Page 119 of Defensive Zone

“About time you recognized that,” he teased.

“Are you ready to order?” the waiter asked, breaking the moment.

“Yep. Sure. Gabi?” Max asked.

They placed their order and grabbed their wineglasses after the waiter filled them and walked away.

“To surprises and first dates,” he said, clinking his glass with hers.

“Yes. To the unexpected,” she said, taking a sip.

“I can’t believe we’re finally alone,” he said.

“We’re in a crowded restaurant,” she said, glancing around.

“No. I meant, finally it’s just us. One on one. No crazy kids or Ava popping up,” he said.

“We have lots of one-on-one time,” she said.

“Yeah, but this time we have our clothes on.” He paused and then winked. “At least for now.”

She laughed, linking her fingers through his. “You do have a point.”

“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are when your cheeks are stained pink and lips are just parted? I can almost see the hitch in your voice,” he said softly.

“Max,” she murmured, leaning in closer.

“I want to kiss every inch of you right now,” he said.

“Max, please. We’re trying to behave until after dinner,” she said.

“What if I don’t want to?”

“You’re making this very hard.”

“You have no idea,” he groaned when she trailed her finger along his thigh.

Thank god for dim corners and long tablecloths.

She ached to give in and kiss him. He’d genuinely shocked her tonight. The restaurant choice and finding out he had plans beyond his hockey career was a lot to absorb. Her opinion of him had done such a complete flip since she’d moved into his house a few months ago. At times she felt guilty for all the shit she’d given him about his maturity level, but when he was setting off confetti bombs and teasing anyone he could, how was she supposed to realize the depth in him?

“Yes, I have a very good idea,” she said, leaning closer. His warm breath wafted over her parted lips. She wanted to climb into his lap. Consequences and audience be damned.

Then his stomach grumbled.

She laughed. “I guess you’re hungry for food, too.”

“Maybe I didn’t eat a lot today because I was nervous about tonight,” he muttered, but she heard it.

“That’s sweet, Max.” Then she moved in, her lips almost touching his. “But don’t worry. I’m a sure thing.”

Then she sealed her lips to his. His hand tightened on her thigh, and her skin tingled from his touch. His tongue swiped against her lips, but she kept her mouth closed. If she let him put his tongue in her mouth, she would definitely be climbing into his lap, and now was not the time for that since she vaguely remembered that they were sitting in a restaurant.

The clink of plates on the table startled her, and she broke the kiss.

“Sorry for interrupting. Enjoy your dinner,” the waiter said, backing away from the table.

“Damn,” Max said, pressing his forehead against hers. “No tip for him.”

---