Page 43 of Barn Burner
“I’m really here,” I say, then drop my head slightly until my mouth is close to his ear. “And I really want to fucking kiss youright now, but I don’t want to fuck things up for you. So tell me what you want, Brayden, and I’ll do whatever you say.”
Brayden manages to tear his eyes away from me for a moment to glance around the darkened corridor. He must be happy with our surroundings because he grabs a fistful of my shirt and hauls me closer. Then his mouth crashes against mine, and I groan.
It’s been seven weeks since I’ve tasted him.
Seven weeks since I’ve held him against me.
Seven weeks since I truly felt whole.
Gripping his waist, I guide him back until he’s pressed up against the wall. He moans. His other hand grips the back of my head as his tongue devours every inch of my mouth. I grind my hips against his, our cocks thickening inside our jeans as they slot together.
“Bloody hell,” he gasps when we break apart, his lips swollen from my kiss. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“Fuck me, I’m shook,” he says with a grin. “When did you get here?”
I laugh under my breath and nip his bottom lip. “This afternoon. I… uh…” I trail off, a sense of uncertainty washing over me. I know I need to do this, but I really hope he isn’t going to freak out that I found out before he had the chance to tell me.
“I know… about your job,” I confess.
He blanches, and my heart sinks a little. “You do?”
“Yeah. I don’t want you to be worried that I’m annoyed or angry, because I’m not. I completely understand why you kept it to yourself.”
He chews on the inside of his cheek, and I lift my hand, running my thumb over his jaw. His eyes are filled with guilt, and I hate that he’s feeling like this.
“I wanted to tell you. I was going to tell you, like the next time I saw you, because I didn’t want to hide it from you any longer.”
“It’s okay, you don’t need to explain yourself.” I press another kiss to his lips, hoping it will give him some reassurance. “I promise you, I’m not mad.”
“How did you find out?” he asks.
“Cooper wanted to watch the first game of the season, and while my mom was singing along to the national anthem, there you were, looking like the fucking heartbreaker you are.”
He dips his chin, trying to hide his smile. I take it between my thumb and forefinger and tilt it back up to me, not wanting him to hide from me when I tell him, “You amaze me, Brayden Nielson. I’m so fucking in awe of you, and I want you to know that I will protect you in every way I can for as long as I’m here.”
18
Brayden
I thought I was riding a high following our third consecutive win when I walked into the pub tonight, but it pales in comparison to the high I’m feeling right now standing in front of Jesse.
I can’t believe he’s here.
Smoothing my hands over the soft plaid shirt covering his chest, I cradle his face and bring his lips back to mine.
I’ve always said whenever I got into a relationship that I would keep it private and hidden away from the vultures that lurk on the internet. I have my public social media pages for sharing hockey content and sponsorship deals, but I never share anything personal on there. The only times I do is when I’m celebrating one of Jude’s career achievements.
I like to keep the personal stuff for my private accounts that are strictly for my friends and family. That’s where I share the real side of me, and that’s the only place that I’ll share photos of me and Jesse.
But right now, in this darkened corner of the pub, I allow those worries to dissolve away. We’re shielded enough that even if someone tries to snap a photo of us, it wouldn’t come out clear.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” I murmur against his mouth.
He rests his forehead against mine, and his dark hair falls forward. I reach up, pushing it from his face.
“I’m also loving your hair longer. It really gives off those mountain man vibes. Can you throw me over your shoulder and beat your fist against your chest as you carry me out?”
