CHAPTER FOUR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B eautiful. There was no other way to describe how Martin’s clothing choices made her feel. She’d expected him to pick something comical. An outfit that would make her stick out in a crowd, and not in a good way. She’d once been forced to wear a pirate’s patch and bandana to a party when it wasn’t Halloween. All night people snickered. But she wore it proudly like a good loser and made the best of it.

Her retaliation for his next loss involved him wearing a bright red garter belt and matching pantyhose during a hockey game. This happened before he got a contract. She’d stood outside the locker room and overheard the catcalls as the guys watched him dress before the game. Martin rarely blushed, but he was redder than a fire truck when he walked out of there that night.

All their games and pranks aside, his selection tonight touched her. It wasn’t meant to shame or poke fun, but to uplift her spirits. He'd succeeded.

The merlot colored dress had long sleeves, a scoop neckline, and it flared mid-calf. He paired it with high heeled, knee-high black boots and the most elegant matching undergarments she’d ever touched. The garter belt and red stockings gave her a good laugh. She added a crimson lipstick to complete the look.

Martin was chewing a bite of pizza as she walked into the room. His dark jeans and dress shirt gave nothing away about their plans. He stopped and stared. She twirled around with a smile as he swallowed his food. She felt like a princess and judging by his expression she looked the part.

“The lady at the store suggested an A-line dress. You look… Wow. Sylvie Lamont, you are stunning.”

“You say that like you’re surprised. I suppose you look okay too.” He looked smoking hot, but she couldn’t tell him that. Before, she would have joked around about his good looks and how he could make a paper bag look good. But as she took in his casually striking appearance, all those jokes seemed wrong. She still wasn’t sure what had changed between them, but things felt different.

A sexual energy surrounded them that had never been there before. She felt flirty and feminine in her new clothes. More daring than she had when she woke up that morning. More confident too. She lifted the hem of her dress to reveal the top of the garter. “I like the choices you’ve made here too.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed. “It was meant to be funny, but I’m not laughing anymore. Want to show me more of that matching set?”

She laughed, but the naughty suggestion made her insides clench. “Depends how drunk you get me,” she said with a wink.

He didn’t make fun of her this time. In fact, he bolted from the living room and grabbed two pre-filled wine glasses from the counter. “Bottoms up.”

They clinked glasses, and she took a sip. Unable to meet his heated stare, she sat on the couch. “I thought you only ate healthy these days and weren’t drinking?”

“I’m not getting drunk, but I can enjoy a few indulgences.” His eyes lingered on her lips.

She leaned forward and his gaze dropped to her cleavage. Inadvertently, she took a big breath and her chest expanded. His pupils dilated, and she crossed her legs. “What are we doing… tonight?” There was a double meaning in her question, but as his lips parted to answer, a knock on the door interrupted him.

Whoever arrived had poor timing. She stood and followed Martin. He opened the door and standing there was none other than Joe Larson. The NHL’s notorious bad boy. Sylvie followed hockey and recognized him without an introduction. Though, they’d been introduced on previous hockey trips when the team traveled to Montreal. She knew Joe was the biggest player of the bunch. He was also one of Martin’s closest friends.

“Well, well, well. Who have we here?” Joe walked in, never taking his eyes off Sylvie’s body. He slapped Martin on the back. “Holding out on me, Bro, I thought we were tighter than that?”

“It’s nice to see you again, Joe.” She held out her hand for a shake.

Joe took her hand and kissed the back. The gesture was charming, and any other girl might have swooned, except for her. He didn’t release her hand. “I bet it is,” he said, staring at her breasts. His good looks were unfortunately marred by his arrogance.

“Your reputation precedes you Mr. Larson. I’ll take my hand back and go wash it. I don’t know where your lips have been this evening,” she snapped, pulling her hand free. She took a step back, adding some distance between them.

Martin laughed and Joe stole his wine glass. “Damn, sexy and sassy. Sylvie you’ve won my heart. Let’s ditch this guy and run away together.” He swallowed the contents of the glass and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me she was visiting.” He put emphasis on the word she.

Martin stepped next to her and draped his arm over her shoulder. “Fuck off Larson and keep your mitts to yourself. I told you I had company.” Martin had never been the possessive type, and she liked this new side of him. Liked it a lot.

“Touchy. That time of the month, Thomas?” Joe needled him, making everyone laughed.

