Page 104 of Game On
“No words,” I grumble, burrowing deeper into his side. “But a treat does sound nice.”
He stands, offering a warm smile. “How about I grab you some ice cream at the corner store?”
I nod, a tiny pout on my lips. He wraps a blanket around my shoulders, tucking it in to make sure I’m snug.
When he slips his shoes on, I call out, “Hey, Hudson?”
“Yeah?” he asks, lingering in the doorway.
“Can we make it a blue raspberry ICEE instead?”
He just smiles, eyes crinkling with warmth. “Hell, yeah, we can.”
And then he’s gone, leaving me tucked into a cozy bundle on his couch. And for whatever silly or selfish reason, I don’t feel so bad anymore.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Hudson
Ash and Luke’s place is packed tonight, a swarm of familiar faces and the occasional flash of new ones. Spring term is officially underway, and we’re celebrating the fresh start with a party.
Ella’s joined me in my sober efforts this term, both of us determined to stay focused on cheer, at least until after Daytona. Still, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a party thrown by our friends.
I spot her across the room, that infectious smile lighting up her whole face. She’s laughing with Gabi and Sammy, and there’s something about the way she holds herself, so comfortable, so effortless, that draws me in every time. When our eyes catch, she gives me a playful wink before excusing herself from the conversation.
“Hey, you,” she says, sliding her arms around my neck as she reaches me. She smells as good as she always does. Feels as right in my arms as ever.
“Hey yourself,” I reply, pulling her close. The room fades into the background as I focus on her. “Having fun?”
“Definitely,” she says, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “But I could use a dance partner.”
“Lucky for you, I’m available,” I say, leading her to the center of the living room. The music shifts to a faster beat, and we move together. Ella’s laughter echoes in my ears as we fall into each other, her hips swaying, one arm draped over my shoulder.
She spins around, facing away from me now. Her dark hair cascades around her like silk—shiny, perfect, and half-tied together in a neat little bow. I pull her against me, my hands finding her hips. A perfect fit for my perfect girl.
“This was more fun when we were two-stepping in Redwater Springs.”
“We’re in Nashville, darlin’,” I murmur into her ear. “If dancing’s what you want, we can easily make that happen.”
“Tempting, but I think I’ll stay here for now,” she says, pressing back against me, her ass nestling against my thighs—a deliberate tease. I chuckle, spinning her around to face me.
“Just as well,” I say, lifting one of her hands to twirl her. “Less chance of you stepping on my toes here.”
“I thought you said I was a natural.”
“You are,” I assure her, swiping my thumb along her bottom lip. “But you and I both know practice makes perfect.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She waves me off. “And you can’t compete where you don’t compare.”
I draw her close again, tilt her chin up. “That’s my girl.”
She rolls her eyes, but I pull her in for a kiss anyway. A very public kiss. We’ve broken all the rules by now, and it feels damn good. We like each other, and we’re both allowingourselves to let go for once. To feel our feelings, to act on our impulses, without the pressure of making sure things work out perfectly.
Her lips are soft, warm, and they taste faintly of the vanilla lip balm she always uses. I deepen the kiss, and she melts into me, completely forgetting that we’re surrounded by people. When we finally pull apart, her cheeks are flushed.
“You know,” she says softly, her fingers toying with the hem of my shirt. “PDA has never really been my thing.”
“Yeah, well, you’ve never been with me before,” I say with a grin, lightly bumping my forehead against hers.
