I feel Colsen’s presence behind me before he even speaks. “The team’s new sponsor spared no expense. They’re trying to bring an NHL team to Star Cove. So they’ve built this state-of-the-art complex for training. They’re planning on a huge new arena not far from here.”
He’s standing close enough that I can feel the warmth that radiates from his body even if we aren’t touching.
Goosebumps rise on my arms as I turn around to look at him, and he notices.
“Are you cold?”
I shake my head, tormenting my bottom lip with my teeth. “No.” It comes out like a whisper. “I’m actually warm.”
His hazel eyes travel down the length of me, just the hint of a smile on his lips.
I think he’s figured out the effect his closeness has on me.
“It’s getting late.” He says, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Do you want me to drive you back downtown to your room?”
My heart picks up its pace at his barely there touch.
“No,” I say, summoning all my courage to admit it.
“Good.” His voice softens. “Because I don’t want that either. The only reason why I would want to drive you back is so I could kiss you on your doorstep.”
I lift my face to meet his gaze. “You could kiss me here.”
Colsen doesn’t make me ask twice. His fingers thread through my hair, cupping the side of my neck and lowering his lips to meet mine.
The kiss starts with the softest, most gentle brush of lips. It isn’t timid or hesitant; it’s like he’s waiting for my reaction.
I don’t hesitate either.
My arms surround his neck as I push on the tips of my toes and begin to kiss him back.
That must have been what he was waiting for because he pulls me closer, increasing the pressure of his lips on mine, kissing me again and again.
He pauses for a moment, pulling back to look at me. “Does it hurt when I kiss you?” He runs the pad of his tongue along the side of my bottom lip, where the gun hit me on recoil.
“No,” I breathe out. “It just feels a bit hot and sensitive, but it doesn’t hurt.”
He takes my bottom lip into his mouth, sucking it gently.
The tenderness of that touch stokes something inside me, and I kiss him harder.
When I feel the tip of his tongue trace the seam of my lips, I open.
We kiss with everything we have. Touching, testing, exploring each other.
My hands leave his neck to feel the warmth of his chest under the soft cotton of his t-shirt.
Colsen’s hand begins to wander, skimming down my neck and down to my collarbone.
The tips of his fingers trace their way around the square neckline of my dress, causing another scattering of goosebumps on my chest.
My nipples become two hard, achy points against the fabric of my dress, and I want more.
I arch into his touch until he closes his hand over the globe of my breast and I moan.
“Taryn,” he nips at my bottom lip and I fist the cotton of his t-shirt over his chest.
“Hmm.” Is the only response I trust myself with right now.
