my place.”

TJ paid our tab and called up a car again. Nerves shot through me all the way to South Philly. He twirled his fingers into my hair and kissed my neck to help me relax, but I had to keep wiping my sweaty palms on my skirt. He distracted me by pulling my face towards his and capturing my lips in a comforting kiss.

I got so lost in his kiss, I didn’t even remember getting out of the car. It was a blur of lips and hands as we made our way to the door. His hands were on my hips and his lips on my neck while I struggled to unlock the front door.

Once inside, I went to kick off the boots when he took off his shoes. “No, leave them.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because they’re sexy, and I want to fuck you in them.”

My heart went all the way to my stomach, and I was sure my face was crimson. TJ ran a hand down my cheek. “Too much?” he asked.

I shook my head, but stammered, “N-no…”

He cupped my face. “Hey, if you’re uncomfortable, we don’t have to do anything tonight.”

I shook my head. “No, it’s not that. It’s just…”

“What?”

I groaned. “Sex makes me uncomfortable.”

TJ frowned. “Max, do you not like sex?”

“No! That’s not what I’m saying. It’s…” I ran a hand through my hair. “It’s hard to explain. I grew up super religious, so I’m kind of repressed. I always feel ashamed afterward.”

His face fell. “Oh, Max, I’m sorry. Did you feel that way after we had sex?”

I looked down at the boots on my feet. “Yes.”

He tilted my chin up so I’d look him in the eye. “Aw, baby, I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. I thought it was a one-night stand, but now…”

When he stared back at me, his hazel eyes burned into my very soul. “Tell me.”

“I didn’t feel bad after you went down on me. It felt amazing.”

“You want me to help you feel good again?”