She nods at the man dressed as a spreadsheet. “He brings it every year. I think he had the bat board custom made.”
I laugh. “Oh, the things we care about.”
Her lips twitch. “Like your appearance at a party that’s not going to be covered by StellaNova?”
I lift up one of the cat-faced cream puffs and pop it into my mouth. “Arek Ronan would be jealous. He appreciates good food and his wife doesn’t cook.”
Amy barks out a laugh, which causes all eyes to swing in our direction. Because the moment calls for it, I yelp, “Zoinks!”
She slaps a hand over my mouth before dragging me out onto the makeshift dance floor. A slow song by John Mayer comes on that has me pulling Amy into my arms. Every worry I had earlier disappears as I sway back and forth with her in my arms.
Just then, her head lifts off my chest. Her smile washes away all of my fears. I brush a loose strand of hair away from her face. “Having fun, my queen?”
“Tons. There’s just one problem.”
“What?”
“I really want to be alone with you.”
32
BODY POSITIONING: USING ANGLES AND STANCE TO BLOCK ACCESS TO THE PUCK
Brennan pulls the van to a stop outside my apartment building. The engine hums for a second before he turns it off. He leans in, his hand sliding to the back of my neck as his mouth finds mine.
Our kiss starts slow, before I sink into his warmth. His taste. I savor it, the way his thumb brushes my jaw, the way he exhales softly against my lips like he’s fighting himself not to rush me.
When our lips part, he rests his forehead against mine, breaths mingling.
That’s when I murmur, “Do you want to come up with me?”
Brennan’s eyes bore into mine. A half-second passes. Then a slow smile crosses his face that causes my insides to twist. He says, “There’s nothing I want more.”
He follows me upstairs, carrying the enormous Scooby Doo like it weighs nothing.
I fumble with my key likely due to Brennan crowding me.Invading my senses.
“Need help?” he asks, voice low next to my ear.
“No,” I lean back against him, giving him access to trail a kiss down my neck. Somehow, I finally manage to fit the key in the lock successfully.
It gives.
The living room is lit only by a single lamp and the flickering of a street light through my blinds. Brennan fills the entryway behind me. I feel the stuffed animal’s soft fur bump my arm. He sets the enormous toy gently on the floor. He’s magnificent.Always has been.
I kick off my shoes. “Do you want something to drink?”
“Only if you’re getting yourself something.”
He stands at the kitchen island while I fill glasses with water. Once I hand him his glass, he says, “I know you’re not supposed to toast with water, but…”
“But?” I echo.
“To…Scooby Snacks?” he ventures.
I can’t help it. I giggle at the ridiculousness of it.
Brennan gives me a look that incinerates me. Direct and heated, like he’s waiting for the moment for me to give him a sign I didn’t just invite him up for a drink.“I had a great time tonight. Did you?”
