“So what’s it going to be? Talking or pouting,” he teases as he lifts me off him and adds two more logs to the fire.
“Hey!” I smack his chest. “Just because we’re talking doesn’t mean you have to keep your hands to yourself.”
Griffin turns me around so my back is pressed to his chest and wraps his arms tightly around my waist. He breathes me in as he kisses my temple, then down my jawline, moving a trail until he’s at the base of my neck.
Every touch comes so naturally. To anyone else, it’d look as if we’d been together for a while when in reality, tonight is the first time we’ve crossed this line.
“Watch yourself, Kenna,” he whispers in my ear. “If you take a chance on me, I won’t stop until you’re mine,” he says as he pulls me down with him onto the chair again.
With his large hands wrapped around me, we sit and talk for hours until the fire is nothing but dulled embers.
I can’t think of anything in this world I’d want more than to be Griffin Turner’s girl.
The next morning I take one last glance in the mirror, put on my favorite chapstick, and walk out of my room.
Pausing at the top landing, I listen to Griff and Carson discussing their dry land practice for tomorrow.
“Are you cool if Mack and Katie join us? They said they don’t need to get on the court until ten.”
“Yeah, that’s cool. Though Katie’s a bear in the morning,” Griff replies. He sounds like he’s right at the bottom of the steps.
I start down the stairs and pause in the middle to grip the railing. Griff’s broad back is to me. He’s dressed in a light blue, button-down, short-sleeved shirt that molds to his arms, with white shorts and white sneakers.
He turns around, and our eyes lock. A slow smile takes over his handsome face. Those damn dimples pop, and heat rushes up my neck and warms my face. Butterflies take flight in my stomach as he rubs his hand over his jaw.
“McKenna, you’re stunning.”
My blush deepens as I make my way to the bottom of the stairs. I inhale sharply when Griffin wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me in for a kiss.
He tastes like mint and something entirelyhim. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the feeling of his lips on mine. I’m lost in the most delicious haze as he pulls away far too soon.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m team McKiffin, or maybe it should be Grenna.” Carson shakes his head, then continues, “But it will take some getting used to seeing the two of you making out.”
Griffin chuckles. “That was hardly making out, Carse. Nothing but an innocent hello kiss. Though, I wouldn’t recommend sticking around for the goodnight kiss.”
“Gross, G. Have her home at a decent time, yeah?”
“You got it, man. I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” Griffin replies.
Griffin places his hand on the small of my back as he guides me out to his red Jeep Wrangler. I’ve always loved his Jeep, though I’ve never been in the front seat and alone with him.
He opens the door for me and I smile back at him. “Guess chivalry isn’t dead after all. There’s still hope for mankind.”
“I’m always a gentleman, though, admittedly, you make it hard on me looking as gorgeous as you do.”
He shuts my door and walks around to his side. Once we’re buckled, he pulls out of my driveway. His right hand makes its way to my thigh, and butterflies erupt in my stomach. I love his need to touch me.
“So, where are we headed?” I ask as I turn to look at him. His one hand is gripping the top of the steering wheel. God, he looks so good it hurts. His shirt melds to his upper body, with the top few buttons undone, giving just a peek of his chest. I can appreciate each and every ridge of his muscular body. My type is, and has always been, Griffin Turner. All the time he puts in at the gym and rink has done wonders for his body.
“I picked you up early because we’ve got a little bit of a road trip ahead of us. Don’t worry, I didn’t come empty-handed,” he says as he hands me an iced caramel macchiato.
“Oh my gosh, I could kiss you right now!” I say as I take a sip, and my eyes roll back with how good it tastes.
“I take it your coffee order is still the same?” He laughs and then points to the backseat. “I also got us some snacks, the typical road trip essentials.”
“And what would those be?”
“Oh, you know, sunflower seeds, jerky, chips, and Twizzlers.”
