Page 73 of Icy Pucking Play

"Chelsea was..." He takes a deep breath. "She was ambitious. Smart. Knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it."

"Sounds familiar."

"No." He catches my hand. "You're nothing like her. She...she saw my career as a stepping stone. Saw our marriage as content for her lifestyle blog. Even Natalia was just...material."

Understanding dawns in my eyes. "That's why you freaked out about Lexi wanting to expand the feature."

"I didn't freak out."

"You kind of did." But I squeeze his hand. "It's okay. I get it now."

"Do you?" He looks at our joined hands. "Because this...us...it complicates everything. Your career, my career, the feature, Ryland's chances at camp..."

"I know." I move closer, until I'm practically in his lap. "But maybe some things are worth complicating."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." I kiss him softly. "Besides, I'm pretty sure Natalia would never forgive me if I stopped coming to her games."

"She does love having her own personal photographer."

"And Julia would hunt me down if I missed Sunday dinners."

"True. Okay, okay." He pulls me fully into his lap. "I get it. You're essential personnel."

"Exactly." I wrap my arms around his neck. "So maybe stop overthinking and kiss me?"

He does. Because how can he not when I'm looking at him like that? When we fit so perfectly together? When he makes everything feel possible?

His lips are soft and warm, and I can't help but deepen the kiss, my hands sliding under his shirt to feel his huge muscles. He responds eagerly, his fingers tangling in my hair as we stumble our way to the bedroom.

It doesn’t take long for our clothes to come off so I can feel Evan skin to skin.

Every ounce of me is on fire under his gaze. I can feel his heartbeat against my chest, his breath hot on my neck.

The back of my knees hit the mattress as I lift his shirt over his head, revealing his bare chest. He's beautiful, his skin flushed with desire. I lick my way down his chest, and his moans fill the room. I can feel his hardness pressing against me.

He reaches down, his hands gripping my hips as he pulls me closer. I can feel his desire, his need for me. I grind against him, feeling his hardness press against the apex of my thighs. He groans—the sound rumbling against my ravenous mouth, his hips moving in rhythm with mine.

And I instantly need more. I need all of him. On the bed, I climb on top and lift myself up, positioning him at my entrance. One look—one single passing glance of trust—passes between us. And, in that moment, I know I need this man like I need air.

I lower myself onto him, a sigh escaping my lips as he fills me completely. He grips my hips, guiding my movements as we find our rhythm. His lips find mine, his tongue mimicking the movements of our bodies.

Almost immediately, I can feel my pleasure building, my body tensing as I approach the edge. But I want him to come with me. I want to feel him lose control, to hear him say my name. I want to make Evan mine.

I grind against him, my movements becoming more urgent. He matches my pace, his grip on my hips tightening. I can feel his body tensing, his breath leaves his lips in shuddering gasps.

"Evan," I gasp, my body convulsing as I come undone around him.

He thrusts into me one last time, his body shaking as he finds his release, my name on his lips.

We fall together, our bodies intertwined as we ride the waves of our pleasure. Sapped of all energy, my body boneless, I smile and nip at his bare shoulder, my heart full.

The next few minutes are quiet, and they should be full of nothing but pure bliss. But in the back of my mind, doubts still lurk. Because what if I'm wrong? What if this isn't different? What if…

“I can hear you overthinking, sweetheart.” His voice is raspy. “Don’t. Just...don't."

So I don't.

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