Page 65 of Nodus Tollens
“I’d like that, Hayes. To be your girlfriend, I mean.” I stopped short in front of his skates and offered him my palm. “I’d really, really like that.”
His large hand palmed mine, and he immediately yanked me into him.
“Hayes!” I squealed loudly. Though I may have sounded scared, my big toothy smile said otherwise.
“Say that again.” He looked back and forth into my eyes as he cupped my cheek softly. I took a second to immerse myself in the intensity of this moment, the raw beauty of it, which had both our hearts pounding like stallions.
“I’d like to be your girlfriend, Hayes.”
His whole body sagged in relief, and even his eyes closed from the power my words had over him. It was shocking to see that I could have such an effect on someone. Especially him. I never wanted to lose that.
“I know I said I was going to be a gentleman, but I really want to kiss you right now.” He groaned as his fingers danced over my cheekbone.
Then, as I was hit with an idea, my smile widened. Leaning into him, I made it appear as though I was going in for a kiss. Eyes closed, lips ready, I went in until the very last second and spoke.
“How about we make a bet, hockey player.” I teased.
Narrowing his eyes, I could see the fight in his eyes as he gazed down at my lips.
“What kind of bet, Blue?”
“A race.” I brought up the idea again and immediately saw the reluctance in Hayes’s stare. “You win, you get a kiss. I win, you have to skate around with a walker the whole time we’re here.”
“Either way, you win.” He laughed, causing me to smack him playfully on the chest. “I already told you. I don’t want you to get hurt, Blue.” His face turned serious with worry, and all I could do was roll my eyes in response.
“Don’t be a lump on a log, Hayes. I’ll be fine. Plus, if anything happens, I have you to take care of me.” I smiled sweetly, and he groaned in return.
“You make me crazy, you know that?” He pushed himself off the glass and gently let his hands fall from me.
“Crazy happy, though, right?”
“The fucking happiest.” He winked.
Ugh, how did I get so lucky?
“So how are we doin’ this? A lap around the ice?” He asked, but I was too busy gawking at him as he pulled the sleeves of his sweatshirt up, revealing his veiny forearms.
“Uh, yeah, sure. That works.” I mumbled as I tried to regain my focus on what was about to happen, but instead, I was drawn back over to Hayes. He really was a good-looking guy. So extremely good-looking that I wondered what people thought when they saw me next to him. Did they think that I was out of his league? Were they envious? I was surprised no one had gone up to him yet, asking for an autograph or to at least say hi…
“Blue?” Hayes interrupted, causing my stare to snap to his. “You good?”
“Oh, yeah!” I nodded.
“Alright, so the first one to this same spot wins.” He grinned.
“Okay.” I swallowed nervously, peering down at my skates briefly.
Feet, please don’t fail me now.
“Just please be careful, Blue.” His tone turned serious, and I couldn’t help but soften from his words.
“I will. Don’t worry about me.” I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “All you need to worry about is losing and having to push that walker around.” My mouth tilted to the side as Hayes chuckled.
“Baby… please. All I’m worrying about is getting a taste of those lips again.”
Oh…
“Well, I’m ready whenever you are.” I said while contemplating the idea of purposely losing just so I could get him to kiss me again. As if he knew the mischievous thoughts were running through my head, a roguish smile lit up his face, causing my insides to squirm.
