Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21075 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21075 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
“What a waste of time.” Carlie sighs and leans against my side. “I was terrified when I found out about the baby, but I was also so happy to have a little piece of you.”
“Don’t worry, Tigress. I plan to give you several more pieces of me in the future. In fact, I plan to keep you barefoot and pregnant for the foreseeable future.”
“Now, wait a minute, Mr. Neanderthal.” She sits up straight and gives me a glare, but the smile teasing the edge of her luscious lips gives away her real thoughts. “Do I have any say in your plans?”
“You have all the say in the world.” I pull her curvy body back against me and lean over to place a kiss on the tip of her nose. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. And I’ll even put a little effort into making sure you agree with my plan for lots and lots of kids.”
“Why don’t we wait until this baby comes, and then we can decide how many kids we can handle.”
“That sounds like a great plan to me.” A thought suddenly occurs to me. We haven’t discussed her job. “Would you consider quitting your job? I have plenty of money and there’s no need for you to work.”
“I need to think about it.” She stands up and turns to stare down at me. “I worked my rear end off to earn my degree, and I’m not sure I want to give up my career before it even gets started.”
“Take all the time you need, Tigress. I’ll support whatever decision you make.” It won’t be easy for us to both have stressful, time-consuming jobs, but I refuse to force Carlie to do something she might regret later. If my woman wants to continue working at the hospital, we’ll find a way to make it work.
This has been the goddamn day from hell. I ended up working late to deal with more player drama and finally make it home much later than usual. I rush through a shower and eat a quick dinner, then I quickly load the dishwasher. I finish up with about ten minutes to spare before I have to leave for the hospital.
I’m about to walk out the door when my phone rings. I see Dillon’s name flash across the screen and dread answering.
“I don’t care if the town is burning down. I’m busy.”
“I’m betting you aren’t too busy for this.”
“You’d lose that goddamn bet.”
“Jensen is drunk off his ass at the Park Avenue Bar, making an ass out of himself.” Fucking hell. I’m tempted to say to hell with it and let him go, but I can’t bring myself to leave my friend hanging out to dry.
“What the fuck is going on? Is it a goddamn full moon or something?” My best winger had an off day today and I knew something was going on, but I had no idea it was this serious. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen him take a drink before.
“I have no idea, but you need to get down there before he pisses someone off or some puck bunny takes it upon herself to help cheer him up.”
“Can you pick Carlie up from the hospital at eleven-thirty and drop her off at my house?” I know it’s asking a lot, but I don’t have a choice.
“When did I become the Silver Spoon Falls taxi service?” Dillon grumbles.
“Around the time I became the hockey team therapist.” It’s all part of the job.
“Touché,” he grits out. “But you owe me big time.”
Before I leave, I send my girl a quick text.
Me
One of my players is drunk and needs me to come rescue him. Dillon is going to bring you home from work. I won’t be long.
Tigress
He doesn’t have to do that. I can get a ride home with a coworker.
Me
Hell no. Dillon will drive you.
Tigress
It really isn’t a problem.
Me
Stop fucking arguing with me or I’ll have to spank your ass red when I get home.
Tigress
You keep promising to do that, but you never actually do it.
I don’t know how to respond. The thought of smacking her perfect curvy ass until it turns light red turns me the fuck on, but I can’t imagine raising a hand to my pregnant woman.
Me
We’ll discuss this later. Love you.
I send the text before I realize what I’ve typed out. Fuck. I fell hard for her the first night, but I’ve kept the words sealed tight behind my lips, waiting for the right moment to tell her. I guess my subconscious mind decided the time was right.
I die a thousand deaths watching the three little dots blink across the screen while she types out her reply.
Tigress
I love you, too. Hurry up and deal with your player so I can show you how much.
I almost fist bump the air when I read the words. Happiness flows through my soul and nearly brings me to my knees.