I have no doubt Hayes will still be capable of sending my heart racing and my mind spinning, despite the sweat from the gruel of the game.
“You were amazing out there,” I tell him, my voice soft so only he can hear it and not the surrounding journalists and paparazzi.
His arms tighten around me, and he makes a satisfied sound in his chest, which sends a shiver of pleasure down my spine. His voice hits that deep, delicious timbre as he says, “I think I might have been showing off a bit.”
He drops me back down to the ground and raises his hands to frame my face.
“I’m about to follow through on that promise,” he says lowly, just for me, amber eyes darkening with desire as they flicker from my eyes to my lips.
Tilting my chin up, he doesn’t hesitate before he crashes his lips to mine. My whole body tingles with need at the first touch of his lips against mine and my fingers find the lapels of his jacket, pulling him into me as I kiss him back eagerly.
For the first time in ages, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
The snapping sounds of the cameras and sounds of surprise fade away and all I can think about is Hayes.Hayes. Hayes.
I’m sure I’ll worry about the implications of the photos later, but now, all that matters is him.
He finally breaks away and hits me with those heated eyes. “All right, baby. Let’s get out of here before we give them too much to talk about tomorrow.”
Grabbing my hand, he leads us through the tunnel, our security behind us. I have a car waiting for me right outsideof the stadium and we hurry into the back seat, ignoring the shouted questions and requests to stop and chat.
The minute we’re safely inside the car, Hayes reaches for me again. I scoot close enough that I’m tucked against his side. His arm wraps around me possessively, making me feel cherished and cared for in a way I haven’t felt in a long, long time.
The air in the back of that car grows heavy and intimate, the minimal space between us buzzing with tension. I’m breathless as I lose myself in his eyes, letting myself be overwhelmed by the way he’s looking at me right now. It’s the kind of look that makes a girl feel like she’s the only one in the world.
He leans his head down until his forehead presses against mine and he takes a deep breath in and exhales. “I can’t tell you how amazing it felt knowing you were here tonight. Thank you.”
“I had so much fun,” I tell him, my voice low. The car starts moving, driving us away from the stadium and back toward my condo. “I meant it. You were amazing out there. Color me impressed.”
He tilts his head back so he can see me and his eyes grow tender. His thumb strokes my cheek, but he doesn’t say anything right away.
Whatever thought process he’s lost in finally breaks and his lips twitch up on one side. “I’m one lucky bastard to be sitting here with you.”
“Maybe I’m the lucky one.”
He leans down and kisses me again, softer and quicker this time. “Good, ’cause you’re stuck with me now.”
His words stir something inside of me I can’t place a finger on. Instead of dwelling on it too long, I settle back against his hold, leaning into his chest and resting my head on his shoulder. He kisses the crown of my head and gets comfortable for the rest of the ride to my place.
It’s the sight of Hayes lounging on my couch later that evening when it finally clicks. He opens his arms for me and gives me that heart dropping smile, inviting me to come lay with him and I know without a doubt what he’s offering me.
Stability.
Hayes is stable and accountable. He has never given me any reason to doubt him. A stark contrast to my relationship with Corey, where I questioned everything—every little promise or compliment never felt genuine.
When Hayes wraps his arms possessively around my torso and drags me closer to his body, I can’t help but reflect thatI amthe lucky one. I’m so lucky to have this man show me what it means to be cherished and cared for.
If this is what it means to be with Hayes, I won’t accept anything different.
SIXTEEN
hayes
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
“What are you thinking about?”I ask Jersey, gently dragging my finger across her cheek and along the soft skin of her jaw.
Her cheeks are flushed a beautiful rosy color, her brown eyes warm and welcoming as she stares up at me. “Nothing,” she says wistfully as her lips curl into a smile. “I’m happy you’re here.”
