We made our rounds, small-talked our asses off, and drank to Brayden’s good health. After the fifth person asked Cason about the prospects he had just checked out at the University of Texas, it was time to say our goodbyes.
“Are you sure we have to tell them we’re leaving? You know Myla is going to try to guilt us into one more drink, and Jordan will have it in our hands before we have time to protest.” Cason was right, but he knew better.
All I had to do was give him a knowing stare and he was putty in my hands.
“Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I took his hand, leading him over to where Gavin Hayes was talking with Chase Harding and Will Crosby.
Be still my heart.
“Time for us to hit it,” I stated while waving goodbye.
“Duck out while Myla is in the bathroom,” Gavin warned with a wink.
“See you all later.”
Cason shook hands with his former teammates and my heart broke a little. Yes, he had come into his own and was an invaluable recruiter for the franchise, but I knew it wasn’t what he had really wanted. The subtle limp and nagging pain haunted him, even though he was far too stubborn to admit it to anyone, including me.
Chapter 4
Cason
“Ihave one more surprise for you, Mr. Bennett.” Stormi waggled her hips as we made our way into our apartment at last. It had been nice to see all the Otters and celebrate with Brayden, but all I’d wanted since my wife walked into the bar earlier was to show her how much I had missed her. It didn’t matter if we were apart for a day or a month—any time away from her was too long.
With work getting in the way so often, my craving for her gnawed at the pit of my stomach constantly. It was a small price to pay for careers we both loved. She had been adamant when we first got together that neither one of us would ever have to give up our ambitions for the other, and so far, it had been working.
“What’s that?” I questioned as I pulled her petite body into mine.
A playful smirk played at the corners of her Cupid’s bow.
“Come with me and you’ll see,” she sang out.
“I love your goofy ass.” I pinched at her cheek, feeling lace hiding under her dress.
There wasn’t a second to waste. Curiosity and lust took over as I scooped my wife into my arms and marched upstairs to the bedroom. Helping her out of her heels, I locked my eyes on her emerald greens.
“You’re my favorite person,” I declared for the hundredth time.
“And you’re mine.” Stormi pulled at the buttons of my dress shirt, stalling.
“Off with it,” I lightheartedly demanded, pointing at her dress.
She sighed. “How’d you know?”
“I know you better than you think.”
Shimmying out of her dress, Stormi revealed a new black lace and silk teddy that made my mouth water.
“Holy hell.” I twirled her so I could get a better look. “You’re too good to me.”
“You deserve it,” she teased before putting her hand on my cheek. “I like reminding you why, after all this time, you still find me attractive.”
“Baby, you don’t need to remind me. Wear a garbage bag for all I care. I’ll never forget how magnificent you are.”
Laying her on the bed, I let my fingertips glide over every inch, every curve. Taking her in, I breathed deeply. I wanted to take my time, but patience was not my strong suit when it came to Stormi. She was intoxicating in every way. The sound of her voice got me drunk. The taste of her skin soaked my brain. The sight of her sent me into a tailspin of love colliding with lust—even after all this time.
“Kiss me like you missed me,” she requested as her breath hitched from my gentle touch.