The guys loved to bust each other’s balls. “I don’t remember inviting you out tonight.” Martin ran his fingers down her arm, leaving behind a trail of goosebumps.

“You tagged onto my plans, loser. Now I’m glad you did, so I can spend time with my east coast girl. The rest of the crew can wait while the lovely Miss Lamont tells me she’s finally come to her senses. What do you say? Come to my place for dessert first.” He shook his keys and dipped his shoulders suggestively.

Sylvie burst out laughing. Joe was a piece of work, but he meant well. “I had forgotten how over the top you are. Do those lines actually work?”

“You’d be surprised,” Martin mumbled.

“I don’t use lines, baby; I speak honestly. You’re not turning me down. Are you?”

“Enough. Don’t you have a date tonight?” Martin kept his arm around her shoulder as he guided them towards the couch. “Quit hitting on Sylvie. She’s not your girl or your anything. She’s mine… um, friend, and she only arrived today. Give her some room to breathe.”

Her breath hitched when he said mine. She was reading too much into his closeness and his words. The energy from earlier still vibrated between them. Seeing him naked had thrown her for a real loop. His tone was demanding and nothing like the jokester she knew him to be.

“How long are you here for?” Joe asked, sitting on one of the couches.

That was a good question. She still didn’t have the answer yet. “A while. Not too long… I wouldn’t want him to get sick of me.”

Martin smiled and hugged her closer until her breasts mashed against his side. “I’ll never get sick of you.”

She closed her eyes and hugged him back, trying not to melt into a puddle at his words. But how could she not? His flirting seemed so real. She was too out of practice to be around these charmers.

“Adorbs.” Joe patted the seat next to him. “Martin, get me a glass of whatever you were drinking. It tasted good. Sylvie, tell me what’s new since I last saw you. Other than what I already know. Like you’re single. Your tits are bigger and better than ever. It’s taking all my willpower not to motorboat the shit out of them.”

Martin stiffened. “What the fuck did I just tell you?”

“I am not hitting on her; I’m stating facts. It’s not like she doesn’t know her rack is spectacular. Fine I’ll stop, but only because that vein in your forehead might pop soon if you don’t relax, man. By the way, Sylvie that ex of yours was a piece of shit. Never liked him, so you dodged a bullet there.”

This time she stiffened. Joe’s statement didn’t surprise her. Renny didn’t get along with many people. He was all academic and looked down on those he considered having more brawn than brains. The first time they met, Renny called Joe an idiot for getting the Lieutenant governor’s name wrong. She was fairly certain no one at the pub knew the answer, other than him. “Um thanks. I’d rather hear about your date. Tell me where you met. Is it serious?”

Both men laughed. “Not serious. She’s Theo’s girlfriend’s roommate. That’s a mouthful. Becky or Beth. Shit, what’s her name, man?”

“You should ask Carly. If you don’t want issues with that little redhead you’d better keep your zipper up tonight. She’ll kill you if you hurt her friend.”

While she was single for the first time in her adult life, others had coupled up. “Right, Theo’s got a new woman. And Nico’s engaged. Are they coming out tonight? I’d like to meet these women,” Sylvie said, while disentangling herself from under his arm. All this talk about relationships reminded her of how much love sucked. Lust, on the other hand, was alive and well and taking over her internal temperature regulator. The room was too hot, she was near combusting. She picked up her wine off the table and downed it. That should’ve helped, but it didn’t. She could barely think straight with his scent, heat and body so close.

“We’re going to see Caroline’s band play later. That’s Ivarsson’s chick, in case Martin neglected to tell you. I doubt the young ones will be there since Carly’s got a paper due and Theo’s attached at her hip.”

Sylvie giggled. “I saw their engagement video and downloaded the band’s new single.” She left out the part where she balled uncontrollably the first three times she watched it. The couple on the stage looked so in love and happy, reminding her how lonely she’d become. How she might never be happy again. “I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

They finished the bottle of wine and the conversation flowed. They kept it neutral for the most part. As neutral as Joe would allow. That man had a one-track mind, but it didn’t bother her. It was like old times again, except for the side glances and occasional touches she got from Martin. Each one more heated than the last, sending her skin blazing as if she were lying in the hot summer sunshine.

The trio skipped their dinner plans, opting to eat the rest of the pizza and consume more wine. She didn’t mind one bit. She liked hearing about the crazy lives they lived. Martin wasn’t his usual talkative self, but then Joe hardly allowed a word in. Her cheeks hurt from smiling. She was having fun.

