Forever Wild (Wildcat Hockey Book 5)

EVERLY

I’m lying on a floatie in the middle of the pool talking on my phone. Jack’s been gone for a little over an hour, but I keep glancing over at his workout area like I expect him to be there.

“Oh my gosh! I can’t believe it! I so, silently, called this.” Bridget squeals loud enough that I pull the phone away from my ear slightly.

Her response is exactly why I called her. She always knows when to be excited and when to be protective. Right now, I just want someone to live in the excitement with me. All the very real, very responsible reasons that this might be a bad idea are far from my mind. Which is exactly where I want to keep them.

“So, are you dating? Where’d you leave things?” she asks.

“We haven’t talked about it.”

“Oh my gosh!” she shrieks again. “What is Ty going to say?”

My stomach drops.

“I’m not going to tell him. There’s nothing to tell anyway. We kissed. Once.”

“Yeah, while he backed you up against his vehicle.”

The memory makes goosebumps dot my arms, even with the sun warming my skin.

Ash’s voice is in the distance. His sisters are visiting so I’m not worried about him listening in, but that does remind me.

“You can’t say anything either. Not even to Ash.”

“Ev! There’s no way I can keep this from him.” She’s whispering now but her voice is no less screechy. “He’ll know just by looking at my face.”

“Well stop whatever your face is doing before he notices.”

She laughs softly. “How was it?”

“Life-changing.”

I’m rewarded with another loud squeal.

I temper my excitement and remind her, and maybe myself, “It was just a kiss.”

Just a kiss that I plan to reenact with my clothes off.

I’m about to go inside and get changed out of my swimsuit when Jack calls.

“Hi,” I answer, feeling a little shy.

“Hey. I’m done at the arena. Can you pick me up?”

“I’m not sure. What will you do for me?”

A gruff laugh tickles my ear, and I fight a giddy smile.

“Is using my pool every day not enough of a bargaining chip?”

“Hmm.” I bring one finger to my chin, like he can see me. “I’m not sure. But you know what would definitely convince me?”

“What’s that?” His tone is laced with humor as he entertains me.

“A dick pic.”

A real, loud burst of laughter comes out of him. I can picture the wide smile on his face, the flash of teeth, and the twinkle in his dark eyes. Serious, stoic Jack makes my pulse race but happy and smiling Jack is my kryptonite.

“Just a small sneak peek.”

“There’s nothing small about it, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart. My insides get all mushy at the endearment.

“That’s what they all say.”

He grunts. I’ve never asked a guy for a picture of his dick before, but I like that he doesn’t sound very happy about the prospect. “I guess I’m walking then.”

“Oh, fine. I suppose we can work something out.” I stop taunting him. “Back parking lot?”

“Yeah. I have an extra key card in the Lamborghini. Check the console.”

I’m familiar with where the players park for practices and games. There’s a private lot around the back that can only be accessed with a key card.

“Okay. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Take your time. You don’t need to rush.”

I’m a teenager again with how I don’t want to hang up the phone, but I also need to get out the door.

“Okay. Maybe I’ll just lie in the pool a little longer then.”

His tone is all tempting tease when he says, “You are infuriating. You know that?”

“I do. Thank you.” The anticipation of seeing him finally moves me into action. “Okay. Hanging up now. See you in fifteen.”

After I end the call, I slip on a pair of jean shorts and my sandals. In the garage, I flip on the light and then sigh in appreciation.

I’m not big on cars. I like ones that are pretty and fast but specific brands and all that don’t mean a lot to me. Much to Tyler’s dismay. My brother is a huge fan of cars, especially old Mustangs that he restores.

However, the car I’m staring at is an exception. The black paint job glistens under the lights. Jack’s Lamborghini is sex on wheels. My heart rate ticks faster with each step closer. He doesn’t drive it as much as he used to, mostly I see him in the Mercedes. A new version of the same one he had before, right down to the paint color. Black. Always black.

For a man that likes expensive vehicles, his variety is lacking.

I open the driver’s door. It still smells and looks new, even on the inside. I don’t see the key card, so I sit behind the wheel. The leather hugs my body and I can’t resist running my hands over the wheel.

I find the card with the car key in the center console just like he said. God, if Jack could see me now. I take out my phone to snap a selfie to send him. But before I hit send, I get another idea.

A much better idea.