Page 37 of Unmasking Love (D.C. Renegades #1)

Harper

A French Canadian Teamsgiving

Stop squirming .

I’m wet and I can’t tell if it’s from the sex we already had or fresh arousal that has sprung up each time I think about Aiden’s intensity in the bathroom.

The way he wanted me was animalistic. Never has a guy wanted spontaneous bathroom sex and never did I think I’d be the girl that was into it anyways.

Maybe it’s because it was in Felix’s beautiful powder room and not some dirty club bathroom.

Because, yeah, the second my ass hit that quartz countertop, I was ready.

To be honest I was keyed up ever since I left his place this morning. Wes coached me today when I called and shared all my doubts.

“Aiden is different and that’s a good thing.” Wes said. And “it’s supposed to feel overwhelming, but like in a good way.”

Later as I drove to Felix’s, what I kept coming back to was how quickly I surrendered to him, full trust, and I knew in my gut it would be fine.

Better than fine, because this month has been filled with the spiciest experiences of my life.

And I let myself be wholly consumed when I’m with Aiden because I am safe with him.

The foundation of trust in Aiden is being strengthened tonight by the way his arm is slung on the back of my chair. Slight brushes of fingertips along my shoulder and neck remind me he is there and it signals to my brain I could fall back on him.

I ’ve been in rooms of powerful men before. Maybe not as physically powerful as a group of professional athletes but still, I’ve learned to stand my own in business. With Aiden I feel like I’m standing tall but that I’m not alone.

“So Harper,” Bryson starts and pulls me from my introspection. “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen in someone’s house?”

The boys around the table laugh and Emmett says, “I don’t know if I want it to be the freaky-deaky painting or something else.”

“That’s the most surprising thing I’ve ever come across at a listing,” I tell them as I wipe my mouth before continuing. “Are you thinking weirdest, like strange or sexual?”

“Strange,” Bryson says.

At the same time Duncan says, “Sexual.”

“Ha, okay, I’ll give you both. Sexual, there was a house where they had sex toys on the mantle.”

“What?” Duncan says with a laugh. “Like over the fireplace, where you put birthday cards?”

“Who is sending you birthday cards?” Bryson teases.

“Fuck off man, my family sends greeting cards for all sorts of shit. Birthdays, anniversaries, National Talk Like a Pirate Day.”

“Wait, is that a real holiday?” Crosby asks. Honestly, I could sit back and just let their conversation flow. I don’t know much about hockey but by the way these guys interact you can tell they get along well and I can imagine that translates to their play on the ice.

“Yeah man! Double F, let’s celebrate it when it comes around next.”

“Aye.” Felix growls and I giggle. It’s such a dad joke and so on brand for him.

“You guys get distracted too easily,” Emmett says as he points his fork around at his teammates, “Harper,” he turns to me. “What’s the weirdest non-sexual thing you’ve seen.”

“ Well, the thing that creeped me out the most was the reptile house.” I shudder remembering walking into a dark basement lit by heat lamps.

“Like at the zoo?” Aiden asks.

“Kind of, I walked into the basement ahead of my first showing of this house and it was dark, which, fine, but when I turned on the lights only red lights came on.”

“Oh shit, I got the shivers,” Crosby says and he rubs his arms.

“It was really weird, so then I moved slowly down the stairs and thought maybe it was a photography dark room or something but when I turned the corner,” I pause for effect. “Bam!” The boys jump around the table as I jilt forward and bang my fist on the table. “Snakes.”

“Fuck!” Bryson curses into his napkin. “I don’t want you to stop telling this story but I freaking hate snakes.”

“Me too,” I tell them. “And so in this man’s basement were eighteen snake tanks stacked up along the walls. In the middle of the room was a cage full of mice he would feed them.”

Felix gags and stands from the head of the table, “Okay, that’s enough story time from you Harper. Who wants dessert?”

The boys all stand and help to clear off the table.

Every time I pick up a dish to bring it to the kitchen one of them intercepts it from me. Eventually Aiden tells me to sit down and places a kiss on my cheek. I swirl the red wine in my glass and watch the six of them start doing the dishes and put leftovers in tupperware.

The doorbell rings and Emmett turns to me from the sink, “Harper, could you get that?”

“Uh, sure.” I wonder who else could be coming over.

I pull open the door to find a grandmother holding a sleeve of red party cups.

“You must be Harper. Hello dear, let me in, I’m freezing my tits off out here.

” I huff out a laugh as I step to the side and let this firecracker of a woman into the house.

“I tried to dress sexy and not wear a coat, but that was a mistake. I guess I just haven’t accepted that I’m 86 years old, not 26 like you. ”

“I’m 28.” Like she cares.

“Close enough dear.”

“Granny!” Emmett grins as he opens his arms and wraps her into a hug. “How was your date?”

“I’m here early aren’t I?” Granny turns to me, “Dating doesn’t get any easier.”

“Easy now” Emmett says. “Harper is very happy with Aiden, let’s not spew your views on romantic relationships to new people.”

“Why, I might be running out of time to share them.”

“My favorite joke of yours.” Emmett says affectionately and he takes the cups and her shoulder bag from her. “What do you have in mind tonight?”

