“Seriously, Nick. Is this the best you have?” Bex teases.
“In my defense, I usually am in the net the whole game.”
“Maybe I need to talk to Coach Barney. Make you guys change it up at practice and skate in another position. Get an appreciation for what others do.”
Bex has me distracted enough that she steals the puck. It’s hard to focus as she skates. She’s good, a certain gracefulness to the way she moves.
It distracts me enough to watch the puck sail past me into the goal.
“Yes!” She pumps both arms in victory as the timer in my pocket goes off in a loud shrill. “In your face!”
Bex does a lap around the pond, celebrating as if there is an invisible crowd there watching her. It’s the cutest fucking thing ever.
Dropping my stick, I skate over to where she is and pull her down into a snowbank. The brightness in her face is mesmerizing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look so happy, and fuck, it does something to me knowing I had a hand in it.
“Are you ready to concede?” Bex asks.
I shake my head. “I don’t think I have to concede if you won fair and square.”
“That’s right I did. Pond Hockey Champ!”
I kiss her cold cheek. “Do you need me to make you a trophy?”
Bex nods. “Yes. In addition to winning the bet, I would like a trophy that says I beat the best goalie in the NHL in pond hockey.”
“It’s only because you’re so sexy,” I tell her. “It’s hard to concentrate.”
“If that’s what you want to tell yourself, Nick.” Bex kisses my nose. “I somehow managed to concentrate playing against you.”
“I guess that makes you a better competitor than I am.”
“Or maybe more determined to win.” Bex waggles her head. “Now, about that bet…”
Chapter Twenty-Two
BEXLEY
All afternoon, I have been driving Nick crazy. Little touches here and there. A light kiss with no heat behind it. I haven’t missed the growls from him every time I brush by him.
It’s only going to make it better.
Now that dinner is done, I’m ready to make good on my bet. One that will benefit both of us.
Nick, wiping his hands on the dish towel, is eyeing me as I saunter down the stairs. After a quick shower after the game, he changed into a soft, dark plaid flannel and sweats. Stubble lines his jaw. He looks so at home that it makes me want to stay here. To shut out the world and live here.
Dropping the towel, Nick takes slow steps toward me. Every dirty thought is swirling in my brain as the heat between the two of us ticks up another ten levels.
The lights are dim with a crackling fire providing warmth in the cabin. The wind shakes the panels of the windows as snow continues to fall outside.
“Sit on the couch.”
Nick walks backward but keeps an eye on me. “I—” he starts.
“What I say goes tonight.” I give Nick a gentle shove as he falls back with a soft oomph onto the couch. “The only answer is yes or no. Do you understand?”
A smirk pulls at his mouth. I wonder if he’s going to say something else when he nods. “Yes.”
“Good boy.” I pat his chest, still covered with the material of his flannel.
