Page 30 of Love on the Ice

“An hour,” I agree.

And then we move to get out of the back of the SUV. Once I am out of the car, he places his hand on the small of my back, and we make our way into the small bar. It’s everything they said it was. It’s intimate, the food is amazing, and we end up staying well past an hour because we’re having a great time.

It feels as if the whole group of guys and girls has been friends for years. It’s comfortable. The atmosphere and the people. I’ve never been in what I would consider a popular group of any kind. My roommates, of course, have always been those girls, and I’ve tagged along here and there, but I’ve never felt as if I belonged.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong, and I know that’s because of Reid.

He makes me feel welcomed, important, and comfortable.

Chapter

Thirteen

REID

The night draws to an end. I have taken cues from Lorelai to see when she would like to go home. It’s clear to me that she’s enjoying her time, so I don't take her out of the bar after an hour.

Instead, we stay for several. But now the whole group of us are all climbing into the cars to head home, and I’m trying to figure out how we play this. I’ve flirted, touched, and kissed her all night long.

I have received nothing but green lights.

In fact, I’ve had so many cues from her that are a straight-up go-ahead. But I’m also not sure if she would feel comfortable with me just climbing the stairs to her room with all our friends essentially watching. I don’t want to embarrass her.

The car is loud, and people are drunk talking loudly, except me. I decided not to drink, so I’m driving my carload home. Lorelai has also stayed sober and is driving the other car full of friends, following behind me.

I stayed sober tonight mainly because I wanted my first time with her to be not only memorable but rememberable. Not that I think I would forget anything, but I want to imprint every single second into my memory.

The taste of her was enough for me to know that the feel of her is going to be out of this world, and I want to remember every single second. So, no celebratory drinks. Maybe next time, but not for our first time together.

I also like the fact that she’s sober as well. I don’t know if she did it on purpose, or maybe she just doesn’t drink much. I’m not sure, but I like it, and I want to think it’s for the same reason as me, even if that’s selfish, which I’m sure it is.

Once we pull into the driveway at the girls' house, I help the girls in my car out while the guys leave and go back to our place. And then I walk toward the other car and open the door for Lorelai. She steps out, standing tall in front of me, her head slowly tipping back and her gaze finding mine.

The tension is palpable.

As much as I want to take her by the hand and lead her up to her bedroom, I, for whatever reason, decide to stay where I am. Standing in front of her, looking at her, hoping that something will just happen.

But I already know that whatever it is, I’m going to have to make it happen, or at least make the first move. I lift my hand and slip it beneath her jersey but don’t travel too far, wrapping my fingers around her bare waist.

Lorelai’s breath hitches, her eyes widen, and her lips part.

Perfection.

I wrap the fingers of my other hand around the back of her neck, gripping her hair loosely. Dipping my chin, I touch my mouth to hers. She lets out a sigh, and I swallow the sound. Fucking amazing.

Sliding my hand from her waist, I glide it up the center of her back and stop between her shoulder blades. I nibble on her bottom lip before I break the kiss and brush my mouth against her cheek, then move toward her earlobe, sucking it between my teeth and tugging gently.

Lorelai’s hands fly up, grabbing ahold of my biceps, and her nails dig into my arms. I feel her body tremble—her muscles twitch beneath my touch. I’m pretty sure she wants me just as badly as I want her right now.

And I want her really freaking badly.

“If you say no, I’ll stop, but I want you, Lorelai.”

“I want you, too,” she exhales. “All of you.”

That is all I need. Deciding to throw all my reservations to the wind, I lean down, wrap my fingers around the backs of her legs, and pick her up. I’m on a high from winning the game and being with her all evening.

Flirting, touching, tasting her. I can’t stand it another minute. I need to be inside of her. I’ve tried to take this as slowly as possible, but I’ve wanted her since the moment I laid eyes on her. I have never felt this strongly about anything in my entire goddamn life. Well, except hockey. I always feel strongly about the game.

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