Page 94 of Boss with Benefits

And that's when I spotted them. A large tub of roller skates in the corner of the cluttered room. I headed straight for the bin and found a pair in my size, and before I could second-guess myself, I laced them up.

The door swung open behind me, and I heard the unmistakable sound of skates on tile.

"Really?!" Rachel's voice was a mix of hurt and disbelief. "You just walk away after that? Even if you hate it, I don't deserve to be ignored."

I stood and faced her, my heart pounding. "Why did you do that?"

She skated closer, her eyes blazing with emotion. "That was me fighting for what I want. And what I want is you."

"Rachel..." I sighed, the weight of her words pressing on my chest. God, I loved her like this—all fire and passion.

"It's not enough," I said, my voice low.

She blinked, stunned. "What do you mean, it's not enough?"

"There's still something missing." I pushed off from the wall, gliding out of the locker room and back toward the rink. The feel of the skates under my feet was both foreign and familiar, a rush of adrenaline coursing through me.

Rachel skated after me, confusion etched on her face. "Derrick, what the hell? You can skate? How did I not know this about you?"

"It's been years," I tossed over my shoulders. "But I am a nineties kid with six sisters. Where do you think we spent our weekends?" I enjoyed her look of shock and awe. I picked up speed as I moved toward the center of the rink. "I haven't done anything this reckless in years. But I want to. I want more spontaneity in my life. I want more fun and playfulness." I stopped, turning to face her as she caught up.

"These were nice." I gestured to the cards scattered around the rink.

"Nice? Is that all?" she asked, arms on hips.

"I guess,” I said, just to fire her up.

"That’s all you have to say," she huffed.

Her teammates were huddled around the edges of the rink, watching with eager smiles on their faces. Eva stood on the other side of the barrier wall of the rink, leaning forward, rapt.

Rachel didn't seem to notice or mind our audience. She was too busy ticking off points on her fingers. "Well, I have more to say. We have fun together. We both value independence and family above all else. We're both ambitious. We're fiercely loyal." Her lips quirked in a teasing smile, and she lowered her voice. "We have mind-blowing sex, and I think we both want more of that. A lot more." She raised an eyebrow. "Shall I continue?"

I pushed off with my right skate then turned so I was skating backwards while she skated forward, following me. I was a little shocked I still knew how to do this.

"By all means, counselor." I put my hands out, encouraging her to continue her case as we circled the rink. "The floor is yours."

Rachel took a deep breath, gliding in front of me. "Derrick Jacques, I love you. Not just in that swoony, gaggy kind of way—though trust me, there's plenty of that. I love spending time with you. You're the person I want to share every adventure with." She paused, her eyes shining, and she swallowed. "And yeah, maybe we're different in some ways. But those differences are why we're great together. I love you, damn it. Is that enough? Have I made my case?"

I couldn't fight this anymore. I wanted her in every way she mentioned and so much more. I wanted every piece of her, and I wanted it now.

I turned sideways, skidding to a stop. Rachel wasn't as quick and nearly plowed into me. I caught her shoulders with my hands, stopping her, and we slowly glided until I bumped into the low wall. I slid my hands up her face and cupped her jaw.

"I was yours before I walked into this rink," I said, staring into her fiery eyes, finding it hard to breathe. "I've been yours from the moment you skated into my office. You're right. Everyone's right. I was a fool. But I love you. I want to be with you. Yes, I want to start a family before I need Depends, but it's not a deal-breaker. You're the deal-breaker."

"Well, it's about damn time!" She leaped into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist, her skates clattering behind my back. She kissed me and I kissed her back, pouring every ounce of love, frustration, and desire into it. When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless.

"I love you," she said, her face lit up with joy. "I love you so much, Jackass."

"I love you too, Smartass," I murmured, my heart swelling as I pressed my forehead to hers.

Suddenly, the rink erupted in applause, Rachel's teammates and Eva clapping and cheering on the sidelines.

Eva grinned, stepping forward. "Alright, everyone, let's give these two some privacy!" She waved her arms, shooing everyone to the far side of the rink.

Rachel looked back at me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Follow me, boss."

I skated backward toward the locker room, pulling her with me. The moment the door closed behind us, I pulled her into my arms, my lips crashing into hers. The kiss was frantic and hungry, a collision of love and relief.

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