Page 95 of Offside Bride

It’s like he’s a man dying of thirst, and I’m a tall glass of water. His hands frame my face, fingers tangling in my hair as he deepens the kiss.

I melt into him, my arms snaking around his neck. I can’t get enough.

His mouth teases mine, playful yet desperate, like he’s trying to devour me whole.

“Gaaad, I missed you,” he murmurs against my lips, barely breaking contact. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to focus on hockey when all I can think about is you?”

I giggle into the kiss, feeling lightheaded from the champagne and Sawyer’s intoxicating presence.

“It’s only been a few hours,” I tease.

“Too long,” he growls, peppering kisses along my jaw. “Way too long.”

His hands slide down to my waist, pulling me impossibly closer. “I’m taking you home,” he declares, his voice husky with desire. “Right now.”

“But the book club—” I start to protest weakly, not really wanting to leave the warmth of his embrace.

“Can survive without you,” he finishes, nuzzling my neck. “I, on the other hand, cannot. I’m going to ravish you, Mrs. O’Malley. Thoroughly and repeatedly.”

Sawyer’s lips crash into mine again, sending sparks through my entire body. It’s quick but intense, leaving me breathless and a little dazed. Before I can fully recover, he grabs my hand and starts pulling me through Patricia’s lavish house.

“Sawyer, wait—” I start to protest, but he’s on a mission.

We burst into the living room where Patricia, Emily, and the rest of the book club ladies are still chatting and sipping champagne. Otto squawks in surprise from his perch.

Sawyer doesn’t miss a beat. He nods politely to the room, flashing that million-dollar smile of his.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” he says smoothly, not slowing his stride one bit.

I catch a glimpse of Patricia’s raised eyebrows as Sawyer practically drags me toward the front door. My cheeks are burning, but I can’t help the giddy laughter bubbling up inside me.

“Sorry, gotta run!” I manage to call over my shoulder as we reach the foyer. “Urgent…uh, hockey research!”

The last thing I hear before Sawyer whisks me out the door is Mrs. Fairfax’s delighted cackle and Patricia’s amused voice saying, “Well, I hope that book comes out soon!”

I'm barely settled in Sawyer’s truck when he revs the engine and peels out of Patricia’s driveway like we’re fleeing a crime scene. Which, given our recent adventures, isn’t entirely out of the question.

“What’s the rush, Speed Racer?” I tease, gripping the grab handle for dear life.

Sawyer just smirks, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Maybe I just can’t wait to get you alone.”

“Uh-huh,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “And that’s why we’re heading…wait a minute. This isn’t the way home.”

“Observant as always, Mrs. O’Malley,” he chuckles, taking a sharp turn that has me sliding in my seat.

“Sawyer, what are you up to?”

He keeps his lips sealed tight, but that smirk is still plastered on his face. It’s infuriating and sexy all at once.

We drive for a while, Sawyer holding my hand across the bench seat, his thumb tracing delicious circles on the sensitive area between my thumb and index finger. Eventually, he turns onto a winding road that leads us away from the city. We pull up to a breathtaking overlook, the Toronto skyline stretching out before us, glittering in the late afternoon sun.

“Okay, this is…Wow,” I admit, taking in the sight.

Sawyer turns to me, suddenly serious. “Maggie, take off your ring.”

“Excuse me?” I clutch my hand protectively.

“Your ring. Take it off.”

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