Trinity bent down to whisper in Kyndall’s ear, “Dream big, sis.”
“You aren’t helping, Maxwell,” Wes grumbled.
She laughed before she flickered those glorious green eyes at me. “Maxwell, Huh? I feel like one of the guys now.”
“Verdict is still out,” Wes called over his shoulder as Hazel grabbed his hand, leading him to the bounce house across the yard.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Rodney appeared behind Trinity, his smile forced.
He looked tired. Worn out, and I hated that I was keeping his current condition from her.
“Hey, Dad.” She let him wrap her in a side hug. “You all right?”
“I’m good. Just a little tired. After the game last night and the festivities of today, I’m whooped,” he lied.
Our eyes caught, and I could see the silent plea for more time.
“Do you need help with anything?” Trinity asked.
“I was just headed to the garage to get some more ice from the deep freeze.” He released her.
“I’ll grab it.” She waved a hand. “You go sit down and relax.”
“Thanks, Trin.” He pressed a quick kiss to her temple.
“I’ll help.” I was following her before she could dismiss me.
We rounded the four-car garage that was at the front of the estate. It was far enough from the party that I could relax. Far enough away that I could let my eyes trail over her retreating form, appreciating those long legs that ended with a pair of black sandals.
She entered the side door, pushing it far enough back that I could walk in behind her. She still hadn’t looked at me, but I could feel the tension coiling tighter the longer we walked.
The door shut behind me, enclosing us in the darkened garage. I took two large strides, wrapped an arm around her waist, and spun her until she faced me. Her breath hitched as I backed her against the wall. I stared down at her perfect face, a smile splitting across mine. “Hi.”
She smiled back, a flush working up her neck. “Hi.”
I lifted my hand, stroking her cheek with my thumb. “Do you know how hard it’s been to watch you out there and not be able to touch you?”
Her eyes fluttered closed before opening. “I have a good guess.” She pushed up on her toes, snaking an arm around my neck. “Are you going to make me ask for a kiss again?”
My free hand tugged her closer by the waist before I dropped my mouth to hers. The pressure of her lips on mine was like a breath of fresh air. Like I hadn’t been breathing right for the last thirty years until I found her.
Our bodies pressed closer, indulging in the stolen moment without caution. It had only been one night since our first kiss and I was already addicted. Already couldn’t wait to have my hands on every part of her marvelous body. She was so small in my arms but fierce all the same. Her lips fought against mine, her need for me matching the same desire I’d been suppressingfor weeks. My hands dropped, palming her ass as she lifted her leg. I caught it with ease, angling her so she could grind against me.
I needed to slow this down before I did something reckless like fuck her against the wall in her father’s garage.
I grazed my teeth along her lip before dropping a kiss on the end of her nose. She sighed, then rested her forehead on my chest.
My hands ran down her shoulders before I brought them back up to squeeze the tight junction where I could tell she carried her stress.
“I needed that,” she whispered.
“You never have to ask,” I said.
She craned her neck to look up at me.
I tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “As long as you want me to, I will never pass up an opportunity to kiss this mouth.”
She blushed again. “The way you talk sometimes.” She laughed quietly. “No one has ever talked to me that way.”
