“Slowly,” he reminds me, then I feel his lips gliding along my skin, from the bottom of one shoulder blade, across my spine, and over to the other shoulder, blazing a path of tingles where the ribbon had been.
Twice more, he manages to roll me, letting me get repositioned on the bed so I don’t tumble off, but he makes me go ever so slowly. His kisses move along my skin like whispered promises. While they are nothing more than the softest of kisses, I’m incredibly turned on by his ministrations.
Finally, I’m on my back, and he’s lifting the last swath of ribbon from across my breasts. He uncovers one, following that with soft kisses over the swells, and, finally, his tongue to my nipple. My back arches, my hands going to his head. I could have Kane work at my nipples all day—it feels so good. I swear, if I gave him free rein, I almost bet I could come that way.
Kane switches to my other breast. This time, he uses teeth.
“Yes,” I cry, bolstering Kane to lavish even more attention there.
By now, my hips are starting to gyrate of their own accord even though he’s done nothing besides kiss my back and breasts. I open my eyes—hadn’t realized they’d closed, actually—and realize that, based on the angle of where Kane kneels beside me, his cock is within easy reach. I take it in hand while he sucks hard on my nipple, giving it a few none-too-gentle tugs. In our brief time as lovers, I quickly realized he likes things a little rough sometimes.
Groaning, he sucks once more on my nipple before he lets it pop free of his mouth. He stares down, eyes dark and fevered.
“Time to roll again,” he says thickly.
When I do, I sadly have to let go of his dick, but comfort myself with the knowledge I’ll have it back in hand when I make it around again.
Except when he rolls me this time, I realize the ribbon is lifting from my back as it snakes down to the center of my ass.
I go still as Kane’s mouth burns fire, trailing after the ribbon. When he pulls the silk out from between my ass, he presses his lips to one cheek. Softly, he kisses me there…until he suddenly bites.
A sharp pain, but one easily soothed as he runs his tongue over it.
My legs spread to give him access to the ribbon, but I realize he can’t tug it free with me on my stomach.
Kane shifts, then he pushes my legs apart. Next thing I know, he’s roughly hauling me up to my hands and knees, the soft slither of the ribbon sending goosebumps up my spine as it unwinds from my pussy. I bet if I looked at it right now, it would be darkened with the evidence of my desire.
I expect Kane to shift again, to put himself in a position where his mouth can travel the path the ribbon took. God, he’s the greatest at oral. He can make me come in seconds with that tongue.
Instead, I’m shocked to my core when, instead of his mouth, the tip of his cock dips into my wet entrance before Kane thrusts deep into me.
“Sorry,” he apologizes before he even bottoms out. Grinding into me, he grunts. “But I couldn’t fucking wait any longer.”
I laugh, flip my head back, and peek over my shoulder. His eyes meet mine, no apology in them. Instead, a fierce determination to bring us both to climax flares brightly.
“Hold tight, Noodle. Going to ride you hard.”
With ribbon around my waist, pooled on the bed below me, and still wrapped down one leg, Kane fucks me from behind like he’s never fucked me before. His hips dip and roll in just the right way so I get every miraculously lovely inch of his cock inside me. In no time, my body starts trembling with the need to find my release.
Faster and faster, he continues thrusting into me. I meet each with a backward glide of my hips. Our skin slaps loudly. I make mewling sounds I can’t seem to control, and Kane starts cursing under his breath in harsh pants.
And then I’m exploding. Kane follows, lunging into me so fiercely as he unloads that he drives me down into the mattress. Over and over again, he grinds into me, milking every last drop from his spent cock while I can do nothing but shake from the force of my orgasm.
“Christ, that was good,” Kane mutters, rolling his weight off me. His cock slides free, and I manage to turn my head his way, not having the strength to do anything else. “Give me five minutes, Molls, and I’m going to finish unwrapping you, then I intend to spend a lot of time with my mouth between your legs.”
