Page 31 of Racking Up Penalties
“Can we do this again soon?” he whispers against my lips, his breath mingling with mine.
“Definitely,” I reply, the word barely escaping before his lips claim mine once more in agreement.
With one last touch, a brush of his fingers against my cheek, he steps back, his gray eyes holding mine. There’s a silent understanding that this is just the beginning.
“Goodnight, Tessa.”
“Goodnight, Liam.”
As he walks away, I stand there, surrounded by the lingering warmth of his presence, the taste of his kiss still on my lips, and the undeniable certainty that this is far from over.
The cool evening air brushes against my skin as I step away from the restaurant, wrapping me in the reality of the night that has just unfolded. My feet carry me forward, but my mind is still tangled up in the warmth of Liam’s touch and the potential that dances between us like a spark ready to ignite.
I can’t help the smile that plays on my lips, wide and genuine, a testament to the joy bubbling inside me. The possibility of what could be with Liam sends a delightful shiver down my spine.
As I walk, the click of my heels against the pavement is steady, punctuating the whirlwind of thoughts spinning through my mind. Can I really have Liam and Tristan? Will Ethan be a part of it?
I keep thinking of Liam’s easy going nature, the way his laughter rings true and clear, the softness in his eyes when he looks at me.
A message chimes from my phone, and I pull it out, my fingers fumbling in my haste. It’s from Liam:
Can’t stop thinking about you. Sweet dreams, Tessa. Tell me when you get home.
A fresh wave of giddiness washes over me as I step inside the house and I type back a response, my own words infused with the same hopeful sentiment.
I’m home. Sweet dreams to you too, Liam. Looking forward to next time.
Chapter 15
The cool metal of the door knocker feels heavy in my hand as I give it two firm taps. I step back, shoving my hands into the pockets of my jeans in an attempt to appear casual.
I shift from foot to foot on her doorstep, the anticipation tightening every muscle in my body. I’ve been around enough girls to know the game, but with Tessa, it’s different.
The door swings open, and there she stands. My breath catches at the sight of her. The porch light casts a golden halo around her long red hair, and those playful hazel eyes sparkle like they’re lit from within. She’s got this vibrancy about her, a life force that pulls me in.
Only hockey gives me this feeling.
“Hey,” I say.
“Hi, Ethan,” Tessa replies, her lips curving into a grin that sends warmth flooding through my veins. She’s wearing this simple dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, and it takes everything in me not to show just how affected I am by her.
I lean against the door frame, taking in Tessa’s vibrant energy.
“Wow,” slips out before I can censor myself, and I’m rewarded by the deepening of her smile, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “You look amazing,” I say, and it’s not just a line. She does, more than she probably realizes.
“Thanks,” she chuckles, twirling a strand of her fiery red hair around her finger. “You clean up pretty nicely yourself, Ethan.”
A smirk plays on my lips. Confidence surges through me as I match her playful tone. “Oh, I know. But hearing it from you makes it official.”
She steps aside to let me in.
“Nice place,” I comment, trying to distract myself from the pull of her proximity.
“Thanks, I love it here,” she says, a touch of pride in her voice.
“Ready to go?” I ask, the words feeling both like an invitation and a challenge. Tonight is about proving something — to her, to myself, and to Liam too.
Tessa’s gaze turns serious for a moment. “Ethan, before we go out, there’s something I need to tell you.” Her hazel eyes hold mine, a mix of determination and caution swirling within them.
