Page 79

CHAPTER 26: Cash Maddox

98-1127-418-722-728

Holy fuck.

I don’t even know what to think after that.

I pull out of her and collapse onto my back beside her, and I roll a little so I can throw an arm over her stomach. I need to get up and get rid of this condom strangling my cock, but I don’t want to move right now. Instead, I check in on her.

“Are you okay?” I whisper.

“Mm-hm,” she murmurs sleepily.

No feelings is out the window as the simple act of sex sealed something new between us. I’m definitely having feelings for the girl I vowed I wouldn’t fall for…and it’s been literally a month since we met.

It’s not love. Not yet. It can’t be. We hardly know each other.

But whatever it is feels instant and strong, and in some ways, I know her better than any other woman I’ve ever dated. It feels like I’m letting her in on parts of me that I’ve never shown another woman.

Have I had a girlfriend? Sure. Here and there, nothing serious.

Have I ever brought a woman to the locker room and given her a private skating lesson after the rink closed? Not really. I’ve brought women skating, sure, but usually with other people around.

Consider the Zamboni officially added to the list of places I want to fuck Ivy.

She makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. She makes me want things I’ve never wanted before. What will another month bring us? An entire year?

Who knows?

But I guess we’re both in this for the next year, so we may as well grab on and enjoy the ride…wherever it takes us. Like back to the rink after hours for that Zamboni ride.

I force myself up so I can dispose of the condom, and when I’m done, I pick her up out of bed and carry her to the bathroom.

I set her on her feet, and she grabs onto my biceps for a beat, as if she can’t remain upright without steadying herself.

“You should use the restroom,” I suggest. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thanks,” she murmurs, and I give her some privacy as I return to the bedroom. I pick up our clothes and set hers neatly on the bed along with one of my T-shirts in case she’d like to sleep in it. I pull my boxer briefs back on, blow out the candles, and turn on the lamp on my nightstand. I run downstairs to grab some water for us both.

When I return, she’s just emerging from the bathroom.

“Drink some,” I say, handing her one of the glasses.

“Thanks,” she says, and she chugs it.

I take a few sips of mine as well and set it down on my nightstand, and then I climb into bed.

She picks up my shirt and holds it against her nose, breathing it in. “Can I sleep in this?” she asks.

I nod. “That’s why I set it out for you.”

“That was sweet.” She pulls it on and climbs into bed, and she snuggles onto my chest. I gently play with her hair, almost petting her as she draws a little circle on my chest over my tattoo. “You never told me about your tattoo.”

“The 98 is both my number and my birthday. The 1127 is my mom’s birthday. The 418 is my dad’s birthday. I left space to add to it. My wife. Maybe kids someday.”

“Seven twenty-two.”

“Hm?” I ask.