I just had the motherload of all orgasms, yet at his promise to eat me out, I think I feel another one starting to bubble. How…
Damn, I love this man… whose very words have the power to make my body do things I didn’t know it could.
We’re quiet for several long moments—that kind of quiet where lovers can just be with each other without the need to be heard.
When I finally feel strength return to my muscles, I roll toward Kane, then set my chin on his chest. With a smirk, he looks down. “I think you broke me.”
“Ditto,” I reply, gliding a finger over his collarbone. “What’s on your agenda for the rest of the day?”
“I want to get a workout in,” he replies, then chuckles. “Not that what we did wasn’t a workout, but I want to lift weights. Want to come with me?”
I wrinkle my nose in distaste. “I am extremely averse to working out, and you know this. I’ll probably just hang around here. Maybe take Samson out for a few walks.”
Kane shifts slightly so he can see me better. “Since we don’t have a game, I thought tonight we could maybe…”
“What’s that?”
“You and I have never been on a date,” he says. “We’ve done things all out of sorts, but it seems a travesty we never even had a first date. So how about a candlelit dinner where we get all dressed up?”
“But I don’t have anything dressy,” I reply, though, admittedly, my insides are incredibly warm and gooey over such a romantic idea.
“Then may I suggest a shopping trip with one of your new girlfriends? I believe at last count there were seven to choose from,” he replies dryly.
“Six. Willow is back in Los Angeles.”
But yeah… I’ll shoot them a text to see if anyone wants to help me pick out a tastefully sexy dress for my first date with Kane.
CHAPTER 17
Kane
While we won’t have the traditional moment where I pick Mollie up at her home for our first date, we agreed to get ready in separate bedrooms so as not to see each other. Mollie and Regan had decided to go shopping, and while she wouldn’t show me her dress, she assured me I’d like it.
I pick my best suit… a tailored French design in a herringbone grey. The jacket has a notched collar and a three-button front. I pair it with a light blue shirt and a tie that’s just about three shades darker than the shirt with a darker navy-blue print of some design. They look like amoebas to me, but I think the salesman might have said it was paisley. Regardless, it looks good together.
After a tiny bit of mousse to sweep my hair back and a spray of Clive Christian 1872 cologne, I’m just about ready. I move to my closet, pulling out the bag I’d brought in earlier when I returned from my workout. Inside is a flower bouquet, slightly wilted by now, but I couldn’t very well put them in the fridge as the florist suggested. Mollie would have seen them and the box of chocolates.
It’s entirely lame, cliché, and typical, but I can’t fucking help it. I’ve never brought a woman flowers or chocolate. The worst that’s going to happen is Mollie might laugh her ass off at me for being a sappy romantic. That most certainly won’t offend me. I’m sure I’ll be laughing right along with her, but she’ll get pretty flowers and expensive candy all the same.
The clock on my nightstand reads six-thirty. I’d told her to stay in the guest room with the door closed and I’d pick her up, and it’s time.
When I knock at the door, I feel the need to tug on my tie. My nerves are a bit frazzled, but I can’t because one hand holds the flowers and the other the chocolates.
Mollie opens the door, and I about swallow my tongue as I take her in. I’ve seen her dressed up bef
ore when we went to formal functions together in college, but I’m seeing her through a different lens right now.
Boyfriend eyes are a lot different than best-friend eyes, and I think she may be the most amazing creature I’ve ever beheld.
She does a little twirl, causing the skirt of her sky-blue dress to billow outward. It’s cinched tight at the waist, hanging to her knees in what looks like layers. The top hugs her body like a second skin, cut low in the front, and sits just off her shoulders. Mollie rocks the beachy-waved hair of a southern California girl. It cascades over her shoulders and down her back.
Around her throat is a fragile silver necklace I recognize immediately. I gave it to her for Christmas about four years ago. It has a small starfish charm on it. It isn’t anything fancy since we never exchanged expensive presents, but it is the first time I remember her wearing it.
