“The name’s fun, different, like everything about being in Houston. I like the differences, though. They make us a better team, a more cohesive unit.” He peered down at me. “So…will you sit in the CATS section and cheer for me?”
“Are you sure? We’ve been on one date.”
“Two.”
I frowned.
“Tonight’s our second date. I hope you’ll let me make you dinner.”
“Make me…” My world kept teetering on its axis, re-righting itself, only to almost spin off again.
“You need to eat, right?”
“Eventually.”
“Will you do it with me?” He leaned in closer, running his nose down my cheek, his lips grazing my jaw.
“I’d like that.” My voice turned breathy, and my tummy wobbled with pleasure.
“Good. And we’ll do another date soon.”
“You’re sure you want me…” I licked my lips. “You want to be exclusive with me?”
The soft brush of his lips came back up toward mine. Without conscious thought, I turned my head, seeking his mouth.
Chapter12
Cormac
Our lips touched, and electricity blazed between us. My hands dropped to her hips, and my fingers flexed. She was taut but soft, and I gathered her closer, needing more of her taste.
Keelie was special. Whatever happened between us, I was delighted to get to know her, to learn her secrets—that started with her taste. I parted my lips so I could drag my tongue across her lower lip. She opened for me, making a soft, desperate sound even as she pressed closer, crushing her breasts to my chest.
I tipped my head and deepened the kiss, enjoying her flavor as it exploded on my tongue, a headiness curling through my senses. Kissing Keelie jumped to the top of my favorite pastimes.
She wound her arms around my neck, so I lowered one of my arms to under her butt and lifted her. Her legs clasped around my middle, her softness framing my growing hardness, and all the while, our lips and tongues met, tasted, and danced.
Much as I wanted to notch myself into the warm V created by her trim thighs, she mattered too much for me to take this quickly. I didn’t want to regret a moment with her. With difficulty, I pulled back, smiling as she sought my lips again.
We finally broke apart, breathing hard. She pressed her fingertips to her lips, her other hand playing with the hair at my nape. I lowered my forehead to touch hers. “To answer your question, I’m sure I want to be exclusive. After a kiss like that…” I dragged my tongue over my lips, enjoying the hints of Keelie on my tongue. “I’m going to need to kiss you again. And again.”
She unhooked her heels from my back and slithered down my body. “I can agree with that.”
“Good.” I gave her hips a squeeze. “Now, let’s commence with this date. What do you want to eat?”
Keelie shrugged. “I’m fairly adventurous. Do you have a diet you need to maintain?”
As I went over my trainer’s food suggestions, I preheated the oven and pulled open the freezer.
“These are the pre-made meals my trainer prefers me to eat,” I said, waving my hand to showcase the foil-wrapped packages. “But if none of that looks good, we can always cook up some whole-wheat pasta with shrimp.”
Her expression lit up at the prospect, but then she pulled out a flaky whitefish meal with herbed sweet potatoes and green beans. That one wasn’t my favorite, but it was flavorful, and Keelie seemed intrigued. My chef’s helpings were always generous, typically enough for two people—in case I had company. I added it to the oven and set the timer for forty minutes. Then I grabbed her hand.
“Let me show you around.” I took her around downstairs, including my home gym that led out onto the pool deck. Many Houston properties had pools, but mine was for laps, so it was a full twenty-five meters long. The stamped concrete surround included an attached hot tub large enough for eight. “I like to sit in there after my cool down. Keeps my muscles loose.”
She nodded, dazed. Keelie had said little about her upbringing, but I got the sense her family never had much extra. From her point of view, my lifestyle must be ostentatious, maybe even ridiculous. I glanced over toward the house next door where our goalie, Adam Kramer, lived. Everything about his place was bigger and flashier. I’d become so used to Adam flaunting his wealth, I didn’t really see my own.
“Mind if I dip my toes in?” Keelie asked.
