Page 94 of Captain's Claim

Mia leans in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Is he bossy in bed? I bet he’s bossy in bed.”

I glare at her, my cheeks flushing. “I am NOT having this conversation with you two.”

Natalie grins wider. “Which means you absolutely should.”

I let out a groan. “It’s not what you think. He’s actually... sweet. Really thoughtful. Always looking out for me.”

Natalie and Mia exchange a look and slurp on their straws as the next round of drinks is dropped on our table.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so... I don’t know. Safe? Cared for?”

Silence falls over our table.

Then, in perfect unison: “You’re in love with him.”

I gasp, feeling like the wind has been knocked out of me. “I—”

Mia raises a brow, her expression smug. “Oh my god. You totally are.”

Natalie smirks at me like she’s just won the lottery. “How does it feel to have your entire existence changed by one ridiculously hot hockey player?”

Without another word, I down the rest of my drink, hoping the alcohol will numb the pain of the look on their faces.

They don't need to know I already opened my heart up to him. Blake has changed everything. I don't care what they think. He's even changed how I perceive my work, which is ahugedeal considering the girl I was when I moved half way across the country to be here.

But I'm still not sure that's a good thing… even if my heart does a triple backflip every time he looks at me, and my insides turn to warm caramel whenever he's near.

God, when did I become such a cliché?

A few hours later, the night air hits my face as I step out of Summit Café, my head spinning - not from the cocktails, but from the truth I can't shake loose.

The streetlights shine above me and the snow-dusted sidewalk is layered with a small layer of freshly fallen flakes.

A familiar engine purr catches my attention down the street. Blake's Range Rover idles at the curb, its headlights cutting through the night.

The passenger door swings open, and there he is - all six-foot-four of him leaning against the frame, arms crossed over his chest.

"Evening, girls." He nods to Natalie and Mia, then flicks his eyes to me, taking in my dress and flushed cheeks. "Have fun, sweetheart?"

Behind me, Natalie and Mia burst into giggles, stumbling past me to climb into the back seat of his SUV.

"Hi, Blake," Mia giggles.

"Thanks for the ride," Natalie slurs, bumping hips with Mia in the back, slamming the door in hope to cover their childish amusement.

I laugh, but freeze as I get to the passengers side door, a big hand moving over my shoulder before I get the chance to grip the handle.

"I missed you," Blake grunts from behind me, his hand holding the door closed for a moment longer as his breath warms my neck.

I turn around and look up at him, smiling.

The light catches his jaw, shining over that scar that I've traced with my fingers a million times now. It might just be the booze, but the way his eyes soften when they meet mine tonight… it's nice.

"I missed you too," I say, leaning up to peck his lips.

I hear him take a deep inhale as his nose presses against my cheek, and then, when the kiss breaks, he yanks the door open and lets me slip inside.

He's here. Just like always, making sure I get home safe.

---