Page 116 of Citius

Cal’s chest rumbled with surprised laughter. “I was trying to be romantic!”

“No, you were boasting.”

“Don’t I deserve to boast,” he said, nuzzling my neck, “just a little? Since my pheromones are so pleasing to your palate.”

I bit back a smile. “I suppose—if you must.”

“See? High standards. Exceedingly high standards.”

After a series of long, teasing kisses, he pulled back, cupping my face in his hands. Cal’s gaze was tender as it trailed across my features, but it lacked his usual confidence.

“Be with me?” he murmured.

It took a little more effort each day to deny howI felt about Cal, and after experiencing the mellow yet delectable flavor of his pheromones, I didn’t want to pretend anymore.

Tightening my arms around his neck, I kissed the hinge of his jaw, then whispered in his ear, “Third time’s a charm.”

Cal’s bear hug was all-encompassing, pressing me flush against his solid chest, beaming with happiness.

“But only outside of work hours,” I added before he got too carried away.

“Of course.” Cal locked me in place with one massive arm while the other hand stroked the back of my head in quiet contentment. “No making out in the supply closet or sending dirty texts on the sidelines. We’ll take it slow—your pace, your rules.”

The heat radiating from his chest sank deep into my rigid muscles, comforting me, coaxing me, and allowing me to expel a little more tension with every kiss and every breath we shared until he lulled me into a near-submissive haze.

Cal continued to stroke my hair until my limbs grew heavy. “Do you want to move somewhere more comfortable?”

My rusty instincts kicked in. “Come with me.”

I eased off his lap and headed for my library nest. Cal trailed behind me, taking in the saturated colors and lack of overhead lighting. I dovebeneath my favorite gray weighted blanket, gathering a small mountain of throw pillows to burrow into.

When I glanced up, I realized Cal hadn’t followed me inside.

He leaned against the doorframe, arms folded across his chest, legs crossed at the ankle, lips toying with a smile as he tried not to look pleased with himself.

“Better?”

I mashed a few pillows into a more appealing shape. “At least gloat where I can see you.”

He took a hesitant step forward, his sock-clad toes just inching over the lip of the sunken nest.

“You’re—you’re inviting me in?”

His voice was full of misplaced reverence, having mistaken my library nest for something sacred.

“Yes, Cal. Permission granted,” I said, fighting to keep the sarcasm from my voice. Cal valued—needed—explicit, verbal consent. Another thing to admire about him.

His large frame almost filled the space to capacity. Watching him awkwardly rearrange throw pillows as he tried to get comfortable, doing his best not to manhandle my soft furnishings, was far too amusing.

Stifling a laugh, I threw myself into his embrace. He wasn’t ready for the impact, nearly rolling onto his back. Cal let out a delighted huff and wrapped his arms around me.

“Still okay?” he asked, seeking further confirmation.

I nodded and kissed the base of his throat. How could Cal be an unwelcome addition when he was so big, toasty, and perfect for cuddling?

“This isn’t my primary nest,” I explained. “It’s more like a workspace. And don’t worry about your scent getting on things. Can’t bother me.”

“You know, for the longest time, I couldn’t understand why you were okay muting your scent.” Cal toyed with my hair, fingers caressing my scalp. “How you could be so calm when standing five feet from a coach tearing into a ref. Or when the players are trying to suffocate you with their horny stink.”

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