Page 25 of Racking Up Penalties
His lips are soft, urgent, pushing against mine with a fervor that tells stories of pent-up longing. There’s a taste of wine on his tongue from the half-forgotten glasses sitting on the table. It mingles with the addictive flavor of him, a combination that has me diving deeper into the kiss, wanting, needing more.
I can feel the table’s surface behind me, cold through the thin fabric of my shirt, but it’s nothing compared to the warmth spreading from where Tristan’s body presses against mine. His breath hitches against my mouth, and something within me flares even hotter at the sound. This kiss is a confession, a promise, an unraveling of self-control that I’ve never experienced before.
Our breathing is ragged, hearts pounding out a fierce staccato that syncs for just a moment before breaking into chaos again. I’m lost in the sensation of him - the strength of his arms, the gentle caress of his thumbs against my ribs, the way his slightest movement sends waves of desire crashing through me.
As we finally pull away, gasping for air, the world tilts back into focus, leaving me dizzy with emotion. I rest my forehead against his, and for a fleeting second, I wonder how a kiss can feel so much like coming home.
“Tristan, I never knew you felt this way. I thought I was considered a sister,” I confess.
He bursts out laughing. “Trust me, I never saw you that way. I was always trying to make a move and you never saw it.”
“Did you really transfer here for me?”
Butterflies erupt in my stomach when he nods, a blush spreading across his cheeks. “So, does this mean you’re my girl?”
“Like your girlfriend?” I ask, hopefully.
He smirks. “Absolutely.”
Even though he said I should go on the dates with Liam and Ethan, I know what I need to do now.
I’m not doing anything to lose Tristan now that I have him.
“I will cancel with Ethan and Liam right away.” I lean back to grab my phone but Tristan stops me, tugging me back into his body.
“No. I’m not afraid of a little competition as long as you’re mine and they know it. You could ditch Ethan but I like Liam.”
I stare into his eyes, full of certainty. I know Tristan and he means what he’s saying.
Emma has really changed his perspective on this.
“You’re sure?” I ask.
I really want this. There is something about Liam and Ethan that draws me in. I was planning on getting my own group of men after Emma, never expecting Tristan would be part of it but always secretly hoping.
And he has just given me permission to do that.
“Absolutely.”
I smile and lean in to kiss him again. “Okay then.”
Chapter 13
I have the girl of my dreams in my arms kissing me. There is nothing in the world that could make me happier.
Thank fuck I finally found the courage to tell Tessa I love her.
And she loves me back.
She. Fucking. Loves. Me.
The heat from Tessa’s body seeps into mine, branding me with a yearning that has long been simmering beneath the surface. Our lips move together with an urgency that speaks volumes more than words ever could. My hands cradle her face, thumbs caressing those soft cheeks flushed with the same desire that’s coursing through my veins. Her petite frame fits perfectly against me, every curve melding into the hard lines of my body as if we’re two pieces of a puzzle finally clicking into place.
“Tristan,” she breathes against my lips, a single whisper that carries the weight of all the unspoken emotions churning within us.
I can’t help but tighten my grip around her, our kiss deepening. It’s as though I’m trying to memorize the feel of her, the taste of her, this electric connection that buzzes between us. The world outside this bubble of passion fades away until there’s nothing left but Tessa and the thudding of my heart.
On impulse, fueled by a mix of affection and raw need, I scoop her into my arms. She gasps, a sound swallowed by our continued kiss, her arms winding around my neck. The strength in my muscles from years on the football field makes it easy to carry her.
