Page 14 of Champion

Opal’s voice is teasing as she smiles at me. “Oh, really?”

“Yes, really,” I say, my voice low. Seeing Opal playful makes my body surge with need for her. She has curves I want to mold against my body, whether I’m making love to her or we’re curled up watching TV at the end of the day. Her bodyis fucking gorgeous. “Why don’t we head up to the cabin? I’ll grab a bottle of whiskey, and we can sit on the porch.”

“I’m all yours.”

The sun setsover the mountains, painting the sky in oranges and pinks. I grab two glasses and head out to the cabin porch, where Opal is curled up in a chair with a blanket over her lap. Sitting beside Opal, I pour two fingers of whiskey into each glass and hand one to her.

She takes a sip, and I see the appreciation in her eyes as the whiskey slides down her throat.

“This is good,” she says appreciatively.

I nod. “I'm glad you like it.”

Opal smiles at me, her blue eyes shining in the fading light. I take a deep breath and enjoy the peaceful moment. She looks so beautiful. We sip our drinks in silence, the sun ebbing away and the stars emerging in the night sky.

Opal turns to me, and our eyes meet. I can tell that she wants to say something, but she hesitates.

“What is it?” I ask, my voice low and gentle.

She takes a deep breath and then meets my gaze. “I have a confession to make.”

Anticipation builds inside me as I wait for her to continue.

“I… I have a crush on you,” she finally blurts out. Her skin is flushed from the whiskey, but I know she’s not drunk.

My heart pounds in my chest, and desire courses through my body. I suspected she felt this way but hearing her confirm it makes all the difference in the world.

I reach out and take her hand in mine. “I have a confession to make, too,” I whisper, my voice filled with desire. “I’ve noticed. I’m attracted to you, too.”

Opal's eyes widen with surprise before filling with a warm, happy light. “That’s not what I thought you’d say.” She smiles, taking another sip of her whiskey.

“Why not?” I ask, curious.

“Because you always stay away from me when you see me at the gym.”

“Opal,” I say, looking into her eyes. “It’s not because I don’t like you—it’s because I’ve wanted you so damn much, but there are little things like laws about making a pass at your bookkeeper—no matter how sexy they look in a dress.”

“You don’t know how happy that makes me, Champ. I wasn’t sure you noticed me in those dresses.” Opal’s bright eyes meet mine, and I know what happens between us tonight will change everything.

I have no hesitation when it comes to Opal. We have a long way to go to know each other better, but I know we will, as much as I know my heart is right for wanting her. I welcome our future with open arms.

“A blind man would appreciate you in those dresses, Opal. I think we should have a toast,” I say, raising my glass. The sun is almost gone now, but the fire in my heart burns brighter.

“To what?” she asks, her blue eyes searching mine.

“To us,” I say. “To what could be.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Opal’s smile punches me in the heart with how happy it makes me. We both take long sips from our glasses, our eyes never breaking as we drink.

“Opal,” I murmur, my voice quiet as the light fades and the sounds of the forest surround us. “Will you let me kiss you?”

For a moment, her eyes search mine, then her face breaks into a beautiful smile, and she nods.

My heart soars with joy as I stand and pull her to me, pressing my lips gently against hers. We share a tender kiss. Her heart beats wildly against my chest, racing just as fast as my heart.

The kiss deepens as our tongues move faster, building our passion. Her body presses hard against mine, showing me that she feels the same desire that I do.

My hands slip around her waist, and I pull her tighter, relishing the sensation of her moaning into our kiss. I love that she’s sharing herself with me like this. We finally break the kiss, and the hunger in her eyes is naked and bright. Her soft lips linger on mine, the heat of her skin radiating through my body. Electricity runs between us.

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