Her fingers go there as she notices me staring at it.
My eyes move up to hers, and she looks as nervous as I feel. Still, it’s not hard to speak the truth. “You look beautiful. I’m seriously considering saying to hell with our date, then dragging you to bed.”
“Really?” she asks in a tone that says the idea is appealing to her as well.
“No, not really,” I say with a laugh, then present my gifts. “I got you flowers and chocolates, and I scored an exclusive table at the fanciest restaurant in Phoenix. We’re going on our first date, and we’re going to have a great time.”
We linger while Mollie puts her flowers in water. I don’t have a vase, but I do have a nice pitcher I make margaritas in. I have to say, it works well. The chocolates are put in a cabinet, so Samson doesn’t make a play for them.
There’s much oohing and aahing by Mollie as she says goodbye to her pooch. She has him settle on the couch with his favorite chew toy, then we slip out hand in hand.
♦
“This has been incredible,” Mollie says as she takes her last bite of dessert. It was a chocolate ball concoction the waiter had poured more hot chocolate over, which then melted the ball to reveal a raspberry chocolate torte inside. It was a lot of damn chocolate. I had a bite, but it was too rich. Rarely do I indulge in dessert, but I do have a glass of port in its place.
I glance around the restaurant. Dominik had made the recommendation after a quick text from me asking for the finest restaurant in Phoenix. I knew he would be the one out of all my friends, teammates, and coaches who would have the answer.
He had recommended this place—simply called Dine—and then promptly told me it took at least three weeks to get a reservation.
Before I could even respond, though, he had texted again. But I’ll get you the best table in the place for 7:30 tonight.
That man was just fucking awesome.
“So, a good first date?” I ask for clarification.
“The best I’ve ever had,” she assures me as she pushes her dessert plate away. “I’m stuffed.”
“Me too.” I lift my glass, then take a tiny sip of the port. “Would it be bad form to suggest we put on sweatpants and watch a movie when we get home?”
Mollie laughs. “That would be perfect form to me.”
“How’s it going at Clarke’s bookstore?” I ask. Mollie has been working at the shop for a few hours here and there. She doesn’t need the money, but it’s a way to get out of the apartment and get some socialization.
“She’s great,” Mollie replies with a fond smile. “And it’s an enjoyable way to pass the time.”
Her words hang in the air, but I know her well. There’s more to say, so I take a guess and fill in the blank. “But it’s not what you want to do.”
Mollie nods. “I’m not ready to go back on the road, and I don’t know if I ever will be. I mean, the thing with Matthew shook me up, and I’m relishing my time with you right now.”
“You’ll know when the time is right,” I assure her. While it pains me to think about her leaving, I’ll never hold her back.
Her eyes get a little bright. “I had an idea, though. I’m not sure if it’s stupid or what.”
“Tell me.”
She tips her head to the side with a coy smile as she glances away. When her eyes return to mine, she says, “I was thinking of maybe writing a travel guidebook. And not a typical one telling you where to go, but instead to travel how I do. For those people who want to pack up a car with the bare essentials and go on an adventure.”
“I love it,” I exclaim. “Your travel blog is so popular; I bet you could even get a publisher to jump at the idea.”
She shrugs. “It will be something to do until I can decide if I ever want to hit the road again.”
I take another sip of my port. “I’ll travel with you in the summer if you want,” I offer. For a second, I think I’ve offended her.
Her face pales slightly, her eyes going round. But the shaky tone of her voice reassures me that I didn’t offend her in the slightest. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course I would,” I say.
“You’d give up your entire summer to travel with me?” she queries, clearly stupefied.
“I’d be with you, Mollie. I wouldn’t be giving up anything.”
“I travel cheap and light. It’s not comfortable.”
“But I’d be with you,” I reply simply.
Mollie’s gaze drops to her lap, and I can tell she’s fiddling with her napkin. It’s obvious she’s working out something in her mind.
