Page 31 of Sneaking Around with the Player
“Mmm.” I brush my lips against hers again. “Let’s see if we can change that into something more...enthusiastic.”
Reaching down, I scoop her up. She squeals as her feet leave the ground. I love the feel of her silky dress and the sound of her sweet laughter as I slant my mouth over hers. The noises coming from her are sexy as hell. Her body grips tighter to mine as our tongues tangle.
Her heart beats rapidly and I’m breathless when she stops suddenly. “Half the Valley U football team is inside.”
“I saw.” I set her down but keep her close. “Should I be worried about Castle?”
“Emmett?” She laughs. “No, but we should probably stay out here.”
Stella wraps her arms around her waist. I take off my coat and drape it around her shoulders.
“We can go anywhere you want,” I say.
With a smile, she tips her head toward the front of the building. “If we sit close, we can hear the music.”
Stella leads me to a bench off to the side of the front entrance. Some holiday tune plays, but I can’t quite put my finger on the song.
When I take the seat beside her, she angles her body toward mine. “Why are you here? Really.”
I rub my hands together in front of me. “I went to a buddy from high school’s house tonight. An old teammate. We got to talking and I don’t know...it all seemed so dumb. I like you; you like me. I’m only home for ten more days and I want to hang out. Who knows how long it’ll be until we’re in the same state again.”
“Yeah.” She nods slowly, as if she’s thinking. Then her lips part and she hits me with a smile that has my heart rate picking up speed. “Yeah. You’re right. It all seems so silly. I’ve been uphere dying to see you and here you are. Of course, we should hang out. Do you want to go somewhere else?”
“Nah. I know you were looking forward to this. Has it lived up to your expectations?”
“Oh yeah. Did you see the decorations inside? Trees in every corner, gaudy wreaths, and lights.” Her eyes widen. “So many lights. It’s amazing.”
“You really like Christmas, huh?”
“Of course. It’s the best time of the year.” She bumps her shoulder against mine. “How have things been at home?”
“Eh.” I stretch my legs out in front of me. “More football and pep talks than holiday cheer, but that’s really more our style.”
“They’re proud of you. They wouldn’t push if they weren’t, but I get it. I’m sorry.”
I know she’s right, but it doesn’t make it any easier to sit through dinners where my dad replays every mistake I’ve made this year.
“You wanna dance?”
“Out here?” She grins.
“Or inside, whatever you want.”
She stands and shrugs out of my coat, then sets it on the bench. Her fingers grip mine and she tugs gently. I get to my feet, and we come together again. Her hands on my shoulders and mine around her waist. We sway to the music and I hum lightly under my breath.
Leaning forward, she rests her head on my chest. I run a hand along the back of her head, then twist my fingers around her braid. Now this...this is my kind of holiday cheer.
“Stella?”
“Yeah?” She tips her head back to meet my gaze.
The words get caught in my throat. “Nothing. Just wanted to look at you again.”
“Is that a line from a movie?” A playful smile dances on her lips.
“Probably.” I chuckle. “What can I say? You’re so gorgeous you make me want to spout cheesy lines.”
While she’s giggling, I wrap my arms around her tighter and take her mouth again.
