Page 8 of Just Curious

“Nope. Time-honored traditions where I come from,” he laughed. She looked down and saw he had his fingers crossed where she could easily see them.

“So, there’s a lot of ice hockey in Castroville?” she asked skeptically.

“Mm-hmm, more than you’d expect, actually.” Jackson flashed her a grin that made her insides feel hot and mushy.

Seven goals and five penalty box visits later, Willa’s lips were swollen and her head was swimming with arousal. When they appeared on the kiss-cam via the jumbotron, the crowd cheered wildly for them.

Jackson looked smug after that.

On the way home, Willa observed, “I don’t think I could ever get used to driving a car that’s this silent, or one that can drive itself. Doesn’t it freak you out?” Jackson had a gorgeous new 2019 Tesla Model S Performance in a zippy bright blue.

Jackson laughed. “It took some getting used to when I first got it, but it’s so much more relaxing when you drive long distances when you know the car is looking out for you. Sometime I’ll have to show you the Ludicrous mode.”

“Um, maybe not. That’s okay.”

Jackson remembered suddenly that she’d lost her parents to a car accident and felt like a heel for bringing up doing something reckless. The ride was quiet for a while after that until he asked, “Are you busy this weekend?”

Willa brightened and answered, “Nope. Just the usual stuff. Writing, sleeping, neglecting housework, going for a run.”

Looking at her with a sincere expression, Jackson announced, “I’d like to take you out again. I’ve been having a great time tonight.”

Laughing, Willa answered, “This date isn’t even over yet, and you’re already planning ahead?”

“Yes. I wanted to make sure you understand how much I enjoy spending time with you.” At that, he pulled the car into his garage, shut it down and leaned in to give Willa a kiss.

When the kiss ended, Willa smiled. “Would you like to come over to my place and have a drink? I know it’s late, but I’m still feeling kind of wired from that game.”

“Great idea,” Jackson agreed happily. He hopped out, opened Willa’s door like a gentleman, and then plugged in his car for the night. Just then his phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he grinned at the screen. A text message said:

Casey: Watched the Gulls on TV tonight. Saw you on the jumbotron, you dog. Who’s the knockout?

Jackson: You’ll meet her at your party.

Casey: Nice. She’s… wow!

Jackson: Very. See ya. Busy now. ;)

Casey’s response was a series of kissing emojis that Jackson ignored with a laugh as he pocketed his phone.

Chapter 6

He followed Willa into her house. They both dropped their jackets and cold weather paraphernalia onto a chair, and he wandered into the kitchen close on her heels.

“Let’s see… I have white wine…” she trailed off as he wrapped his arms around her from behind and nuzzled her neck. She purred and then asked, “Would you like some?”

“Some what?” he asked, dragging his lips down her neck and back up again, nuzzling behind her ear.

“Some wine?”

“Some Willa sounds better.” He gently spun her around in his arms and leaned in for a kiss. Chuckling at the hungry little moans Willa made, he grazed her lips and then squeezed her to him as his kisses intensified. His tongue probed her with greater and greater force, and Willa could feel his hardness as they pressed their bodies together. “Let’s just go sit down for a while, Willa. I don’t need anything but you, and as much as I’d like to hoist you over my shoulder right now and haul you off to the bedroom, I’ll wait until you tell me you’re completely ready for that.”

Willa pulled back and her blue eyes bore into his like lasers. He saw in them every bit of his desire reflected right back at him.

“Would you think any less of me if I told you I’m ready right now?”

Jackson laughed. “Lessof you? I’d say you’re the woman of my dreams.” Quickly he bent down and hoisted her up over his shoulder just as he’d threatened to do.

This brought on a barrage of giggles from Willa. “Stop! Put me down. You’ll hurt yourself, and then what good will you be?” He ignored her words and her laughter and made his way down the long hall to the big, softly lit bedroom at the end. He tossed her gently onto the enormous bed, toed off his shoes and lay down beside her.

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