Page 21 of Penalty Shot

“Thank you. It’s just that, well, this changes things for me.”

“I get that. It’s a big deal.”

“The reason I keep things casual, as you know, is because I’m not really built for a serious relationship.”

“We think the same way. You don’t have to explain yourself to me. We have fun. It’s been great, hasn’t it?”

“Amazing. It’s been amazing, Randall. You’re great.”

Ignoring the knot clogging my throat, I ask, “Why does that sound like a bad thing right now?”

“I should be clearer. I’m sorry.” She worries her bottom lip before continuing. “Here’s the thing—this is our last date. Tonight is, er, tonight is our last date.”

“I’m sorry, what?” I’m distracted by the sheen on her mouth. I shake my head to refocus. “Did you say tonight is our last date?” It’s such a ridiculous thought, saying it out loud doesn’t make sense.

“If that’s what you want. Maybe there’s someone else you’d rather leave with. Obviously, I’d understand.”

Wait a minute. I didn’t lose focus forthatlong. What the fuck?

“Are you kidding me? There’s no one else I want to leave with.” I scowl because the words taste foul in my mouth. “Seems I’m missing about ten steps, so you’re gonna need to back up. Unless…unless there’s someoneyou’drather leave with.”

The foul taste in my mouth turns out to be bile. Thinking of Elise leaving with someone else tonight makes me sick.

“No! No, of course not.”

We’re staring at each other, breathing hard but not for fun reasons. Shit, this is not at all what I expected. If I’m hearing her correctly, this is the opposite of what I expected.

“I don’t date or get involved with anyone when I’m in production. That’s been the case in the past, but this, this opportunity to direct my own play, it’s ten times more important to me. Please tell me you understand.”

No, I don’t, but I let the words sink in. We’re not even really together or involved in an official way. It’s not like I’m asking for more than she’s been willing to give. Everything has been perfect. She’s perfect: a woman who loves sex and hates commitment.

“You won’t have time to get together as often. You wanna focus on work. I get that. I freaking respect that. What I don’t understand is why you’re talking like we’re never seeing each other again.”

“After tonight, we shouldn’t be seeing each other again.”

“At all?”

To avoid eye contact, she looks over my shoulder and mutters, “At all.”

I pause to process details.

After tonight, we shouldn’t be seeing each other again.

“We shouldn’t” is more complicated than “we won’t.” She doesn’t sound persuaded by her own argument. If there’s one thing you learn from being raised by a lawyer, conviction is the foundation for intention. Elise is barely convincing herself.

We have tonight. A few hours are all I’ll need to fix the misunderstanding and get us back on track.

“You said this is our last date. It isn’t finished yet.”

“No, it isn’t.” Her gaze locks on mine. “If that’s what you want.”

“What I want,” I say slowly, pulling her close and whispering in her ear, “is to have you under me with your legs open and my name on your lips.”

Her breath hitches and her body melts.

I tilt her chin up so she can’t miss my intention. “Say it,” I order gruffly.

Her smile is a mix of affection and anticipation. Brushing her braless top over my chest, Elise offers up what I want. “Yes, sir.”