Page 38 of Tackle

“Mm-hmm.” His head dipped, and his lips met hers.

Relaxing into him, she tilted her head back, and that’s when he deepened the kiss, turning something enjoyable to scorching hot.

His hand tangled in her hair, pulling her impossibly closer. Her hand found his chest, the heat from his skin seeping through the thin cotton of his t-shirt, warming her palm. She wanted to be wrapped in that heat—smothered in it.

Consumed by it.

His other hand landed on her thigh and moved up until it was cupping her ass. She was practically in his lap, but that wasn’t close enough. Not nearly close enough.

A moan slipped past her lips, and Oz ripped his away. She moaned again, only this time for their loss.

His forehead landed on hers, his harsh breath fanning her face. “You’re killing me.”

She knew the feeling. With each one of their kisses, it got harder and harder to break away.

Chapter Thirteen

The ringing of his cell slowly penetrated Oz’s brain, pulling him from a deep sleep. Eyes half closed, he knocked a water bottle off the nightstand in the process of searching for it.

Linc’s name and photo filled his screen. He fumbled the phone before bringing it to his ear. “Yeah?” he croaked, then cleared his throat.

Glancing toward the window, he saw it was still pitch-black outside. His heartbeat quickened. No good news came at ‘O dark hundred.

“Oz?”

Shit. His friend sounded off. Getting up on an elbow, he was instantly awake. “Yeah, man, what’s wrong?”

“My sister.” His breathing turned harsh.

Shit.

Oz had met Linc’s sister once when she and her husband had come for a visit a few years back. Oz had liked them both. They were nice, down-to-earth people, if a bit brainy. Linc’s brother-in-law, Jake, was an engineer for the Dallas water district, while his sister, Nat, worked for a small law firm as a CPA. “Take your time. I’m here when you’re ready.”

He exhaled sharply, then said, “She and her husband were in a car accident. Hit by a drunk driver. They’re both…” Linc’s voice broke and it took him a few seconds to compose himself. “They’re both gone.”

Fuck. Oz’s stomach sank. He thought of their little girl. “Sophie?”

“She wasn’t in the car, thank fuck. She was home with a babysitter. Nat and Jake were out. Date night.”

“Fuck, man, I’m so sorry.” Though they lived far apart, he knew how close Linc was with his sister. The news must have been devastating.

“I booked a flight and will be leaving in about an hour for the airport. I’ll be gone a few days, maybe a week, depending on how quickly I can get shit sorted.”

“If there’s anything I can do to help, you know I’m here for you.”

“That’s one of the reasons I’m calling. Do you think you can call Coach when the sun comes up. Let him know what’s going on.”

“Of course. Anything else? What about a ride to the airport?”

“I’ve got that covered. Called a cab. They’ll be here soon.”

Oz wished he could help more.

“I better go get packed.”

“Be sure to keep in touch.”

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