Paloma gave me her full attention. “I like that you stuck to your guns, did what was best for the child, despite the outside pressure.”
I fisted and opened my hands, trying to release some of the tension that had flowed into my body with the gathering crowd. “That’s my job.”
“Not everyone would maintain that position.” She smiled, her eyes bright behind her glasses. “I like you, Keelie. I’ve seen a lot of women, too many women, parade through this organization over the last few years—not with Cormac,” she hastened to say, no doubt in response to my stricken expression. “He’s never dated. At least as far as I know. But the other boys…” She pursed her lips, clarifying that she didn’t consider all the large men in front of her fully developed.
“I’ve always thought Cormac was special,” she added after a moment. “And I think with the team captain showing these boys what they should look for in a partner, there’s bound to be positive change. Just more slowly than I’d like.”
I turned back to the crowd and found Cormac’s attention on me. He’d been monitoring me, even surrounded by the rest of the team and ever-more fans. Pleasure spread through my chest. He was a good man—a very good one, just as Paloma had said. While daunted at the prospect of being the captain’s partner, I liked the idea, too.
Marian had been wrong. I straightened my spine and squared my shoulders. Cormac wantedme, needed me, and Ideservedhim. I knew he wanted more from me—all of me—and I wanted to give that to him.
As soon as we could get away from the craziness of Houston hockey fans.
Chapter29
Cormac
“Thank you for today,” Keelie said as we entered my house, Keelie carrying Slippers. We’d detoured by her place to collect her cat and all of its paraphernalia. I’d wrinkled my nose at the litter box, deciding to get one for my place, stat.
Keelie’s nose, cheeks, and chin were pink from the sun, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. I left the litter box in the laundry room while Keelie carried the cat into the kitchen. Once Keelie set Slippers down, we watched her sniff the space before wandering off.
Keelie raised her gaze to me, and I aligned our hips and wrapped my arms around her waist before I kissed her. Her sweet taste bloomed across my tongue, and I craved more. Her fingernails dug into my shoulders as she opened her mouth. We both groaned as our tongues tangled, danced. Breathless, I moved down to inhale and nibble on her neck. She tipped her head back, pressing her breasts into my chest.
I tightened my arms, laving my tongue down the column of her throat. She slid one hand down my back to cup my butt. I pressed my groin against her as I teased the spot where her neck and shoulder met. Keelie crawled up my legs to wrap her thighs around my waist. The heat of her center rubbed against my aching dick. She shifted, searching for friction.
I gripped the kitchen counter behind her just in case my knees gave out. Damn, I wanted this woman. Lust swirled hot as I sought her lips again and settled her on the counter.
Before I asked, she’d tugged off her shirt and unclasped her bra. I palmed her soft breasts, loving how they plumped in my hands. I pinched her nipples between my thumbs and forefingers even as I sucked on her lower lip.
She reared back, expression tight. “Take off your shirt.”
I whipped it off. She pressed her palms to my pecs, and I couldn’t stop myself from flexing. She cooed over my muscles, petting me, and I panted even as I returned the favor.
“Let’s go upstairs,” she said.
She wrapped her arms and legs around me, and I slid an arm underneath that sexy ass before I stumbled toward the stairs. I felt drunk with need. Keelie torched my senses, and I struggled against my desire to tug down our pants right there in the hall. I maneuvered up the stairs and into my bedroom, dropping a knee onto the bed so she landed on the duvet. Before she could move, I’d divested her of her shoes and rested my hands on the waistband of her pants.
“Can I…”
Her hands moved over mine and undid the button. I released her zipper. She lifted her hips as I slid the material down her legs.
And, just like that, my fantasy lay spread out before me: Keelie Hayes with her hair like a bright halo around her head, wearing those tiny, polka-dotted panties, lying on my bed.
“Fuuuuuuuck.”
She lifted onto her elbows, causing her taut stomach muscles to flex. I tightened my abs, expecting her to touch me. Instead, she stripped off her panties and spread her legs just enough to give me a view of the treasure I wanted between them.
Chapter30
Keelie
Trembling with nerves, I refused to let that stop me. I wanted this man, physically and emotionally…as close to me as possible. I wanted us to find happiness together. But my words failed me, and my tongue felt heavy in my mouth as he stared down at me.
Finally, he brought a large hand to my lower abdomen, just above my trimmed mound.
My muscles flexed and my legs shifted, restless.
His eyes were dark, his pupils wide, lips parted. His chest rose and fell in rapid pants. “You are so beautiful.”
