Page 166 of How to Score Off Field

“That would have been nice.”

It would have, but I’m dumb, so…that’s not what happened.

“Next time,” I say as she scoots toward me, pressing her boobs and body into mine.

CHAPTER57

TESS

I DON’T ALWAYS FIND MYSELF FALLING IN LOVE, BUT WHEN I DO, IT’S WITH MY BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND.

“Next time,”I repeat, pressing into him.

His arms wrap around me, pulling me forward, his lips pressing a kiss against my forehead.

He smells good—like the shower he had earlier. Aftershave lotion and fabric detergent.

He smells comfortable and warm, like I’ve been missing him the past twenty-four hours even though we’ve been mostly together.

His fingers trace a pattern along my back, up and down my spine, igniting a cascade of shivers.

“Mmm.” That feels good.

I nuzzle closer. He feels secure.

“Are we good?” he asks, the low timbre of his voice vibrating in his chest, causing me to shiver again.

Love the sound of his voice.

Always have.

It’s deep and sexy and…

Mine.

I nod against his chest. “We’re good. I’m sorry I was being difficult. I just got into my own head.”

How can I possibly explain all the emotions inside my brain when half of them are still baby hormones? How can I put into words what I feel without sounding needy or like a clinger or like I want to move too fast toward the finish line?

His fingers gently tilt my chin as if he’s searching for my gaze in the dark, and all I can do is picture them, beautiful blue eyes that I’ve been in love with since I was a teenager.

And then, almost as if he’s reading my mind, his lips brush against mine in a gentle, tentative kiss.

Soft and sweet and apologetic.

Too soft.

Too sweet.

I pull back, our foreheads still touching as I catch my breath.

“More,” I whisper, my voice barely audible, but I know he hears it. “I want more.”

I can feel him smile. “More?”

I nod, my heart racing. “Yes.”

Harder.

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