I’m a total goner for this woman.
I shoot her a cocky wink and skate over to the glass where she’s standing behind the bench. Morrison’s chirping, Callum and Weston whooping.
Coach shakes his head, but his lips tug at the corners. “It’s always something with you, Steele.”
I ignore all of them.
The only person that matters in this moment is Tori.
Before anyone can stop me, I’m over the gate and claiming her mouth in a hard, hungry kiss. The crowd’s cheers turn to ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’, and I’m more alive than I’ve ever been in my entire life.
“Mine,” I whisper. “No more secrets.”
Then I drop back and skate away, saluting the crowd.
Still a little chaotic.
But this time it’s on purpose.
EPILOGUE: BENNETT
The season’s going great. We’re 18-9-2 right now, and Coach Keller’s confident we’ll make the playoffs.
Good enough for me.
Tori’s splitting her time between New York and Florida. We never go more than ten days without seeing each other. We’re both racking up the frequent flyer miles, but I don’t mind. Gives me a chance to get out of Driftwood Cove and back to the city, and she loves coming down to the beach.
Right now, it works.
Six weeks ago, I was sitting in a dark, empty condo convinced I’d lost her for good.
Now, the most amazing woman in the world’s typing away at the kitchen island when I get home from practice.
“I have to send a quick email, then I’ll be ready to go to the bonfire.” Tori glances up as I walk in the door and I can’t believe how lucky I am.
“Perfect.” I drop my gear in the entrance, then walk over and wrap my arms around her body, soaking her in.
Being with Tori — all in, out in the open — is like standing in a magnetic forcefield. Charged, electric.
I kiss her cheek, her earlobe, down her neck. Inhaling her sweet scent, the floral perfume I’d recognize anywhere.
“Bennett…” She swats at my arm, smiling. “I’m never going to finish. Not with you distracting me.”
“I didn’t know anyone was capable of distracting you.”
“Not true. You know exactly what you’re capable of.”
I grin, happiness bursting in my chest.
“Fine, Sunshine. I’ll give you two minutes. Then you’re all mine.”
“Deal.” She turns back to the keyboard and I try not to bother her.
It’s damn hard, with her only two feet away.
“Done.” With a decisive tap, she closes her laptop and stands. “I’ll go get changed.”
“I can help with that,” I tease, following her to the bedroom. She’s already stripping out of her blouse, unzipping her skirt.
