Page 74 of Boots & Scars

Every touch ignited a fire within me, and I responded with equal fervor. My hands found their way into his hair, tugginghim closer still. The kiss deepened, and all the tension between us melted away, replaced by something far more powerful.

When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathing heavily. His forehead rested against mine as he spoke, his voice rough and filled with emotion.

"This isn't a game for me," he said, his voice low. "I don't do halfway."

"Neither do I," I replied, my heart pounding in my chest.

His eyes searched mine for any hint of doubt but found none. With a sigh of resignation mixed with relief, he pulled me into another kiss—this one slower, more deliberate—as if savoring every moment we had together on that cold rink.

And in that kiss, I knew we had crossed the bridge together—no turning back now.

22

Cooper

Ipulled her closer, my hands sliding down her back as our kiss deepened. Her lips were soft and eager against mine, her body melting into my embrace.

"Slow down, killer," I murmured against her mouth. "I'm not going to fuck you in an ice rink."

She looked up at me with those wide, innocent eyes. "Then can we go home and you can... you can make love to me there?"

"Make love?" I smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her flushed face. "We're going to have to work on that diction, baby."

"I'm a fast learner," she said, her voice breathy.

"I bet you are." My gaze raked over her. "Eager too."

"Please, Cooper," she whispered, pressing herself against me.

I closed my eyes, desire surging through me at the feel of her soft curves. My jeans tightened, my dick already hard just from the thought of having her.

I swallowed thickly. "Let's lock up," I said, my voice rough with need.

We locked up the rink, the sound of the heavy doors echoing in the empty space. Everly slipped her hand into mine, herfingers lacing through with a confidence that caught me off guard. She didn't care who saw us, didn't worry about what people would think or say. It was a luxury I couldn't afford, but there she was, flaunting it like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Stepping out into the crisp night air, I glanced down at her. She looked up at me, her eyes full of something pure and raw. There wasn't an ounce of doubt in those eyes. She wore her heart on her sleeve, and I knew I should look away. I didn't deserve that look. Not from her. But I couldn't tear my gaze from hers.

I wanted to drown in it. Inher.

Her lips curved into a soft smile, and my chest tightened. I squeezed her hand gently, a silent promise I had no idea how to keep but felt compelled to make.

Dangerous. She was so goddamn dangerous, and if I had any sense, I would pull away and leave her be.

But I didn't.

Not around her.

We walked to my car in silence, the cool air biting at our exposed skin. The city lights cast long shadows across the pavement as we approached the car. Everly slid into the passenger seat without letting go of my hand until the last possible second.

Once inside, our fingers found each other again, and it felt good. It felt right.

I started the engine, and we drove through the town streets, neither of us saying a word. The hum of the engine filled the space between us, a comforting background to our shared silence.

She rested her head against the window, but her hand stayed in mine, warm and sure. I glanced at her from time to time, catching glimpses of that same unwavering affection in her eyes whenever she turned to look at me.

We reached my place faster than I'd anticipated. Pulling into the driveway, I cut the engine and turned to face her fully for the first time since we left the rink.

"Everly," I started, but she placed a finger on my lips.

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