Could have been the wine, the clothes or the way Joe and Martin complimented her, but she didn’t cringe when they said it was time to go out. She didn’t hesitate to put on her coat and get in the cab. She looked forward to getting out and dancing. It had been ages. She hoped to do a little close dancing with a certain goalie. A little bumping and grinding wouldn’t hurt.

Martin placed his hand on her back as they entered the bar. The claiming gesture a boyfriend would do to show the men she was taken. But again, she had to be reading too much into it. She took a deep breath.

“I’ll grab us some drinks,” he said, stepping away.

She stared at his ass until the crowd swallowed him. She grabbed a seat next to Joe and plopped down. Her nerves were agitated and her hand shook. She blamed it on the first night out since the breakup jitters, but it might have been Martin. The alcohol warmed her and made her tongue loose. She had to bite it twice to stop herself from telling him how great he looked; how all she could do was picture him naked. She had a long night ahead.

“Here.”

Sylvie nearly jumped out of her seat when Martin handed her a drink. His green eyes stared back at her as she gulped the cosmopolitan. Mixing alcohol wasn’t a great idea, but she needed something to take the edge off. Something to stop her leg from bouncing under the table.

“Are you okay?” He took the seat across from her.

“Of course, she’s fine. She’s with me,” Joe said, moving his stool closer to hers.

She raised her empty glass. “I’m not with you; I’m sitting with you. See the distinction?”

“Semantics. It’s only a matter of time before we get together.” Joe winked.

“Who are you hooking up with?” A lithe, raven-haired beauty asked, stepping next to Joe.

He wrapped his arm around her trim waist. “You my dear. I’m sorry I bailed on dinner, but a friend arrived in town and it would have been rude to stand her up.”

The young woman shrugged her shoulders as if it didn’t matter; as if she was used to being stood up. “Oh. Makes sense. You’re here now. I’m Beth.” She extended her hand towards Sylvie. They completed their introductions and chatted for a while.

Beth was a gorgeous girl and too smart not to see Joe for the player he was. The way they flirted gave her the impression the two would have sex and nothing more would come from their relationship. Though Sylvie got the impression Beth wanted more than a one-night stand. She wondered why someone who could have any guy in the place would subject herself to less than she deserved. But then who was she to judge. Sylvie needed to get laid in the worst way and maybe it was the same for Beth.

A few more hockey players and their entourage joined them. She was introduced to many new faces. The conversation flowed and so did another round of drinks. Martin seemed quiet and never left the table. He sipped his water and smiled, but it seemed like he had something on his mind. She interacted with the surrounding people, aware that his eyes were on her. With each sip her attraction towards him grew stronger. She desperately needed a distraction.

“I’ve never seen you with these guys before, and I’d definitely remember you. I’m Bill.” A man in his late twenties with an easy smile stood next to her.

This was the distraction she needed. Besides, she was supposed to flirt tonight and now was her chance. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Care to dance?” She kept her eyes on Bill and downed the rest of her drink. The alcohol had worked its magic, and she felt great.

“Hell yeah.” He helped her off the stool and led her towards the dance floor.

The first few songs were fast, and she laughed as he showed off his sprinkler moves. Bill couldn’t dance to save his life, but he was funny and cute. Flirting wasn’t as difficult as she imagined it would be. The booze helped a lot. She gripped his hips, circled around him and shimmied against his backside. They danced to a few songs and sweat dripped down her back.

When the next song slowed, she was thankful, until Bill pulled her close. She felt his erection against her hip. No part of her wanted anything physical with him. “Any chance you want to get out of here?” He whispered in her ear.

“Um… You’re a nice guy, but—”

“Mind if I cut in?” Martin asked, offering his hand.

She accepted, her body seeking anything he offered. When their fingers joined a shiver raced up her arm. She’d touched him millions of times, but never had her body craved it. “Okay. See you around Bill.”

He pulled her against his hard body. She was unsteady on her feet. She blamed the booze, but it was his scent and heat. It felt good. She melted into him and hugged him closer. “I see you’ve got your flirt back,” he said, resting one hand low on her back.

“Are you having fun? You don’t seem like yourself tonight.” She rested her head against his chest as the hiccups began.

“It was a shit practice for me; nothing you need to worry about. You’re not considering leaving with that idiot, are you?”

