Attached to You (Carolina Rebels 4)

“That’s one hell of a smile to wake up with,” he grumbles.

I lean over and kiss him. “Thanks to you.”

He grins. “You seem normal again. If I’d known that was all you needed, I would’ve done it sooner.”

I laugh, but don’t say anything. We’ll see how I feel once the high of sex wears off. I almost feel brave enough to ask him if he actually sees some kind of future for us or not.

Almost.

“I watched your game last night.”

His smile stays in place. “You did?”

“You don’t believe me? I did! You scored. So did some other people.” At this,

he laughs. “Those twins are something else, too. That pass and that goal in the third?” I shake my head in amazement, which leads to Brayden laughing harder.

“I can’t believe you watched.”

“Why? You wanted me to come to do the same thing.”

“It just sounds like you got invested.”

“I did. Those twins did it for me.”

His smile leaves. “That is not a sentence I need to hear you say.”

This time it’s me laughing. “Just being honest with you. Is it me or are they really good? You’re the only one who knows hockey between the two of us.”

“They’re good. They’re also little assholes. They’ve started talking at the same time; freaks me out.” I laugh harder until Brayden kisses my neck. “I leave later today for a road trip.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“Come back late Saturday night. There’s a game Sunday, so might not see you until Monday, but I’ll try.”

“Okay.” This is perfect timing. He’ll be gone for a few days, I’ll get some much-needed space, and I’ll have my shit together by the time he gets back as requested. This feeling of optimism stays with me as he kisses me goodbye and I get ready for work. I can do this. I can almost hear Rose in my mind, telling me not to fuck this up.

Life has other plans for me.

Brayden comes into the shop around eleven with a container of food. “I cooked you lunch.”

“Really? Thanks.”

“I need payment.” He folds his arms on the counter and leans forward with a grin.

“Is that the only reason why you came?” I tease.

He nods seriously, causing me to laugh, but I lean over to give him the goodbye kiss he’s looking forward to. He takes more than I bargained for and I’m almost embarrassed that he’s kissing me like this in front of customers when he pulls away. “I’ll see you Sunday once I get back,” he promises.

A dreamy sigh escapes me as I watch him leave. A snort snaps me out of it. I glance around the store and see a woman whose eyes keep flicking back and forth between me and the elderly lady she’s with.

“Can I help you, ma’am?” I finally ask in my friendliest voice.

Her mouth parts, but she hesitates. “Are you dating Brayden?”

She knows Brayden? Maybe it’s because she follows the team. “Are you a fan?” I ask.

She snorts. “God, no. I’m an ex-girlfriend. I’m sorry for the snorts. I hope for your sake that he’s a lot better now than when I was with him.” Without another word, she turns toward the elderly lady and seems to help her pick fabric.