Page 86 of Risky Play

I pulled her into my chest. “You’re not any of those things your asshole ex said to you. He was trying to get a reaction out of you. You’re smart, kind, and beautiful inside and out. I don’t want anyone to ever dim your sparkle.”

“Matt…” she whispered.

I pressed a kiss to her temple. “Go to sleep, sweet pea. I’m here. I got you.”

“You didn’t have to come over. I know you must be so tired.”

I was. After a game and travel, I was beat to shit. Then I saw the tears in my girlfriend’s eyes. I’d never forgive myself if I hadn’t made sure she was okay.

I squeezed her against me. “S’okay. I wanted to see you and make sure you were okay.”

“I wanted cuddles,” she said with a sheepish grin.

“Well, now you’ve got them. It’s late. Let’s get to bed. We’ll talk more in the morning, okay?”

She snuggled down into my chest, and we fell asleep together.

If I ever faced off against Jaime Chester again, I was dropping the gloves and punching his face in. Nobody made my girl cry. Nobody.

Chapter Twenty-Three

MADDIE

“Are you sure this isn’t too much on your plate?” Dinah asked me.

I shook my head as I sat in the comfy chair in the corner of her office with my laptop.

The nice thing about being her PA was that we could meet face-to-face. I had already met with Fi earlier this week to talk about her logistical needs for the signing. To be fair, it was a lot, but I didn’t want to let either of them down.

She eyed me. “Maddie, I didn’t know you were taking more courses than usual. If you need to work fewer hours or you can’t do a beta read for me, say no.”

I gave her a smile. “I can handle it.”

“I know you can, but I don’t want to pressure you into taking too much.”

I waved her off. “Be quiet so I can read this and you can get more words down.”

She rolled her eyes, but she knew she needed someone to boss her around to finish writing. That was the real reason I came over after my classes today. She was behind on deadline and needed an extra push.

The other reason was that the team was supposed to come home from the road today, and I selfishly wanted to see Matt. Even if we had to pretend we were just friends.

It had been a couple of weeks since my brother went after my ex on the ice. It pissed me off he was being the annoying protective brother. Matt and I had been arguing again about if we should tell him we were together. It wasn’t time yet. Noah wouldn’t be prepared if we dropped that bomb on him.

I went back to reading the secret project Dinah was working on. After Fi dared her to try to self-publish this more adult novel, Dinah went to work on it. She finished it, and now I was the first person to have eyes on it. It was so different from her young adult stuff, but I loved it. It wasn’t as spicy as the kinky stuff I read, but compared to her other work, it was on fire.

My phone vibrated next to me, and a smile spread across my face when I saw a text from Matt.

MATT: Hey, sweet pea. We’re getting in the car now. Can I see you later?

ME: I’m working at the house today. So sorta?

MATT: Okay.

ME: Let’s grab dinner later!

“Is that the boyfriend?” Dinah asked.

“Maybe…” I said coyly and set my phone down.