“Does Felix have his Christmas tree up yet?” She asks and I just watch the two of them have this conversation.

“No, for a French Canadian he’s very protective of American Thanksgiving.”

“Okay, then we’ll do something with the fireplace, I can make it look festive.”

I follow them into the kitchen where Granny makes the rounds greeting the guys. I don’t hear what she says to Aiden but he blushes a little and then looks up to me. He smiles and nods to Granny before walking over to me.

“Granny is going to set up a trick shot with the guys, do you want to stay or go?”

“A trick shot?”

“She is a retired physicist who is now famous on social media for elaborate chain reactions to get a ball in a cup.”

“Oh yeah, I remember you telling me about her. Well, this I want to see!” I smile and he takes my hand and leads me to the sofa.

We settle into the corner , he pulls me between his legs, and for the next two hours we are fully entertained by the way Granny can get these boys in line.

Coach Bradford could probably learn a thing or two from her.

I am suddenly jolted awake when the boys start screaming. Shit . I fell asleep? How could Aiden let that happen? I probably looked so weird. I sit up and use my thumb to check that I don’t have drool hanging out of my mouth and a quick glance of Aiden’s shirt doesn’t show any wet spots.

I look up at his face as he caresses my arm to soothe me and leans towards my ear.

“Sorry they woke you, they got it in the cup by way of the ceiling fan, fireplace mantle, toy car, and pulley system. I’m honestly impressed.”

I sigh and lean against his shoulder again. The boys have quieted down only to erupt in cheers while they rewatch the video.

“C’mon, I’ll take you home.”

We say our goodbyes and Aiden helps me into my coat.

“Can you take me to my place?” I ask. “You can stay over if you want to, but I’ve got some early showings tomorrow and I need to do some prep work.”

“Showings on the day after Thanksgiving?”

“You’ve got practice,” I counter.

“I wasn’t doubting you, I was just surprised.” Aiden says as he pulls out of Felix’s driveway. “And I’ll stay over.”

His voice drops when he says it and my mind flashes again to our tryst in the bathroom earlier. I wonder what type of behavior the guys are used to that they had a rock paper scissors tourney to determine who would come and get us.

Will this get back to the other girlfriends? The wives? Are they going to judge me?

At least this time I’d be ostracized because of my own behavior. Not my mother’s.

Aid en stops at his place to pack a bag so he can go straight to practice tomorrow morning. We get to my place and he slows down by the door to the first floor apartment before following me up.

“You can work all night if you need to,” he says as we step into my apartment and he closes the door behind him. “But I have one rule.”

“Oh yeah, what’s that?” I hand him my coat to hang on the hook.

“You have to do it naked.”

“No! Aiden, I can’t be texting clients naked.”

“Well then you can’t work.” He shrugs and can only hold his serious face for a beat before he smiles wide and my insides alight.

He steps over to me and pulls me up on my toes.

His nose trails along my neck and this gentle exhale tingles along my skin.

Instinctively my nails rake through the hair at the back of his neck.

He acts out an exaggerated shiver and shakes me back and forth.

“Aiden, let me send three texts and then I’ll join you in my room. Go wash up for bed, I’ll be right there.”

“I’m setting a timer for five minutes.”

“Okay,” I laugh and give him a peck. He releases me and scoops his bag off the floor. I watch as he walks down the hall and bite my bottom lip.

“Stop looking and start texting Harper.” He scolds as he gets to my bedroom door. He throws me a wink and closes the door.

I roll my lips to trap my smile between my teeth and pull out my phone. I find my client’s contact information and send a text wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving and that I’m looking forward to seeing them tomorrow. Since I don’t hear the timer I check my email. No new leads.

That’s a little frustrating but I remind myself that it’s a holiday.

When I let myself into my bedroom, Aiden is standing in front of my closet in his underwear. He’s thumbing the skirt of a satin dress and pulls it further out from the other clothes when I get closer.

“When did you wear this?” He asks.

“ I actually haven’t had a chance yet. I got it from a sample sale last spring. It’s more of a holiday dress than a summer dress though.”

“Could you wear it to a gala?”

“Yes,” I agree slowly. I wonder what he’s got in mind.

“Would you come to the D.C. Renegades Holiday Ball with me in two weeks?”

“Will you be in a tux?” Because, holy hell yes.

“That’s the plan. Will you be my date?”

“Yes.” I smile and he nods. I was expecting more of a response but he slowly puts the dress back in the closet and then turns to me.

“Good, it’s a date.” I run my hand up his chest and I almost enjoy the way his eyes change when I reach his scar. I don’t know how to tell him that I’ll never ask about it. I might be curious but I trust that he’s taking care of himself enough to play on a professional hockey team.

He hasn’t opened up about it yet. The only reason I know it’s even a thing is because there is physical proof.

Aiden can’t see the scars I carry on my heart and I’ll continue to keep them close. I’m not even sure I’d admit them if he does ask. Our relationship is so new, and with his travel and my work schedule, it’s limited exposure anyways.

I assume he wants us to enjoy being together and to keep things light. What man wants to delve into the world of high school drama his girlfriend hasn't let go of?