Our moans fill the car along with the sound of rain on the roof. My climax builds and builds until it explodes through me, leaving me trembling. Nate follows soon after, releasing inside me with a guttural groan.
Thank god we've completely fogged up the windows with all our pent-up desire. No one could see in here even if there was anyone around this late.
Reality creeps back in as we dress in awkward silence. The passion of moments before is replaced by the steady drumming of rain on the roof.
"I should go," he says finally, straightening his shirt. "Team dinner tonight and I can’t be late. Can I see you later on tonight?"
I would like nothing more but I know that’s a really bad idea. We said this was going to be the last time and we need to stick to that.
“That’s not a good idea, Nate. We really have to stop this.”
He nods hesitantly and leans over, presses his lips to mine one more time—gentle now, almost tender. "You're amazing, Elena. You know that, right?"
Then he's gone, slipping out into the rain, closing the door softly behind him.
I climb into the driver's seat, hands shaking as I grip the steering wheel. The first tear falls without warning, followed quickly by another. Soon I'm sobbing, shoulders heaving, face buried in my hands.
I finally admit the truth to myself: this isn't just sex anymore. It isn't just forbidden attraction or physical chemistry. Somewhere between our first night and now, between his flirtation and his vulnerability, between his arrogance and his pain—I've started to fall for him. Really fall for him.
The rain hammers down harder, providing a soundtrack to my breakdown. I feel so lost, so out of control. Everything is hanging by a thread because I can't stay away from this man.
I'm falling for Nate Barnes. And I have absolutely no idea what to do about it.
Chapter 10
Nate
Isit across from Elena in her office, watching her arrange her notepad just so on her lap, pen poised and ready. My leg bounces with nervous energy. I've been dreading this session, knowing what I need to tell her, feeling the weight of the unspoken words.
"How are you?" Her voice is carefully neutral.
"Fine." The word comes out clipped. I force a smile. "Two goals against Detroit last night. Coach seemed happy."
She nods, making a note. "Your on-ice performance has been consistently strong lately."
"Yeah, well. Helps to have good linemates."
A small silence stretches between us. I wonder if she's thinking about what happened in her car. If she regrets it.
"Well, let’s dig in. At the end of our last session, we were discussing your childhood." She keeps her voice steady. "You mentioned feeling like you never belonged anywhere."
My throat tightens. I knew this was coming, knew we'd have to get back to that conversation. Still, I'm not ready.
"There’s not much more to say about that." I shrug, aiming for casual. I know damn well there's a lot more to say about it.
Elena's eyes hold mine, patient but persistent. "I’m pretty sure there is though."
Something in her gaze breaks through my defenses. Maybe it's the way she looks at me like she actually gives a shit, like she sees past the swagger and to the mess underneath. Or maybe I'm just tired of carrying this alone.
"I had a brother." The words feel strange in my mouth. "An older brother. Teddy."
Her eyebrows lift slightly—surprise, carefully contained. "You haven’t mentioned him before."
"I don't talk about him much." I look away, focusing on a framed diploma on her wall. "He died when I was six. He was eight."
"I'm sorry, Nate." Her voice softens. "How horrible."
I look down at my hands. "Yeah, you could say that."
