But when I look over at Coach, I see him looking up at her too.
Blake follows my gaze. “We better get moving before we get caught looking at her.”
Tonight, we won on the ice, and Ginny was here to see it. But the real victory is going to be happening later. With Blake.
Chapter 32
Blake
The moment Chase andI step through the front door of his house, the air shifts between us. There’s an unspoken energy humming beneath the surface, something thick with anticipation, something that makes my skin tingle.
He said he had a surprise for me but wouldn’t tell me more. Not even when I begged. But we're here together, alone. Carter went out with the team to celebrate after dropping us off, or rather, message Ginny from a booth somewhere in the corner of whatever bar they wind up in.
My mind can’t stop racing, hoping that what I think is about to happen is. But another part of me doesn’t want to get my hopes up, just in case I’m wrong. I don’t even care if I am. Just the fact that Chase took me back is enough. Everything else can wait until the timing is right.
Chase tosses his keys onto the table near the door, glancing at me over his shoulder, his lips curving into a small, almost shy smile. It makes my heart clench in my chest because I know what it means.
I swallow hard, shoving my hands into my pockets. “So, it’s just you and me?” I ask, even though I know the answer. It’s just the first thing I could think of to say.
“Yep. Carter should be out for a while.” His voice is steady, but I don’t miss the way his fingers twitch slightly as he tugs off his jacket. He’s nervous, but there’s also a confidence in him.
He turns back to me, his expression softer now, his eyes dark with something deeper than lust, something that makes my stomach tighten.
“Come upstairs with me?”
I nod, unable to trust my voice.
I follow him through the house, the familiar creak of the staircase beneath our feet grounding me as we make our way to his bedroom. My pulse pounds with every step, not out of fear, but because this moment feels so monumental, so real.
Chase pushes open his door, stepping inside before turning to face me. His room is warm, comforting, filled with pieces of him. Hockey gear piled neatly in the corner, a few books stacked on his desk along with his laptop, and his bed slightly unmade from this morning.
I step inside, closing the door behind me, the sound echoing in the quiet room.
Chase watches me for a long moment before stepping forward, his fingers finding the hem of my shirt. Slowly, he lifts it over my head, his touch lingering against my skin as he lets it drop to the floor.
“Blake…” His voice is barely above a whisper, but it’s filled with so much emotion it makes my chest tighten. “I’m ready.”
My breath catches.
He doesn’t have to explain. I know exactly what he means.
Still, I search his face, needing to be absolutely sure. “Are you sure? We don’t have to do it now. I can wait.” My voice is hoarse, filled with the weight of everything this moment means.
Chase swallows, his hands sliding up my chest before resting over my heart. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. I love you and I want this.”
I exhale slowly, reaching up to cup his cheek, my thumb brushing over his lips. “I love you,” I murmur. “And this… this isn’t just about tonight for me. It’s about forever. You know that, right?”
His fingers tighten against my skin. “I know.”
Then he kisses me.
It’s slow, deep, breathtaking. There’s no rush, no frantic urgency. Just warmth, love, and unspoken promises between us as our hands explore, as we move together, bodies pressing close, feeling, learning, savoring every second.
Chase backs up toward the bed, pulling me with him until his legs hit the edge. He sits, looking up at me with a mixture of love and vulnerability that makes my chest ache. He pulls me between his legs and takes hold of my pants, taking his time undoing them.
He glances up at me through his lashes as he lowers my pants, letting them fall to the floor, pooling at my feet.
“Baby.”
