Page 28 of She Wolf

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At the end of the game the team trudges off the ice sweaty, out of breath, and happy, having won our first game, 4-2. ‘The Heavy’ booms out of the speakers, the mood good. I vibrate with the adrenaline surging through my body as I undress while Coach gives feedback and Casey says a few words.

Soon, but not soon enough, the six of us are making our way up to the family room. As usual, Jack is the first to meet us. His face splits in half with the smile he wears and he’s eager to hand out the high fives. Knox picks him up and he gives us the play-by-play of the game.

I wave at Mom and June who are engrossed in a conversation, and I glance over at Coralie, my feet automatically moving in her direction. She gazes up at me, those beautiful blue pools sparkling with pride and excitement.

“That was some game,” she exclaims as she places a quick kiss on my cheek.

Her lips feel soft and warm and my skin tingles even after she’s pulled away, making me smile wide.

Oh wow, I’m feeling a little possessive. Like I want to tell the whole world she’s mine.

And fuck is she mine. We both stare at each other, unable to keep the smiles from our faces. I’m desperate to pull her into me but Jack is here. Instead, I’ll bide my time, knowing that this is only the start of everything we’ve both wanted for a long time.

“Thanks. Everything just fell into place tonight,” I respond, running my hands through my damp hair.

“I’d say. A goal and an assist; it doesn’t get better than that,” she beams.

“That’s my GG, impressive as ever,” my mom says smiling at Coralie as she sidles up beside me, hugging into my arm. Coralie grins back but Jack distracts her before she can say anything else.

Mom and June walk me over to where they’d left their little wheely luggage in the far corner, away from the bustle and just as I bend down Mom says,

“So, GG, how are things on the love front?” She catches me off guard and I whip my head around to make sure no one heard her.

“Mom, jeez. You couldn’t have waited until we were in the car to ask that?”

She chuckles, June joining in. “Oh I think that's all the clarification we need don’t you think June?” They share another quiet laugh while my neck heats.

“Come on GG, we can tell something is going on,” Mom pushes and my cheeks puff as I resign myself to the fact that they won’t stop until I answer their questions.

Keeping my voice hushed and taking another cursory glance around the suite I say,

“It’s actually just got a little more interesting. Is it okay if I keep it to myself a while longer? It’s a recent thing. I just want to leave it at that for now.”

June’s grin widens, and she gives me a knowing wink while Mom’s eyes glisten with excitement.

“Yes, you can leave it at that.Thatbeing, Coralie’s divorced and you’re ready to go in all guns blazing, tell her how you feel about her and that boy of hers, move them into your house, and live happily ever after. Probably with a few more kids thrown in. Instead, you’re waiting, just like the man I raised you to be until she’s ready.”

Nailed it.

“Mom, I…” My hand finds the back of my neck.

“Sweetie, it’s okay. Just be you and it will all work out. I see the way she looks at you.”

I certainly saw the way she looked at me in the pantry. Even in the dark I could make out the need shining in her gaze. Shit, she’s a fucking siren. That’s for goddamn sure.

“You deserve to be happy Gunner, and Coralie is such a beautiful girl. So wonderful with Jack,” June adds, and Mom hums her agreement. But my eyes aren't on them as everyone begins to leave.

Instead, they’re focused on the woman for who there are not enough adjectives in the world to describe.Beautiful and wonderfuldon’t even come close.

The way I feel about Coralie burns deep and it takes everything I have to temper it. Two kisses won’t satisfy this need I have for her. I don’t think an eternity of kissing will. Thinking about it makes me rub my chest.

With one last look thrown over her shoulder, Coralie has my eyes glued to her as she leaves—that sexy ass swaying as she goes.

Soon, Gunner, soon.

I pick up my hockey bag along with Mom and June’s luggage and repeat that mantra all the way home.

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