“Thanks. Pure instinct.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet. You’ve got a lot of miles on you.” The corner of his mouth quirks and I scowl at him.
Low fucking blow.
“One day you’ll be as good as me, Rookie. Don’t worry,” I smirk as he slugs down the rest of his whiskey.
“Fuck off, Steele.”
“I think I will. Gotta ice before bed.” I slap my quad for emphasis, selling the lie.
“Geezer.” His lips quirk and I flip him the bird.
“Keller wanted a light night. What can I say? I’m a model citizen.” I set my glass down and scribble my signature on the tab.
Morrison snorts. “Boring…”
But I couldn’t care less. I’m already moving out of the bar.
Alone in the elevator, I text Tori:
Five minutes.
Then I snap a selfie in the mirrored door and text it to theHockey brosgroup chat.
Bennett: Off to ice. Good win tonight
Captain America: Thanks
Goalie Boy: Teamwork makes the dreamwork
Captain America: Of course you’d say that
Weston sends a goalie GIF and I Haha the stupid meme, one of Weston’s favorites.
Captain America: Glad you’re making good choices, Puck Bunny
Bennett: Don’t worry about me, Captain
Bennett: Night
I silence my phone and slide it into my pocket, flipping my hood up. The elevator dings at Tori’s floor and I step out, my heart hammering against my ribcage. I glance in both directions. All clear.
Eyes down, I move quickly to her door and knock once.
She opens the door a few inches, then steps back and leaves it ajar. I push in, shutting and locking the door behind me with a shaky exhale.
Tori’s room is higher up than mine, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city skyline. She’s standing at the window, gazing out at the sparkling lights. Bathed in the golden glow from the lamp, she’s stunning, every curve highlighted.
“Nice view.” I wind my arms around her waist, pulling her up against me.
“The city’s spectacular at night.”
“I wasn’t talking about Chicago.” I nuzzle her ear, kissing along her jawline. Her lips tip into a slow smile as I move down her neck. A tiny moan vibrates her throat and I nip at that freckle, her eyes fluttering closed as her body relaxes into me.
“Are we good?” I murmur between kisses.
“Mmm…”
