“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Better.”
“Yeah,” I agree, stubbing the toe pick of my skate into the floor. “It's always good to come home after a trip.”
“It's good to seeyou, Red.” My head lifts. I watch his throat bob, swallowing hard before he adds, “I missed you.”
“But you stopped responding, and I wasn’t sure—”
In a blink, Wes strides forward and pulls me against him, lowering his mouth to mine. I lose my train of thought, my leash on my emotions, and each strand of annoyance from not hearing from him the last few days. His mouth works like magic, erasing every worry and doubt, until all that’s left are the feelings I keep trying to ignore.
The ones that simmer deep in my belly when he’s near.
I throw myself into this kiss, letting it speak the words I don’t say. My hands land on each side of his head, sinking into his silky, unruly hair. One of his hands palms my ass, keeping me in place as he devours my mouth. I’ll never tire of his soft lips urgently sliding against mine, the occasional tease of his tongue. I whimper each time it withdraws.
It bothered me not hearing from Wes because I missed him too. In this way, and every other.
He leans his forehead against mine. “Your focus should be on your skating. We can talk about everything after this weekend.”
Part of me wants to push the issue, but I always wanted my romantic partner to take my career as seriously as I do. Wes doesn’t want to interfere with my preparation, willing to put what’s best for me above everything else. So I’m going to let him.
“I’ll, uh, see you when I’m back?”
“And in the crowd.”
“You’ll be there?”
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I never missed a chance to watch you skate, Isla, even when it hurt.”
“I wish I had seen you play hockey.”
“Play your cards right, and I’ll break out some highlights.”
I raise onto my tiptoes to kiss him briefly on the mouth, scraping my teeth along his bottom lip as I withdraw. “You’re going to need to make sure we’re alone for that.”
He squeezes my hand. “It’s a date.”
The dreadedWhat are we doing?question blinks like a fucking neon sign in my mind again. We care about each other. We’re attracted to each other. But we’re also two jaded people who don’t want to repeat their messy romantic history, and who agreed to be casual.
“You’re going to be great.” Wes’s finger rubs the back of my hand in a soothing circular pattern. “You’ve worked your ass off. You’ve done everything you could to prepare. You’re ready, Isla.”
I wrap my arms around Wes’s middle, resting my head over his heart. The words don’t exist to explain what it means to have himrecognize my hard work and believe in me. I’m hit with that same rush I feel when I land a difficult element, and the crowd moves from collectively holding their breath to roaring to life with appreciation. A burst of warmth in my chest like a bonfire sparking to life on a cold winter’s night.
I didn’t need someone else to believe in me to know that I’m talented, that I can do anything that I commit to, but it feels fucking incredible to have it.
I lift my head off him. When our gazes collide, the embers of that fire spread beyond the boundaries of my chest. It’s impossible to ignore these feelings any longer and pretend that I don’t want more with Wes Davidson. After this weekend, I’ll confess the scary truth in my heart.
“I’ll see you in New York, Taz.”
I want Wes more than I thought possible. I crave his opinion, his steady presence, and his longing gazes. He could shatter my heart. It’s a terrifying prospect knowing that power rests with another person.
I head down the hallway toward the locker rooms, glancing at him every few steps. He tracks my movements, a smile etched across his face.He’s fucking beautiful when he smiles.
I’m overrun with gratitude that it’s me who puts it there.
Chapter 25
Isla
