Page 27 of Face Off
Shit.
Caught redhanded.
“Bus for the airport leaves in twenty. You wanted to talk, so talk,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest, pushing my boobs up a little.
He releases a chuckle as a smile stretches across his face. “Always getting right to business,” he says, stepping toward me. His eyes roam to the ample amount of cleavage I’ve left visible when I changed after the game. “I like that. And as much as it’s turning me on right now, I need to control it. I need to know where your head’s at.”
“My head?”
“Yes. With us.”
“There isn’t an us,” I say, walking over to zip up my suitcase. “I told you that this morning.”
He smiles as he comes behind me, running his callused hands down my arm. “But your body language in the locker room said otherwise. In fact, your body language right now tells me the one-time deal is not what you want.”
My body shivers as he continues to run his hand under my shirt, against my bare stomach. My stomach twists with butterflies, not from what he just said, but from the way my body ignites from just his simple touch. A small moan falls from my lips as my eyes close and my head falls back, resting on his shoulder.
“Tell me you want this,” he says, whispering in my ear.
I lull my head to the side as he places a gentle kiss on my collarbone. My core heats from the jolt of electricity his simple kiss sends throughout my entire body.
Oh God. Yes, I want this. Want this so fucking bad.
I release a shallow breath as I slowly open my eyes. “I want this,” I say without hesitation for the first time in such a long time. “I want this, but we need to set some ground rules.”
He smiles against my skin before I slowly move out of his grasp. “Rules, I can work with rules. Can’t say I’ll always follow them, but I can certainly try if it gives me a repeat of last night.”
“You sure about that?” I say through a smile as I slip on a pair of Hey Dudes.
He nods before grabbing my suitcase and carrying it toward the door for me. “Come help me pack, and you can tell me your rules.”
“Rule one. No one can know about us. And I mean no one. The no fraternization clause can ruin both of us. And I refuse to let that happen,” I say, stepping into his room as he pulls a white V-neck tee over his head.
“Done. What’s rule number two?”
“Rule two?” I question as I think about what this relationship could do to not only me, but Cam. “Rule Two. If either of us feels like they’re not satisfied or into this relationship any longer… we call it quits. Amicable split. We both move on with our lives as if nothing happened.” No matter how much it will hurt.
His eyes search mine as he grabs my hand, flipping it over and placing gentle kisses on my palm. “And rule three?” I shake my head in response. “Well, then… I think I can handle that. However, I have a rule of my own.”
“That is?”
He pulls me close to him before placing a chaste kiss on my lips. “When this thing does work out, we tell everyone. Shout it from the rooftops. Because once I make you mine, I want everyone to know it.”
???
The flight back home is uneventful but like before, Brooks is by my side. Despite the rules I put into place, he holds my hand during takeoff and landing to help ease my anxiety. Of course, my father’s watchful eye is on us the entire time. Meaning that I may need to add a rule three to my list. That being we can’t sit near one another on flights, no matter how bad he helps my fear of flying. Too many prying eyes.
I walk into my house a little after two a.m. Camden is still with my parents for the night, so the house is quiet, too quiet. I toss my keys onto the entryway table before kicking off my shoes. My bare feet pad across the hardwood floors to the kitchen. I open the fridge, remove a bottle of rosé, and pour a hefty glass before retreating to the living room to destress from the trip.
Our season home opener is later tonight and though I should be hauling my ass to bed so I can get to the rink at a decent time, I can’t seem to stop my brain from wandering back to Brooks and our night we spent together. How safe and secure I felt in his arms. Comfortable. Added bonus to this whole situation… he’s insanely hot. Am I completely insane for agreeing to a secret relationship with him? One hundred percent. Yet, I can’t stop thinking about him.
Ding.
My phone pings beside me as I chug the last bit of wine in my glass before looking at the clock on the mantel. Three a.m.? Seriously… don’t people sleep anymore.
Brooks: Are you awake?
My stomach flutters as the smile grows on my face.
