With an intentionality I feel down to my toes, Nat slips his hand around the back of my neck, secures the other around my waist and gathers me up for a kiss.
I wrap my arms around him, leaning into the embrace despite my shock.
His lips are warm and firm against me. His hand on the back of my neck is possessive.
A buzzing starts in the base of my skull.
Is this really happening?
Nat tilts his head, sipping from my lips as if he’s been waiting for this moment all his life. And I realize the answer is yes.
Yes, it’s happening.
I’m glad Nat is holding me because I would very well melt into a puddle if he didn’t have a grip on me.
The kiss is both passionate and tender, striking a perfect balance of helpless longing and control. Every thought flees my brain, leaving me completely blank and totally intoxicated.
The sound of the locker room door creaking open reminds us that we’re not alone.
Nat breaks the kiss and looks down at me, his eyes burning in a sort of focused, dangerous gleam that’s spilled over from the game.
His thumb brushes under my bottom lip, slow and deliberate, as if he’s grounding himself.
And, in a fit of post-kissing haze, I say the first thing that pops into my head.
“You pass.”
Chapter Forty-Six
NATHAN
“Incredible work, Campbell.”Someone slaps me on the back when I enter the locker room.
“No wonder you made it to the league.”
“You gotta teach me how you did that.”
The compliments are never-ending and flood in from all corners—in the locker room, in front of the reporters and at an impromptu meet and greet that breaks out when I step into the lobby.
Cameras flash.
Notepads, hockey jerseys, even a baby is shoved at me to sign.
Which is… interesting.
I’m trying to soak it all in and enjoy the moment but, honestly, I just want to get to Riley and spend some time with her.
I check my watch as I sign yet another T-shirt.
Finally, the flow of excited fans fizzles out and I eagerly head to the door. To my surprise, Renea is waiting outside. She gets off the phone and pierces me with an excited grin.
“Renea?” My eyebrows climb. “I thought you’d left already.”
Her heels clip the concrete as she does a power walk in my direction. “I wanted to attend a party, but I couldn’t leave without seeing you first. Nat, what agame. I knew you were good, but you exceeded my expectations.”
“Thanks. Let me walk you to your car and you can head to that party.” I take the stairs, hoping that she’ll get the hint and won’t trap me in conversation.
Renea’s footsteps clatter after me. “I’ve been on the phone non-stop. Fans are sharing clips of the last few minutes of the scrimmage and it’s gaining traction. Fast. Very important people are talking about you.”
