“You asked to be put down and I always listen. I’m a great listener.” Then I crowded into her, my face an inch from hers, and dropped my voice. “Unlike some people.”
“It was harmless tickling.” Her tone was breathless, and her eyes were no longer drowsy.
I reached down and pinched one nipple, loving her moan. Then I leaned down and pulled that pebbled tip into my mouth, scraping my teeth over her sensitive nipple. Her fingers buried into my hair.
I released her breast and kissed up her throat, then held her gaze, my lips a breath apart from hers. “How about we hop in the shower and get cleaned up so we can get dirty all over again?”
All she could do was nod.
I may have been adorkable, but I’d shown her more than once that I was capable of so much more.
Chapter 20
DANI
“Thanks for driving with me,” I said the following night as I headed into the Blizzard’s arena with Josie and Harper for the game. I was trying not to be nervous, but I knew it wasn’t going to be a smooth night. There was no way Roger wasn’t going to be a dick. That was his MO. I guess I could’ve stayed home, but I refused to let him have that control over me.
The last time I’d been at this arena was to cheer him on. We’d only started dating toward the end of last season, so I hadn’t gone to that many games. And it wasn’t like Denver and Colorado Springs were that far apart, but it was easier to shove aside my nerves when I had Josie and Harper along for the drive.
“Of course. We stick together,” Josie said, linking her arm through mine. “And we’re going to root for our boyfriends to kick your ex’s ass. Obviously not literally because of that wholedon’t touch the goalie nonsense. Which I guess makes sense when they’re on the ice.”
Normally I wasn’t a fan of this kind of full-contact friend, but Gabe must have been softening me up. Hell, he’d made me freaking boneless in the shower last night and then again in his bed this morning. The man was insatiable, and I couldn’t get enough.
“So, are you nervous?” Harper asked, drawing my attention out of the gutter where it had taken up residence since the first time I’d kissed Gabe. Hopefully, we could repeat last night again tonight. I tamped down a shiver that had nothing to do with the fall temps. Yes, I was definitely up for a repeat.
But without Pucks trying to goose me like he had this morning when I’d walked out of the bathroom in a towel. I bit back a grimace at that memory. I’d fallen for most of his adorable antics, but not that one.
“A little. More just annoyed that I’m still dealing with this,” I muttered. The conversation dropped when we approached the family entrance for the visiting team. We showed our tickets and passes, then headed inside.
“Annoyed that you’re still pretending to not be in love with Tucks too,” Josie whispered.
I froze.
“I’m not in love with him. Oh my god, it’s only been a few weeks, maybe a month.” Had it even been a month since we started this ruse? Hell, I hadn’t shared any feelings aside from lust with Roger, and we were together for four months.
There was no way what I was feeling for Gabe was love.
No. Way.
Then I realized that both women hadn’t said anything, and I glanced up, meeting two very smugly curious expressions.
“What?”
Harper burst out laughing. “You’ve got it so bad.”
“You were seriously in some dreamy space right now. I knew you’d fall for him.” Josie practically crowed with excitement.
I shook my head. “I did not. He’s helping me out. And who falls in love that fast anyway? I’m too logical for that.”
“Love is not logical. I knew right away with Micah. He was just a dummy and didn’t realize it for ages. And Timmy fell for Harper when they were kids. There’s no rhyme or reason. Man, that fake dating trope wins every time,” Josie said, full smirk in place.
My eyes darted around the space, but I didn’t think anyone had heard her. “Could you not blurt that out? Especially in enemy territory? For some reason, Roger is revered in these halls, and the last thing I need is for him to find out he was right about me and Gabe.”
At least she looked chagrined when she apologized. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine,” I said, trying not to direct my irritation at her. It wasn’t her fault I was in this mess. Roger had left me without many options, and I’d gone the ridiculous route and now needed to see it through.
“All teasing aside, Tucks is such a great guy and you two are perfect for each other. And maybe Jenzy will see you tonight, decked out in Tucks’s number, and realize he needs to move on,” Harper said.
