Page 19 of Chic Steel

Iget her body pressed against mine when a cool breeze races through the balcony.

Iget her ass sitting on my lap?

Wait. She’ssitting on my lap.

Distracted by her sitting on me, it takes a second for my arm to wrap around her waist, to haul her closer and tuck her properly against me to shield her from the wind.

Still hard to believe she’s here. That she agreed and then showed up. Maddy texted me after she dropped everything off and it worried me. Worried me that Ella didn’t think I wanted her number, that I wouldn’t follow through. But I’m going to prove her wrong. Gonna prove to her I don’t want anyone but her. Convince her to travel with me and move in together.

Now that I’ve spoken to her outside of her shop, I’m less anxious, less worried about her not wanting me, about screwing it all up. Seeing Ella reassured me. We were both as worried as each other, but none of that matters anymore. Now we’re both as invested as each other and nothing will tear us apart.

Except when our team scores another try. Ella launches off me and cheers with Charlotte. Damn it, can’t they stop being good at their jobs for a minute so I can enjoy Ella cuddled with me?

Maybe I should’ve taken her somewhere with only us. I probably should have. Away from my team and the alcohol.

I glance at some of the guys and frown at their drunken singing. Josh is looking worse for wear. But I figured she might enjoy it—and by the way she’s wriggling her hips to the victory music she is—and it would be more neutral with other people around us. Although she doesn’t know any of them, so maybe it’s making her uncomfortable?

Ella bumps hips with Charlotte and collapses onto me again. Or maybe I’m getting in my head and everything’s fine, and she’s happy here with me.

I set my drink down, wrap both arms low on her stomach, and pull her against my chest. It’s half-time now, and I refuse to let her up when there’s no one to cheer for. Now it’s just us.

“Ella, how long have you had your store?” Daniel asks.

And the rest of the people in the suite. I drop my head to the crook of her neck and brush my nose against her skin. She shivers and I grin, hiding it in her skin before lifting my head and kissing her cheek.

“A few years.”

“And it’s beside Maddy’s place?”

“It is. And I learned they were related today when she showed up demanding I come here.” She turns her head and smirks at me.

“Sounds like Maddy.” Daniel sighs. Why does he sound wistful?

“Why piercings?” Charlotte asks, and I stop running circles on Ella’s stomach to hear the answer.

Ella’s hand drops to mine and strokes me, and I flip my hand to lace them together.

Ella shrugs. “I always loved jewellery. Getting my first cartilage done was a rush. I wanted more. I loved the way it made me feel and love the confidence it gives you. You can change the jewellery to match your mood or outfit. One day, I’d love to design the jewellery we sell, but at the moment I’m focused on our clients.”

“You want to design as well?” I ask.

“One day.” She lowers her voice. “As much as I love piercing you”—her eyes flick to my crotch—“I want to grow my skills for other things too.”

“Do you pierce other guys…” I trail off and raise my eyebrows. Somehow, with my obsession of seeing her and getting pierced as my only idea to see her, I hadn’t considered her piercing other guys’ dicks.

She grins. “Jealous?”

“Yes.” At least being upfront about it is honest.

She tilts her head until our foreheads press together. “Not since I met you. I hired someone who specialises in it. It’s not exactly my favourite thing to pierce. Especially not after meeting you.”

“That shouldn’t please me as much as it does.”

“I’m glad it does.” Her arm wraps around my shoulders.

“You need to show me your jewellery designs.”

“You want to see them?”

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