“Oh, you heard. I’ve had too many drinks to leave with anyone but you.” Not that she would have left with that guy. There was only one man that made her heart race and she was in his arms. “I mean you’re the only man I’m sleeping with tonight.” She closed her eyes, realizing that came out wrong.

“Yeah, we should probably cut you off. Beth and Joe took off already. Do you want to kick it?”

That would be a smart decision. Once the hiccups started, it didn’t usually take long before she passed out. “Yes. Take me home to bed.” That sounded way dirtier than she intended and Martin’s smile nearly stopped her heart. He was so beautiful. And strong because he ended up half carrying her out of the bar when the heels on her boots gave her problems.

She cuddled up against him in the taxi, practically sitting on his lap. “Sorry I drank so much. Are you mad we had to leave early?”

He laughed and ran his fingers through her hair. “It’s not early; it’s past midnight, Sylvie. And no, I’m not mad. I’m glad you had fun, but… watching you dance was a little much.”

“Why?” She pulled away so she could look him in the eyes. Unfortunately, there were four of them. She focused on his lips instead, which was another mistake. His lips were so full and perfect. She wanted to know how they felt against hers. All night she’d been fighting those feelings and losing the battle.

“Sylvie, I think you know why.” He shifted on the seat, causing her hand to slide down his chest and rest near his crotch.

Another hiccup made her laugh. She did not understand what he was talking about. But she couldn’t take her eyes off his mouth or stop her hand from exploring. “You don’t like my dance moves?”

He stilled her hand before she made contact with a part of him that friends don’t touch. “I like your moves. Maybe too much and… Sylvie you’ve had too much to drink and I’m not taking advantage of this situation.”

“Take advantage,” she breathed as she leaned in closer to kiss him. The car lurched to a stop. She missed his lips by a mile. Kissing his hair wasn’t as rewarding. They ended up hugging instead.

“I should have buckled you in myself.” He held her close, but kept her head next to his; not the right angle for kissing. “It’s my job to take care of you.”

She giggled. “I bet you will.” She curled into him. Everything sounded dirty to a woman who hadn’t had sex in ages. “Be gentle because it’s been a while.”

He groaned but didn’t say another word. They sat in silence for the rest of the ride. She may have fallen sleep because he nudged her shoulder when they arrived. Again, he held her close for the walk to the condo. He helped her remove her boots as she leaned against the wall. Seeing him on his knees, holding her legs, filled her with desire.

“Time for bed,” he said, taking her hand.

She swallowed hard, remembering the sleeping arrangements. They would sleep together. The two of them in one bed, possibly and preferably naked. She stumbled to keep up.

Once they entered his bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed. The hiccups had eased, but her eyelids were so heavy. She watched him disappear into his closet. When he returned, he wore a pair of sweat pants that hung low on his hips, and he had one of his jerseys in his hand.

Her mouth watered at all those finely developed muscles. She mustered the courage to go for it. “Can you help me out of this dress?” She flipped her hair over one shoulder. The zipper was along the side and she could easily manage on her own, but where would be the fun in that.

“That’s not a good idea.” He looked down at his feet while he spoke. “You can sleep in this.”

“Fine, you can watch.” She stood, unzipped the dress and peeled it off her torso. “I don’t mind.” She removed her dress, letting it pool at her feet. Standing before him in nothing but the finest lingerie he’d bought her.

“Sylvie.” His long lashes fluttered as he gazed upon her.

Her alcohol-soaked brain told her this was a great idea. That sex solved all problems, and she needed to release the pressure. She unclasped her bra and let it fall to the floor. He didn’t say a word, but she noticed the rising bulge in his pants. “Do you want to—”

“Sleep. Lift your arms.” He stepped towards her and she did as he said.

She thought he might touch her and her breathing sped up. He didn’t. Not the way she wanted. He placed the jersey over her head and helped her dress. She was too drunk to say anything. She’d tried and failed to seduce him; there was nothing left to say.

“Lie down, and I’ll be right back.”

Mortified, she crawled under the blankets. He returned a moment later with a large glass of water and two pills. She took the pills and downed the water. They would help prevent the hangover that was bound to follow. As her head hit the pillow, she hoped she wouldn’t remember any of the night, but she wasn’t that drunk.

He turned off the lights and joined her under the covers. She turned over on her side so she wouldn’t have to face him. Martin wrapped his arms around her. She instantly felt better. He might not want to have sex with her, but they were still good. At least she hoped they were.