“Sure.”
I open the door, and as I follow her inside, I have a hard time taking my eyes off her mouthwatering ass. For the view alone, I’d listen to her mock me all night long.
“Want to share a bucket of popcorn?”
“Sorry, I already had dinner.” She gives me a reassuring smile. “And I’m training for my next tournament.”
“You’re talking to a fellow professional athlete,” I remind her. “You don’t need to explain yourself to me.” Heart thumping in my ears and with a hand on the small of her back, I guide her to the hall. “This way.”
During the ads that play before the movie, we chat a little, and once the lights dim and the film starts, she crosses her arms and keeps her gaze on the screen, invested in the plot.
I, on the other hand, have no idea what’s happening. All I see is her. The way the corners of her mouth tremble when she’sholding back a smile. The way she arches her brow when she’s surprised by a scene. But also, the way she shifts in her seat each time our shoulders brush.
By the time the credits roll, I know I’m screwed. This isn’t even a free fall. It’s a strange, magical type of transportation. My attraction to this girl is already way too consuming.
I’ve never experienced anything like it.
Outside, the air is crisp. It’s a typical California night in December.
“I honestly expected you to bail,” I tell her as I walk her to her car, my hands in my pockets.
She smirks, giving me the side-eye. “I considered it.”
My chest tightens. “And?”
“And…I’m here, aren’t I?” She arches her brow.
My heart stutters, the sensation new and strange. I grin at her anyway. “I’m glad you are.”
As we stop by her car, the air between us shifts, and my skin heats. She toys with her car keys, her head tipped down.
I take a tiny step forward, desperate to touch her, my fingertips tingling. “I’ll be on the road in two days. Then I have a short break around Christmas before the grind starts up again. When can I see you?”
“I’m not sure.” She chews her bottom lip, pressing the tulips to her chest.
My heart stumbles, causing a pang in my chest. Dammit. I was?—
“I’ll be in Tahoe for Christmas. I rented a cabin for a week.” She smiles at me, her gray-green eyes emitting warmth. “I’m training here, but to get myself mentally ready for Australia, I need some time alone, in the woods, surrounded by snow.”
I blink, her words sinking in. Honestly, that makes complete sense now that I’ve done some research on her career.
“You’re a brave girl,” I murmur.
“I am…most of the time.”
Her voice, full of confidence and power, slides right under my skin. God, I’d give anything to get to know her better. To know all her secrets.
I want to know everything about Yana Lipnitskaja.
And I will.
I lean in slowly, zeroing in on her mouth for a moment before making eye contact again. She doesn’t move away. Instead, she watches me with interest in her expression. I cup her face and pull her into me. Our mouths meet, and it’s like the fucking Fourth of July going off in my head. Her lips are soft and luscious, and I want to devour them. The kiss is slow and soft at first, but when she opens her mouth, I slip my tongue inside, and it quickly becomes heated. Wild, even.
I’m so fucking gone for this girl, it’s not even funny.
With my forehead against hers, I confess, “I didn’t want to wait to do that till I see you again.”
“Good,” she murmurs. “But don’t get ahead of yourself, Golden Boy.”
