When her whole body shudders, I grip her chin, forcing her to mine as I still, coming inside her.
I carefully lower us until I’m flat on my back, her still pressed against me. We stay like that for a while until she rolls off me, and I slip into the bathroom to clean up. She’s curled into a ball when I step out with a washcloth in my hand.
She raises her brow in confusion as I gently urge her to open her legs and help clean her up. Her cheeks heat as I toss the washcloth in the hamper and climb back into bed next to her.
I stay awake to watch her fall asleep, hearing her breathing even out.
She curls into me, one hand resting on my chest like she did the first night she fell asleep in my bed. Only this time, it’s no accident.
This time, sleep comes easily, knowing she’s safe and in my arms.
Chapter Fourteen
Brinley
My eyes flick open at the sound of a loud thump against the hardwood. I sit up quickly, hand pressed to my chest, and Cooper’s face falls.
“Shit,” he says quickly. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
He’s halfway bent over at the foot of the bed, one boot tipped on its side where it must’ve slipped from his grip. Guilt flashes across his face.
I push up onto one elbow, blinking away the sleep from my eyes. “You were just gonna sneak out on me?”
I’m trying to smooth over my initial reaction, hoping he doesn’t think too much about the panic-stricken way I jolted awake.
His mouth curves like he’s been caught. “Wasn’t sneaking.”
“Mm-hmm.”
He straightens, running a hand through his hair. It’s still messy from sleep, his face soft in a way that makes him look younger despite the rough stubble covering his jaw. He looks less like someone who throws himself in front of flying pucks and more like the guy who held me all night.
“Morning skate,” he explains, stepping into his boot and adjusting his jeans back into place. “I was tryin’ to let you sleep.”
I study him, taking in the way his shoulders flex as he stands. His large hands run over his pockets, like he’s checking to make sure he has everything.
“You could’ve said goodbye,” I tell him quietly.
Something in his expression softens.
He crosses the room in two easy strides and leans down, his firm hand gripping my hip as he presses his mouth to mine. Nothing about his kiss feels rushed now.
“I’m sorry, I was gonna leave a note. I didn’t want to wake you. I have a game tonight,” he says when he pulls back, his forehead still close to mine.
“I know.” I let my fingers trail along his jaw. “I have to work, but I’ll be watching. Cheering you on.”
“Yeah?” A small smile curves his mouth, as though it matters more than he wants to let on.
I nod, and he leans in to kiss me once more. It’s quicker this time before he grabs his keys.
“I’ll see you after.”
The way he says it leaves no room for doubt.
***
The bar is packed in the way I’ve come to learn it always is when the Wolves play. People are crowded shoulder to shoulder in a sea of Rixton jerseys. Half of the room is facing the TVs, shouting at the screen, while the other half just wants something on in the background while they drink.
I’m stuck behind the bar, taking orders and wiping up the second spilled beer of my shift. I try to keep my mind focused on work, not wanting to have another one of those nights where I mix up someone’s tab.
