Page 181 of Hockey Halloween
His voice was low, almost as if he didn't want her to hear so she couldn't give him an answer. It was the most vulnerable she had ever seen him, and she understood why because she felt the same way.
"I really would like to be here." She took a deep breath, willing her to say what she wanted to say. "Is it too soon to tell you that I think this could be a long-term thing?"
"Living in Denver?"
She leaned over, resting her elbow on the edge of the chair to be closer to him. "I mean, being with you."
The smile on his face out shined the fire even in the dark. "It's not too soon, Jessica. It really isn't. And I feel the same way."
Xander leaned over and kissed her with soft lips against hers. He had the calloused hands of a hockey player but prided himself on his lip balm routine, and Jessica was very thankful for that.
She was also thankful for Xander. This is where she needed to be. With him. He wasn't like anyone else she had been with — even Chase's dad. He respected her, he cared about her, and he took care of her both physically and mentally. Yeah, she could see herself leaving Canada behind for him.
"You always taste so sweet," Xander murmured against her lips. "But I'd prefer to taste more of you inside."
She smiled against his lips. "I would like that very much. Why don't you kill the fire and I'll be waiting for you in your bedroom?"
Xander's growl vibrated against her, and it turned her on in a way she couldn't explain.
"Go."
His voice was dark and demanding now, and she knew it wouldn't be long before she could have her way with him. So she did as she was told, picking up their wine glasses and carrying them inside. She put them on the kitchen counter and had just started heading up the stairs when she heard Xander's footsteps stomping across the floor as if he was racing to get upstairs and see her. She couldn't disappoint him, taking the stairs quicker than normal to make sure she was exactly where he wanted her to be.
Tonight, it would be in his bed. But someday, she hoped that where he wanted her to be would be more permanent than that and it sounded like he wanted the same thing.
Xander
Spring hockey meant playoff hockey, which was never a bad thing for Xander. Sure, it felt kind of weird coming to the rink in shorts and a t-shirt only to skate across a sheet of ice, but the playoffs were the best part of the season.
But this season, it also felt different, and that was because of Jessica.
Xander tied the laces on his dress shoes and ran his fingers through his hair, checking his reflection out in the mirror of his personal locker to make sure he looked good.
"You still look like shit, Old Man."
Xander tried to hide the smile pulling at the corners of his lips, not only because he didn't want to give Chase the satisfaction of knowing his chirp landed but also because it physically hurt to smile. He was going to be sporting a real shiner tomorrow after taking a punch from a defenseman in a fight tonight.
"Maybe it's because I threw more punches than you tonight, Rookie."
He turned to see Chase standing there, tailored suit and smug look. But then Chase gave him a big, genuine smile. "I'll admit: I'm jealous that you got some shots in against Matterson."
"He deserved it."
"He totally deserved it!" Chase replied enthusiastically. "Anyway, is my mom going home with you or me tonight?'
"She drove you here, she's driving you home," Tyler said from his spot in front of his own locker. "I'm not going to be your chauffeur again so my captain can get it on with your mom."
"Fair enough," Xander replied gruffly. "Let's go. Jessica is waiting for us."
The pair left Tyler and the locker room behind, heading down the hall deep into the arena. There were still people hanging around even though the game ended an hour ago. The coaches were still talking to each other about the game that night, the equipment guys were corralling sticks and helmets, and reporters were hanging around asking questions of anyone who walked by.
"Hey, Xander! Can I get one more quote from you? Just a quick hit about how you feel after this first game of the playoffs?"
"Great first win to pick up. We had a good balance between the veterans and young guys to get the job done."
The reporter gave him a quick thanks and started texting something on his phone. Xander had learned over the years how to give reporters what they needed and move along. No small talk or dragging things on.
Besides, he had somewhere else to be.
