Page 64 of Off the Stick
From her unique teal-blue eyes twinkling in the light that shines through the window to the long, loose waves of her auburn hair that give even the most colorful autumn leaves a run for their money.
When I walked into the lounge after the game and saw her wearing a red sweater that fits her like a glove, accentuating her narrow waist and incredible curves, I nearly swallowed my tongue and lost my ability to speak.
My fingers twitched to undo each cream-colored pearl button cascading down that sweater’s front one by freaking one, making her body come alive as I cup each swell in the palm of my hand.
Although I gave her a hard time over not wearing any Vikings apparel to the game, her choice in clothing is still casual yet alluring.So very Cherry.
Our eyes lock and time rewinds so I’m back to where it all started.I reach for her hand and draw it to my chest, where I clutch it against me.
“I thought maybe you might want to… I don’t know… see my place.”It comes out more as a question than a statement.
Jesus Christ.This woman has me practically stammering over my words.Who am I right now?I’m the Ax Man—proven ladies’ man, playboy, whatever you want to call me, but I don’t get tongue-tied around women.
Except around Halle.She steals my breath and takes all my logic.It’s like getting pummeled into the boards by a top defenseman.
When she remains silent, I continue.“No pressure, honest.I just want to spend time with yo?—”
My words are stolen when Halle’s lips crash over mine, and I’m stunned.I don’t know which way’s up or down.
She leans over the console, winds her hands behind my neck, and kisses me with those warm, wet lips that taste better than I ever remembered.My brain finally kicks in, and I lift my hands to frame her face, sealing my mouth over hers and keeping her locked tight to me.
A hungry, feral groan rises from my chest, one that’s met with a soft purr from her.My tongue strokes the seams between her lips, and she parts them to allow me access.One sweep of my tongue and I’m a goner.Every cell in my body awakens and vibrates with need.
I hesitantly pull back.With hooded eyes, I take her in, searching her expression for any signs of potential regret.Her lips are wet and swollen, her cheeks flushed.Her nipples pucker through the sweater and her chest rises and falls with a quickened breath.Then she lets out a shuttering sigh.
I lick my lips.“If you’re okay with it, I’d like to take this inside.We’ve had enough time in cars together, don’t you think?”
She chuckles and gives me a nod.“I’m more than okay.”
I practically jump out of the car, sprinting to open the passenger door and offer her my hand.Halle’s giggle is light and airy.
“So chivalrous,” she teases, and I can’t wait to touch her again.
I rake my fingers through her wavy hair and shove her back against the car door.My dick reacts instantly as I press my hips into hers, and there is no mistaking that I want her.
Halle opens her mouth to welcome my frantic need, and I swallow her gasp with my mouth.The kiss is all-consuming, an uncontained fire that ignites upon contact and threatens to overtake us with its sheer ferocity.
Her hands slide behind me and find purchase on my ass.She is so soft and willing, and I am hard and greedy.
I keep one hand tangled in her hair and glide the other to her jaw, tilting her head so I can slide my lips along the expanse of her neck.
“Fuck, you taste so sweet, Cherry.Just like you always did,” I murmur against her skin, then suck along the sensitive curve, smiling when I feel her tremble in my embrace.
I grind against her.Knowing I shouldn’t.Knowing we’re exposed to the prying eyes of the neighbors who would just love to sell the story about Viking player Ax Axelrod and one of his many conquests.
I pull away but keep my gaze firmly set on her as I flick the buttons of her sweater.“This sweater looks so wholesome,” I say, voice thick with desire.“But I want to do very unwholesome things to you.”
Spinning her around, I glide my palm over her ass.“And I can’t do any of those things out here.Now scoot.”
Then I swat her on the butt with a wink.
32
Halle
The minute we’re inside, I excuse myself to the bathroom.Mostly to give myself a much-needed pep talk and time to calm my nerves.
Dane escorts me to a powder room painted the color of the sky.I was so focused on giving myself some space from the intensity of those kisses that I didn’t even look around at the interior of his home as we moved down the hallway.
