Page 82 of Rebound

“Trying not to put any pressure on this kid before they’re born,” I say instead and he laughs.

“Unlike our families, you mean?” We share a chuckle and he continues. “What happened to…what’s his face?”

“Kicked him out. It was time to move on.”

“I gotta say, the new guy is a big upgrade. Heard about what he’s doing with his foundation and coaching a new team and shit. He seems pretty cool.”

This time my smile is wide and genuine. Patrick is very cool. We haven’t talked at length about what he’s doing with his foundation, but I know enough. Still smiling, I peer across the table and Patrick’s frown deepens.

I nod at Paulie and say, “He’s amazing. We knew each other years ago. Reconnected over the last few months and now here we are.” I put my hand over my stomach. It’s weird to feel proud of getting knocked up, but it did bring us back together and for that, I will never complain.

Paulie says something, but I’m too busy watching Patrick push away from the table and head into the house. I frown at the stiffness in his shoulders and wait until he vanishes through the back doors.

“I’m so sorry. But I have to go…check on something.”

He chuckles. “Didn’t mean to make the big burly hockey player mad.”

I poke his shoulder. “Still being a pain in the ass, I see.”

I grab my clutch and hurry inside as fast as I can in my heels. At this stage, I don’t even think about people noticing us vanishing. I’m so focused on finding Patrick. A server points me in the direction where he went. I turn the handle to the bathroom and it sticks, so I do it again.

“Occupied!”

“Open the door,” I say and twist the handle again. This time the door swings open and I’m tugged inside. He’s frowning and dragging his hands through his untied hair. The bathroom looks untouched and I scan him from head to toe, then reach for his shirt. “Are you okay?”

“I get the whole jealousy thing now.”

I roll my eyes. “Paulie’s a kid and not even close to my type. Besides, I wasn’t flirting with him.”

“No, but he was. And according to Daniel, the kid’s been in love with you since he was an actual kid.”

“Cute.”

“I get it. I was in love with you when I was a kid.”

He steps around me to wash his hands and I lean against the door taking in the strong lines of his body. Of late, I find myself sometimes simply staring at Patrick, admiring the size and shape of him. He’s so much taller than me even when I’m wearing heels, but it’s the rest of him that really captures the eye.

“Done eye fucking me, baby?”

“Never,” I whisper and he crowds me against the door, hands skimming down my sides. “You should probably check if I’m wearing anything under this.”

He grins. “I know you’re not.”

He fists my dress and tugs it up, cool air brushing against my thighs. Our eyes never break contact and when the silky material is gathered around my waist, Patrick groans. Of course I’m not wearing underwear. It would have been impossible to hide in this dress. His head starts to dip, but I grab his jaw and hold him so I can stare into his eyes.

“Keep your eyes on me, Trick.”

“I was trying to do that, sweetheart.” I pull him closer and he inhales deeply, one arm coming to rest beside my head. “What do you want, Lotus?”

“Make me come, Daddy.”

His jaw flexes and one hand slides under the dress, rubbing over my stomach, then under the section hanging over where the waistband of my underwear should be. I bite my lip and his hand moves down until he’s cupping my pussy. I rock against his palm and his mouth curves into a filthy smile. Spreading my legs a little, I push myself onto my toes, my heels glad for the relief. One finger slides through my seam, the sound of my wetness echoing in the room. He strokes me faster and I quiver, hips rocking against his hand for more.

“Trick, please.”

“Please what, Lo?”

“I want to come.”