Page 11 of Cross Checks

“Yeah, I think it would be something very fulfilling.”

“That’s awesome. I can definitely see you doing that. You’re so passionate about hockey, and you have a natural ability to connect.”

His cheeks flushed at my compliment. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

Dinner was a success. After Chase finished his second large serving, I chuckled softly. “I hope you liked it.”

He put his fork down mid-bite and looked at me. After swallowing, he asked, “Damn, am I making a pig of myself?”

“No worries. Most of the time, I’m a pretty mediocre cook, so I love that you’re into my lasagna.”

The mingling scents of wine and tomato sauce lingered in the air after dinner. It added a warm, cozy atmosphere to my house.

As I rose from the table and returned to the living room, Chase said, “Thank you for tonight. I can’t remember the last time I felt this at ease.”

“Me neither,” I admitted. “I’m happy you said yes.”

I sat on the sofa and reached out for his hand. I knew we were teetering on the edge of something that would push our relationship the next step forward.

When his hand touched mine, I felt electricity shooting through my body. I lightly stroked his hand and tugged just enough to encourage him to sit by me.

“Chase,” I whispered, forgetting the rest of what I wanted to say. Desire was blurring my thoughts.

“Shh,” he whispered, leaning closer until our lips met.

The kiss was electric, Chase’s lips firm and insistent against mine. He wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me closer as I ran my fingers through his hair. The taste of wine lingered on his tongue.

I broke away, gasping for air. “Wait,” I said, looking up at him with flushed cheeks. “We should slow down.”

Chase’s eyes were dark with desire, but he nodded in agreement. “You’re right,” he said, his voice rough. “We should take it slow.”

I leaned back against the sofa, my heart pounding in my chest. I’d thought many times about this kind of intimacy with a man, but now that it was happening, I was terrified.

Fortunately, Chase seemed happy to take things slow and savor our connection.

I leaned back against the sofa cushion, and he pressed against me. He unbuttoned the top two buttons of my shirt and slipped his hand inside. It felt so incredible, and I sighed deeply.

We kissed again, Chase letting me set the tentative pace as lingering doubts crept into my mind. Were we rushing things? Could this ruin our friendship? Sensing my tension, he pulled back.

"We can stop anytime. No pressure."

I shook my head, pushing aside the worries because I was too excited by the moment. I drew him into another kiss, and sparks flew where he touched my skin.

My breath caught as he nibbled my neck. It was uncharted territory, but I trusted Chase to guide me through.

He nibbled on my lips and teased my nipple beneath my shirt. Shivers raced through my body in response. My cock began to swell in my pants, and I barely held back a loud moan.

The next time we pulled apart to catch our breath, Chase gazed into my eyes. “I think I should go,” he said in a tone laced with sadness. “I don’t want to overstep any boundaries.”

“No, it’s okay,” I said quickly. I didn’t want him to leave. “Please stay if you want.”

His eyes told me that he didn’t want to go. I climbed off the couch and took his hand to lead him down the hall to my bedroom. There, we slowly undressed each other.

“Oh, damn, I love the furry chest,” he sighed. I shivered at the first brush of his fingers through my trimmed chest hair, and then he inclined his head until he kissed and sucked a nipple.

I failed to stifle a moan when Chase started to knead my pec muscles as he raised his head to kiss me again.

His tongue explored my mouth while his hands caressed my body. Opening my shirt the rest of the way, he began to trail kisses down my stomach and then lower.

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