What If I Knew You (Anaheim Stars Hockey #3)

16. Corrigan

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CORRIGAN

U gh, my neck.

Why does my body feel so sore?

And why is it so warm in here?

I can practically feel the sunlight heating my body which is only odd to me because I always close the blinds in my bedroom. But when my pillow moves up and down, I realize very quicky I’m not in my bedroom.

And I’m also not alone.

Opening my eyes, I’m shocked to see Bodhi Roche asleep underneath me. His arm rests on my back and his chest slowly rises and falls. My gaze moves to the television, which is still on. The annoying gray box that asks me if I’m still watching is waiting for a reply. I imagine it’s been waiting for hours, but what do I know? I don’t remember falling asleep but I clearly slept all night long.

And Bodhi stayed.

He didn’t leave me.

I lift my head slightly and the movement causes Bodhi to stir, his eyes opening. His mouth turning up in a tired smile.

Alan!

Don’t forget to call him Alan!

“Morning beautiful,” he murmurs, licking his lips to moisten them. His gaze lifts to the sun coming in the windows. “Whoa. I think we slept much longer than anticipated.”

I nod. “I think you might be right. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep.”

Sitting up, his arm falls from my back but he lifts it to my hair, sweeping it from my face. “It’s totally fine. I was kind of entranced by Claire and Jamie and Jack Randall and before I knew it, you were out.”

“You could’ve told me to go to bed.”

“And not get the pleasure of holding you while you slept?” He scoffs teasingly. “As if.” His brows pinch momentarily as he looks around the living room. “Do we know what time it is?”

“Hot date today?”

I hate to admit I’d be crushed if he said yes.

I guess that answers my question on whether or not I should say yes to Sean.

I’ll tell him no the moment I see him tomorrow.

“The only hot date I’ve ever been on was with you, Babe.” He laughs and wipes his hand down his face, trying to rid himself of the sleepy expression.

How does he look so damn good this early in the morning?

“We’ve never been on a date,” I tell him. “Not really.”

“Hmm. Must’ve been in my dreams then.”

Swooooon!

“The only date I have today is with the guys at work. We have a late morning meeting. Other than that, no. I have the rest of the day to get a solid workout in and maybe piddle around with a few other tasks.”

I tap the screen on my phone sitting on the coffee table in front of us. “Well, rest assured it’s only seven so you have plenty of time to get to your late-morning meeting.”

His smile fades and his gaze meets mine. “I’d have no problem telling them to go fuck themselves if you need me.”

Don’t know what Dad would have to say about that.

I think I would rather Bodhi live to see another day.

“That’s okay. Work meetings are important. And I’m actually having lunch with my dad today, so I should probably unpack a few boxes before I get myself ready to meet him. One of these days I might actually have a completely unpacked home.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Life happens.”

Placing my hand on his knee, I squeeze his leg slightly and say, “But thank you, Alan. Thank you so much for being here with me last night. Well…” I cock my head. “All night, actually. I think you had the right idea in not wanting me to be alone. I didn’t realize I would need someone to help me through a tough day but I’m really glad it was you who knocked on my door. Layken is great and all, but you were much more comfortable.”

“I was happy to do it. And I’d be happy to do it again any time. Besides,” he says with a smirk, “I need to find out what happens if or when Claire goes back through the stones.”

“True!” I chuckle softly. “And I need to know if Ned Stark gets set free.”

“Then I guess we have a future date ahead of us at some point.”

“I think you can count on it.” I smile.

“Good. I’m glad.”

Alan stands from the couch and offers me his hand. When I take it, he helps pull me from the couch and then folds me into his arms. His embrace is warm and soft, but his body is anything but. Warm, yes, but his arms are strong and his chest is solid. I bask for just a moment in the protectiveness of his embrace and the scent of his cologne still lingering on his clothes and try to memorize the feel of him until I can see him again.

I really like your hugs, Alan.

“I should head out. I’ll need to shower and change before my meeting, but I hope you have a great lunch with your dad today,” he says as his arms lift. He places a kiss on my forehead and then tilts my chin with his fingers and presses his lips to mine. His kiss isn’t long but he sweeps his tongue lazily against mine and it’s just enough contact to make my heart race and my body start to heat. When our mouths separate, I quickly cover mine with my hand.

“God, I’m so sorry. I probably have the worst morning breath.”

He smiles. “No worse than mine and I don’t mind one bit.” He plants a kiss on my cheek and squeezes my hand before opening the door. “I’m sure we’ll talk later.”

“For sure.” I nod. “Thank you again. You being here meant more than you know.”

“Anything you need. Anytime, Corri. And I mean that sincerely.”

And I know he does.

He gives me an understanding smile and nod and then waves goodbye.

I shut the door behind him and then lean up against it, replaying everything about last night that I can remember.

“What are we doing here?” I whisper to myself. “And why are you so outlandishly hot?”

Is this like…a thing?

Are we a thing?

Not a thing?

Are we just fuck buddies or…

Could we be more?

I don’t even know if that would be a possibility.

And maybe he’s not really interested.

The idea of going out with Sean when I could be spending my time with Bodhi doesn’t sit well with me.

I would choose Bodhi in a heartbeat.

If only I could get the idea past my father.

I sigh against the door. “Whatever we are, whatever this is, I’m kind of here for it.”