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A call on the field distracts everyone, the conversation ending as Gramps' arm falls from her shoulders, but Ryan is still watching me, as if her words have more meaning to them and she wants me to catch on. Her green eyes seem to be a stark contrast against her skin tonight, holding my gaze captive. I can't resist any longer as I lean over to whisper in her ear.
“You are gorgeous. I am so very excited to get you home.”
Then I pull away and look onto the field to find my little brother. From the corner of my eye, I can see Ryan turn to the same direction, but she glances at me after a few seconds. I smirk, see her shake her head, and then she hooks her arm through my elbow before sticking her hand back into her pocket.
My family loves football, so with the game in full swing, there isn't a lot of talking going on that isn't football related. Gramps includes Ryan in his comments. She seems to be enjoying herself, but I notice her teeth are chattering a little. Is she that cold? I mean, there's a bite in the air, but she should be warm enough.
“Hey,” I catch her attention. “Do you want some hot chocolate?”
Ryan grins. “Yes, I would.”
“Do y'all need anything?” Everyone shakes their heads. “We'll be right back then,” I say to the rest of my family, noticing my mother paying extra attention to us now. Ryan slips her hand into mine as we stand, and I lead her down the steps. Once we are down the ramp, there are less people around. I swivel, causing Ryan to run into me as she laughs with embarrassment. I don't give her a chance to apologize. Instead, my hands dive through her hair to grasp her neck, bringing her to me for a kiss. Ryan's icy fingers chill my skin over my beard.
Needing to taste her, I swipe my tongue over her lips, and they part quickly at my demand. She sighs, leaning into me as she fervently kisses me back with the same eagerness. Reluctantly, I pull away, her lips already forming a smile.
“Is that why you dragged me out here?” She asks.
“Partly. I've wanted to do that since the moment I saw you. But your mouth was moving like one of those chattering teeth toys, so I figured you might want something to warm you up.”
“C'mon then,” she laughs, taking my hand and tugging me towards the concession stands. While we wait in line, she adds, “The cold is bitter tonight. If I had known, I would have brought a thicker jacket or something.”
“You didn't watch the weather?” I tease, remembering what she said the morning after her birthday.
Ryan seems to be full of laughter tonight. “No, I didn't, smart ass.”
We step forward, and I order her drink before she can. When as
ked if she would like whipped cream, Ryan shakes her head. I go to reach into my wallet, but Ryan waves her hand at me, pulling money from her pocket.
“Don't even think about it,” I protest.
She shoves the money at the woman before I can stop her. When she turns to face me, she rolls her eyes. “Relax. It's only hot chocolate, Gabe. C'mon, we're in the way.” We step to the side, Ryan taking a moment to sip her drink before we head back to my family. “Mmm,” she mumbles heavenly.
I laugh at her. “Ready now?”
Ryan holds out her hand, so I take it and lead her back to our seats. Gramps smiles when he sees us.
“About time you two got back. I was startin' to think y'all escaped.”
Ryan giggles, taking her seat next to him. “Now why would we do that?”
I wrap my arm around her shoulders, tugging her closer to me in hopes to keep her warm, and Gramps gives a hearty laugh.
“Darlin', I remember how I was when I was young and in love with my sweetie.” At this, he pats my grandmother on the knee affectionately as the horn sounds to alert us of halftime.
I expect Ryan to tense, and she does for a moment, but then she smiles sweetly at Gramps. “I bet you do, Gramps. It couldn't have been that long ago,” she says.
He laughs. “You are a charmer, darlin'.”
Just then, my mother drags him into a conversation with her and Dad. Ryan drains what's left of her drink and looks at me as the players start to file back onto the field.
Quietly, so no one will hear her, she mutters, “Oops. I didn't offer you any.” She holds up her empty cup and intentionally licks her lips. “You can still taste it though, if you want.” Ryan gives me a wicked grin.
With my forefinger under her chin, I keep her in place, pressing my lips against hers for just a moment.
“You're terrible,” I chuckle. “Pay attention to the game. You may have Gramps convinced, but I want to see if you remembered anything.”
Once the game resumes, I start questioning her, and she answers correctly each time. Sometimes, it takes a moment before she can think of the right answer. It's adorable because she'll look up at me expectantly, waiting for me to nod in approval. We do this into the fourth quarter.
