Page 63 of Cold Front
“You’re sure?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
“I’m sure.” There was no hesitation in his voice now, just that quiet certainty that made me want to believe him. “This—whatever it is—doesn’t make sense, but I don’t want it to stop.”
His words settled around me, pulling me back toward him. I closed the distance, pressing my lips to his again. This time, the kiss wasn’t hesitant or unsure. It was deep and desperate, like we’d both been waiting for permission to feel something, anything. Our mouths moved together, slow but unyielding.
I could taste the faint trace of something sweet on his lips, and I couldn’t get enough of it. My hands slid up to his neck, pulling him closer, my body practically melting against his. He let out a low sound, a groan that sent a shock of heat through me.
There were no words now. Only the feeling of him, of this kiss, and the pounding of my heart in my ears.
Too soon, he pulled away, breathless. His forehead rested against mine again, and we stood there, tangled in each other’s space. Neither of us spoke for a while, and the world outside us faded into a blur of cool air and silence.
“We can figure this out together,” I said, my voice soft, hopeful even.
Niall gave me a small, unsure smile, but it was enough. He reached for my hand, fingers intertwining with mine, and I swooned.
CHAPTER24
NIALL
The taste of Eli still lingered on my lips, a mix of mint and something sweeter, something I didn’t have the words for. My breath came fast, but I wasn’t sure if it was from the cool air or from him. Probably him. Definitely him.
His eyes locked on mine, like he was waiting for me to do something—say something. But my mind was blank, and for once, I wasn’t drowning in questions, overthinking every move. I just wanted to stay in this moment a little longer.
Eli tilted his head slightly, studying me. “So, how was Colorado?”
I huffed out a breath, shaking my head. “We played like shit. Lost six-one the first night. Barely scraped by the second.”
Eli winced. “Ouch. I saw the score for the first game, but the second was that bad, huh?”
“Worse.”
“Anything I can do to help?” His voice was light, teasing, but there was an undercurrent of sincerity.
I smirked. “Unless you’ve got a miracle tucked into that jacket, probably not.”
Eli smirked, nudging me with his shoulder. “Guess I’ll have to make sure you eat proper meals, then. You know, all growing boys need their nutrients.”
I huffed out a laugh. “You calling me a growing boy?”
He grinned. “Hey, just looking out for your health. Wouldn’t want the team captain keeling over from malnutrition.”
A short laugh escaped me before I even realized it was coming. The sound startled me, and from the way Eli’s eyes widened slightly, it surprised him too. I cleared my throat and glanced away. “Guess that’s one way to look at it.”
Eli bumped his shoulder lightly against mine. “See? I have my uses.”
I shook my head, but the easy warmth between us loosened something in my chest. Somehow, he had this way of pulling me out of my own head, making me forget for a second how tightly wound I usually was.
I swallowed, rubbing the back of my neck. “This is… new for me.”
Eli nodded like he already knew. His voice dropped, quieter now. “I get that.” His thumb traced slow, steady circles over the back of my hand. “You letting me in—it means something. I know that. I won’t take it for granted.” His gaze flickered down to our intertwined fingers, lingering like he was memorizing the way they fit together.
The words settled in my chest, heavier than I expected, but not in a bad way. I wasn’t used to being seen like this. But Eli did. And somehow, that made it feel less terrifying.
I let out a breath, meeting his gaze. “I like you, Eli.”
His smile softened. “Good. Because I like you too.”
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