When I can focus again, Jamie's kissing his way back up my body, his expression soft but hungry. "You're so gorgeous when you let go," he whispers against my skin.
I pull him up to kiss him properly, tasting myself on his tongue. His cock is hard against my hip, and I slide my hand between us to touch him.
"Show me," I whisper. "Show me what you like."
His breath catches as I stroke him. "Like that, just... fuck, a little tighter..."
I follow his instructions, cataloging every gasp and moan, filing away what makes him shake. His face when he comes is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
After, he gathers me close, pressing soft kisses to my temple. "You're amazing," he murmurs. "So perfect for me."
I turn my face into his neck, overwhelmed by the tenderness. For the first time in my life, I feel truly seen. Truly wanted. Truly... whole.
We lie tangled together, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin, and I realize I don't want to rebuild my walls. Not with him.
"Jamie," I whisper, meaning to say so much more. But he just pulls me closer, like he understands everything I can't put into words.
"I've got you," he says softly. "Always."
Chapter 27
RYLAN
The room is quiet, just our breathing and the faint hum of the hotel's air conditioning. Jamie's fingers trace lazy patterns on my skin, and I let myself sink into the sensation. Unfortunately, it's not long before reality starts to creep back in.
What are we doing?
"Hey." Jamie's voice is concerned. He must feel how I've tensed up. "I can hear you thinking from here."
I force myself to take a steady breath. I'm not going to panic and run like I did before, but I know we have to talk about… whatever this is.
"Jamie..." My voice comes out gravelly. "We should probably..."
"If you're about to tell me this was a mistake again, I'm going to strongly disagree," he says, his tone calm but firm.
I shift against him, needing to see his face. In the dim light, his eyes are serious despite his attempt at lightness.
"It's not a mistake. But it's also not… It's not that simple," I manage.
"Why not?" His hand stills on my shoulder. "Because you're not out? Because I am? Because we're teammates?"
"All of the above?" I try to pull away, but he holds me in place, and no part of me wants to fight him. "Jamie, I can't ask you to hide yourself because of me."
"You're not asking." His voice is firm but gentle. "I'm offering."
That stops me. "What?"
"Look." He props himself up on one elbow, his blue eyes intent on mine. "After Florida... I can't afford any drama. I can't have any more headlines about my personal life."
Understanding dawns slowly. "You... you want to keep this quiet too?"
"For now." His thumb brushes my jaw. "Until we figure out what this is. Until we're both ready."
Hope flares in my chest. "Are you sure? Because it's not fair to ask you to hide, just because I'm too much of a cowar—"
"Hey." He cuts me off again, placing the pad of his thumb against my lips. "This isn't about you asking for anything. This is us making a choice that works right now. For both of us."
I search his face for any hint that he's just saying what I want to hear. But all I can find is sincerity and warmth.
