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Chapter Six
Noah
Holy. Fuck.
Gorgeous. Beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking. I run out of superlatives to describe how Elli looks tonight in the figure-hugging blue dress as she walks into the room. Her hair is scooped into some updo, with a few strands framing her oval face. Her subtle makeup highlights her long lashes, high cheekbones, and full, kissable mouth with its slick of lip gloss.
Several pairs of male—and female—eyes swing to look at her, and a rumble works its way up my chest.
Mine.
I excuse myself from the couple I’m talking to and head over to meet her, steering her back out of the function room and into a quiet corridor. She stumbles in the heels, and I steady her by yanking her against my body.
“Hello,” she says breathlessly, bracing her palms on my chest. “I knew I shouldn’t have worn these shoes because I’m not used to high heels and I look like a newborn calf trying to walk in them so I’m going to be hanging onto you for dear life all night in case I fall off them and eat the gro—umph!”
I cut her off with my mouth. Her scent washes over me, an intoxicating mixture of coconut and something citrus that makes me instantly hard. I swipe my tongue over her lips and she opens up with a whimper, allowing me to deepen the kiss. Her hands move from my chest to my arms, gripping my biceps as if they’re her only anchor to the earth. Her moan vibrates into my mouth as my tongue slides against hers, sending white-hot lust to my aching balls. I hold her tighter, kiss her harder, never wanting to let her go because the universe is perfectly aligned when she’s in my arms.
The rest of the world melts away as our tongues collide and I remind myself of her sweet taste. The only thing that matters is this beautiful woman in my arms. How she’s gotten under my skin so fast, I’ll never know, but in less than two days, she’s branded me hers as surely as I plan to brand her mine.
Endless minutes later, needing to catch my breath, I slow our kiss and tear my lips from hers. Ellie hangs there, eyes closed, lips swollen, her fingers digging into my biceps. I cup her face in my hands and her eyes slowly open, the hazel depths drowsy with passion.
“Wow,” she whispers in awe. “That was even better than last night. Not only are you the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, but you’re also an amazing kisser,” she says with heart-stopping honesty.
I swipe my thumb back and forth across her puffy lips, now devoid of lip gloss. Good. I want everyone to see her like this, mouth swollen, cheeks flushed from my kisses. I want everyone to know she’s mine.
“You look…” I pause, trying to find the right word to encompass her beauty and spirit, “…good enough to eat.”
Elli laughs softly. “I think you just did.”
“Oh, I haven’t even started yet, sweetheart,” I promise, watching with satisfaction as her pupils flare.
“You look dashing,” she says, dropping her eyes to take in my slim-fit two-piece suit. “We match.” She beams, indicating my navy-blue shirt.
“So we do,” I chuckle, reaching for her hand and enclosing it in mine. “Come on, princess. Let’s get you to the ball.”
After buying Elli a drink and introducing her to the bride and groom, April and Jonathon, I sweep her onto the dance floor so I have an excuse to hold her. Dolly Parton is singing “I Hope You Dance,” and Elli throws her head back as I swing her around, her laughter addictive as it washes over me. I feel more alive with her than at any time in my life, even on the ice.
“So, how was the wedding?” she asks when I set her back on her feet. She loops her arms around my neck, her gaze soft on my face.
“Great,” I reply, pulling her closer so our bodies are molded together from chest to thigh. “But it would’ve been perfect with you here. I missed you.”
She grins. “I missed you, too. I could’ve used your help scrubbing the toilets. One of the guests left a floater.”
I burst out laughing. “Thanks for keeping it real.”
“Sorry. My mouth tends to bypass my brain, not that I have to tell you because you knew that within two seconds of meeting me.” She grimaces. “And I’m sure your job doesn’t involve cleaning up people’s poop.”
“Only the metaphorical kind.”
“Is it stressful?” Elli asks, absently running her fingers through the hair at my nape.
“Yeah, especially the last few months. This is the first vacation I’ve taken in almost three years. I represent several NHL hockey players, including my brother Harrison. The season starts next month, so the last few months have been crazy, communicating with team owners and managers about renewal or transfer contracts. I also handlepublic relations for my clients, and some of them rely on me for business guidance. And then there’s the search for new talent. I recruit clients as young as fifteen, which allows me to guide their career until they’re eighteen, and beyond.”
“Sounds fascinating,” Elli says politely.
I raise an eyebrow. “Not a hockey fan, huh?”
“Nope,” she says, popping the p. “But it’s important to you, so I plan to learn everything there is to know about the game, and whenever you’re stressed, I’ll make you a cup of tea and you can offload on me while I massage your shoulders and rub your fe—” She stumbles to a halt and her cheeks grow bright red. “I didn’t mean… I’m not expecting… Ugh, I’m so awkward.”
