Page 30 of Breaking the Ice

“Caleb, I...” she starts, but doesn't continue. Instead, she looks at me, breathing heavily. She seems agitated, her eyes are reddened, as if she's been crying. And then, entirely unexpectedly, she closes the gap between us, wrapping her hands around my neck and kisses me. For a moment, I'm taken aback. But then, I feel her velvety lips against mine. I lift my hands, cradling the back of her head, pouring all the pain and longing of the past weeks into this kiss. Underneath me, Emma makes a relieved sound. Her fingers grip my hair, while her tongue presses insistently against my lips. I part them, inviting her in, rewarded with the incredible taste of her. It makes me lose control, pressing her against the wall. She gasps into my mouth as I press my hips against hers, making her feel what she's doing to me. I never thought I'd be this close to her again. And yet, here she is, clouding my senses with her taste and proximity. This woman makes me block out everything else around us, heightening my desire to an almost painful level. So, I kiss her more urgently, let my hands roam up her exquisite butt, and pull her closer. Through the thin sweater she wears under her open jacket, I can feel that her nipples are hard. Fuck. In my mind, a thought arises, pushing everything else aside.

I want this woman in my bed!

I release her mouth, kissing and licking my way over her chin and down her neck to her collarbone. My fingers glide up from her amazing ass, just about to settle on her breasts when her hands intercept mine.

“Wait, Caleb,” Emma gasps. I straighten up, looking at her with desire-clouded eyes. “I'm actually here to talk.”

“Talk?” After that kiss, there's nothing more to talk about. The matter is crystal clear, this woman belongs to me. And I won't let her go for anything in the world.

“Let's go inside.”

“This is rather inconvenient at the moment,” I say, making a remorseful face. My words throw a horrified expression onto Emma's face. I can see her peering towards the apartment door, suddenly going pale.

“Oh God, no, damn it, this can't be true,” she says, trying to push me away. I hold her fast, utterly bewildered, and then it dawns on me what her problem is.

“You think I have another woman here.” Emma blinks at me, her eyes teary.

“Not at all?”

“Absolutely not! Tonight is poker night with the guys. I thought I'd spare you their curious gazes and send them away first.”

“The guys...” she repeats, seeming to finally understand.

“If you don't mind them bombarding you with silly remarks, feel free to come in,” I say, motioning towards the door. She presses her lips together, looking undecided.

“Caleb, are you telling the pizza guy your life story? Why is this taking so long? I'm starving!” Toby's voice reaches us.

“Toby's here too?” she asks.

“Yeah, the little cheat swindles us every week.” She takes a moment to think and then says, “Alright, you know what, forget it. I'll come along. I'm used to the guys and their dumb comments.”

“Perfect, then come on in.” I take her small hand in my huge one and lead her into my apartment. Parker, Toby, Byers, and the new defender Peters are sitting at the poker table across from the kitchen. Each of them has their jaw dropping when they see who I've brought along.

“Emma, sweetheart, you're back!” Toby greets her happily, stands up, and comes over to us to envelop her in his massive arms. “Mandy and I were worried. We tried to reach you at least a dozen times,” he scolds.

“Sorry, I left my phone in Portland,” she says with an apologetic look. Ah, that explains why she hasn't responded to my messages until now.

“Alright, guys, the party's over,” I announce, indicating for them to leave. I can't wait to be alone with Emma. The sooner they're out, the better!

“What? But we just got here,” complains Byers.

“Exactly! And besides, I've got an unbeatable hand.” Peters waves his cards. Like I care.

“Alright, you don't have to leave on my account,” Emma interjects. What? “I'm happy to watch.” No, hell no, this way they will never leave.

“Or you could join in,” Parker suggests, smiling at her conciliatorily. What a jerk! I shoot him a deadly look, which he ignores, and he offers Emma the empty chair beside him. I have no choice but to watch as she and Toby sit down and start chatting.

The next two hours feel like the longest of my life. Emma sits across from me, sending me deep looks from her cat-like eyes, making sure I'm constantly aroused. And when she stretches her foot under the table towards me, running it up my leg, I'm on the brink of losing it. I have to restrain myself from flipping the poker table like a caveman, throwing her over my shoulder, and carrying her upstairs to my bed. It's hard for me to follow the game. I lose round after round because I only have eyes for her. Just after ten, my patience is wearing thin. I want some privacy now! So, I wait until we finish the round and then collect the cards.

“Alright, guys, that's it. We're done for today,” I declare.

“Oh, come on, it was just getting good. Just one more round,” Byers pleads, clinking his chips.

“You've swiped three quarters of my stake, so quit your whining,” I retort.

“Yeah, but only three quarters. There's more to be had,” he argues.

“Cut it out, you vulture. You can bleed us dry again next week,” Parker chimes in, patting Byers on the shoulder.

---