Page 16 of Scoring Slater
Footsteps came closer and stopped in front of him. Then Noah's arms wrapped around him and a soft kiss pressed to his forehead. "Thanks for sticking up for me tonight."
Stunned, Slater raised his head. "Always."
Noah hesitantly reached out and smoothed a hand down Slater's cheek. "This is going to bruise." The words were tender and soft, and then Noah straddled him and brought his other hand up to frame Slater's face.
Surprise shot up his spine and Slater sucked in a breath. The weight of Noah's body in his lap was real, not a figment of his imagination. If anything was going to happen, Noah needed to make the first move. Desire and anticipation spun through his system as they watched each other. When the need to touch overwhelmed him, he allowed himself to grab onto Noah's waist.
Noah tilted his head and leaned in, and Slater's heartbeat raced, caught up in the captivating face steadily inching closer. Light streamed in from the hallway, casting a faint glow among the shadows. For a moment, he wished for bright sunlight, so he could memorize every inch of this moment. Then, Noah's lips touched his, soft and warm and tasting of raspberry tea, and all other thoughts fled.
His body buzzed like he'd consumed a gallon of coffee. Slater stroked his hands up Noah's back, clinging to the sculpted muscles as the kiss deepened. Noah smelled so good and familiar, and felt so right in his arms. He angled his head, taking the kiss in a new direction, delving deep as he and Noah explored each other.
The teasing bites and feel of their tongues sliding together sent pinpricks of desire straight to his dick. The hums of approval and soft sighs were a soundtrack he'd never tire of hearing. He stroked his fingers along the back of Noah's neck, drawing out a moan and then a hiss of pleasure.
"Yes," he whispered against Noah's lips, and used his other hand to bring the man closer. He captured his mouth in another kiss and groaned when Noah's hands streaked into his hair and gently tugged until he had Slater angled where he wanted him.
He gave over his mouth willingly and slid his hands under Noah's shirt, thrilling at the touch of warm skin and the way Noah arched into his hands. He was aching and hard and so head over heels for the man in his arms.
After a long while, Noah lifted his head. He stroked his hand down Slater's face, as he had when he'd entered the room. "You should ice your hand."
He rested his hands on Noah's thighs. "Honestly? I don't feel much like moving."
Smiling, Noah reached for something at the foot of the bed. "I brought you an ice pack."
"In that case, I'll ice my hand." He couldn't make himself let go of Noah yet, though.
They watched each other for a moment, and then Noah bit his lip. "Can I… stay? I just want to hold you for a while."
He nodded. Like he could deny Noah anything. There were too many questions and feelings swirling in the dark. He wouldn't push for more. For now, it was enough.
His heartbeat ticked faster as Noah climbed off him and waited by the bed while Slater stretched out. Noah laid the ice pack over the damaged knuckles and then slid in beside him.
When Noah lifted his head, Slater snaked an arm around his shoulders. Smiling, Noah snuggled into his side, pressed a kiss to his cheek, and then put his arm around Slater's waist.
He smiled back at Noah in the darkness. Holding Noah in his arms was a dream come true, but he feared what would happen in the morning, in the light of day. Would those kisses lead to promises or were they the result of pent up emotions brought on by what had transpired on the ice?
CHAPTER SIX
Music streamed from Noah’s alarm clock. He lay with his eyes closed for half the song, then rolled over and hit the button to silence it. His aching muscles protested the movement. Damn cheap shot. Sure, he was lucky he didn't have a concussion, but he'd pulled something in his back when he'd gotten hit.
He and Slater had two hours until they had to be at the airport for the flight to Chicago, but he only had a few minutes before he had to face Slater and he didn't know what to say.
The kiss hadn't been planned, and wasn't the outcome he'd intended when he'd entered the room holding the ice pack.
He rolled out of bed and stretched, testing the muscles. The ache increased as he bent to make the bed, and forced him to do a less thorough job. When he stepped into the hall, he heard Slater moving around the kitchen and the gurgles of the coffee maker. The bathroom door was wide open. The mirror was clouded with steam, water drops covered the shower walls, the scent of ocean-inspired shower gel hung heavy in the air, and the towel Slater had used was draped over the laundry bin rather than placed inside. It was like any other morning. Except, it was totally different.
He showered, pulled on a sweater and jeans, and then forced his resistant body to move into the kitchen. Slater sat at the island, holding a cup of coffee, attention focused on his phone. His hair waved around his head like untamed flames.
As always, there was a mug of tea waiting for him. Noah cleared his throat. "Hi."
Slater glanced up and a slow smile spread across his face. "Morning."
Stomach in knots, he shoved his hands into his pockets and steeled himself for the conversation. "About last night…"
The mug hit the island's surface with a clack. Slater's posture straightened. "Yeah?"
"It was a lapse in judgement. A moment of weakness."
The smile disappeared along with the warmth in Slater's expression. "That's it? That's all it was? A lapse in judgement?"
