This man was in love with me. Had been for … years.
I had never seen this in Dash’s gaze. I had never seen it in anyone’s.
So much of Hatch’s behavior since I’d met him made sense now. It had hurt him to see me with Dash, so he stayed away. Any interaction between us was fraught with tension because he wanted me and couldn’t have me. He had even made a huge career decision so as not to spend any time in my presence. Until circumstances forced his hand and he finally came on board during his father’s swan song year.
I didn’t believe in love at first sight. I had been attracted to Hatch when I met him, even considered what it might be like if he made a play for me. How I would have dropped Dash like a hot potato if Hatch had shown the slightest interest.
Because you knew there was something there.
But I wasn’t a romantic. Not like this man before me.
If only he had said something.
If only I had realized Dash was a bad bet sooner.
If only.
And now, Hatch and I were caught up in this drama. I had also fallen for him, but I meant what I said: I wouldn’t choose a man, especially a hockey player, over my career.
Of course, I had to have a career to choose first.
But Hatch was here now, his expression filled with such longing. All the obstacles crashed in the face of that look.
I touched my lips to his.
He moaned, like I was the water to his thirst.
Before I had a chance to react, he scooped me up and wrapped me around his body. Hard thighs, hard chest, hard … everything.
He must have been reining himself in before.
No more.
This was Hatch Kershaw unleashed.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Hatch
* * *
The flip from misery to joy was instantaneous. She was finally here in my arms, where she was meant to be.
I was in love with this woman, and I wanted everyone to know it.
But first, I would tell her. With my mouth, my hands, my body. I would tell her with every kiss, every touch, every moment between us.
Lifting her up, I headed to the bedroom, needing room to work. Quickly we stripped, each moment we weren’t touching a torture. My mouth found hers, moved to her neck, her shoulder, her throat. Repeat. Not an inch of her went untouched.
“I love your body,” she said. “I love how well it fits mine.”
Said just as I entered her, finding that perfect fit, loving how we just made sense. Our gazes locked and held as I moved inside her. She had never been shy with me, but there had been a reticence before, a reluctance to acknowledge the growing connection between us.
Not anymore. This was Summer in full bloom.
“You feel so good,” I murmured against her mouth. “You feel fucking perfect.”
She squeezed her muscles, testing my mettle. “Think you can hold on?”