Finally, she lifts her eyes to mine. “I want to say something. And it’s important, so I just want you to listen. And when I’m done, I don’t want you to respond to what I’m saying. You can talk about something else if you want then, but, right now, just listen.”
Something skitters up my spine. I’m not sure if it’s foreboding or what, but I tamp it down. “Okay.”
Mollie takes a breath, lets it out slowly, then reaches across the table for my hand. “I love you, Kane. I’ve loved you for years, but in a different way than I mean right now. I’ve loved you as a friend and a confidant—as the trusted person who would always be there for me—forever. But we’ve never really shared those words, and I’ve been wondering when the right time would be to tell you. Is it too soon since we’ve only been intimate for like ten days? Or maybe I should have told you after that wonderful time we first had sex? I don’t know the answer, but my heart wants me to say it to you now. So that you know I love you as a friend and confidant, as that trusted person who has always been there for me, and as my lover and boyfriend. As the man who is more important to me than anyone and anything else. I don’t know where we’re going or where this path will end up taking us, but I’m excited about it. And I don’t want you to give me any words back right now. Just let this settle. Let it be enough that I’ve said it to you. Besides, I’m pretty sure I know how you feel. Maybe you can spring it on me at some time I’m not expecting it, then I’ll kiss you, we’ll make love, and then celebrate our relationship together. But for now… let’s talk about something else.”
It’s a good thing she doesn’t want me to say anything because I’m not sure I can. The air had been sucked out of my lungs, my throat drying up like the desert, when she told me she loved me. My head swam, and my heart threatened to explode from my chest.
It was the most exciting thing that has ever happened in my entire life. Of course, I love her back in the same way. And she knows it. It’s why she’s not expecting it from me in the same way. She doesn’t want it to be trite or overly dramatic. Tonight was her right time.
She wants mine to be the right one for me.
I squeeze her hand, shooting a smile her way. Then I pull my hand back, changing the subject as she requested. “So… Jim has this crazy idea about following his wife to find out more about the man she’s dating, and he’s asked me to help.”
Mollie grins, happy I’ve followed her request. “That’s kind of cute, I suppose.”
“I think he’s a husband who loves his wife and wants to make his marriage work
, but he doesn’t quite know what to do.”
“Then you should help him,” she replies with a firm nod.
CHAPTER 18
Mollie
It’s not my first professional sporting event.
Not my first professional hockey game.
Definitely not the first time I’ve watched Kane skate onto the ice.
But tonight, it’s all so different.
The atmosphere inside the arena is hair-raising. As the team warmed up, the music blasted so loudly I could feel the concrete flooring beneath my feet vibrate. There wasn’t an empty seat when the game started, which is impressive considering this is still just the pre-season, but the fact the Vengeance are now defending Cup champions has fueled the excitement over the season starting.
Kane had previously arranged a season ticket for me in the section meant for the family members of Vengeance players. With some more rearranging once I arrived, orchestrated mainly by Brooke and Blue, I was able to sit in the row directly behind them. Even luckier was that I was flanked by Nora, Pepper, and Clarke. Willow was up in the owner’s box with Dominik. Regan, being Willow’s sister-in-law, chose to sit up there, too.
While I’m not sure it will be like this every game—having the opportunity to sit with these women—I feel like I’ve made lifelong friendships in this short amount of time. It’s a definite sisterhood, so to speak, and they’ve welcomed me into their ranks with open arms. Of course, they all think Kane and I have the most incredibly romantic story. They practically swoon when they talk about us.
But while hanging out with these girls at various times over the last few weeks, I’ve realized they each had their own incredible journey to find love that began roughly a year ago when Brooke—who just happens to be Coach Perron’s daughter—had a one-night stand with Bishop, our team’s captain. Neither one knew or recognized the other. Yet, when they realized, they somehow fell into a crazy fake engagement to appease the prickly coach. It had all ended well, and they are happily married now.
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