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Returning to her side, I hand her the glass, and she eagerly accepts it. The contents disappear within seconds, and she carefully places the empty glass on the counter. Without warning, she launches herself at me, wrapping her arms around my waist, her face nuzzled into my chest. I reciprocate with soothing back rubs, cherishing the sensation of her body pressed close to mine. She gazes up at me, her brown eyes meeting mine beneath a veil of dark lashes, freckles dotting her skin, momentarily captivating my attention. I can't resist the magnetic pull, leaning in to capture her lips with mine.
Yet again, our intimate moment is rudely interrupted by Ronan, who marches into the kitchen carrying Sutton's bags. "Guys, chill out with that! Let's go eat dinner."
Sutton questions, "Out?"
Ronan's enthusiasm is quick to respond, "Yeah, there's this really freaking good place with the best wings."
I place my hand on his shoulder and offer a stern look. "Ronan?"
He tilts his head questioningly, "Yeah?"
"Go home," I instruct, shoving him away, his smile vanishing.
Sutton slaps my chest playfully, chiding, "Don't be mean to him."
Leaning in close, I whisper into her ear, "I want you all to myself." Her eyes take on a seductive glaze, and she shoots me a look that ignites an undeniable desire in me. "Later," she murmurs.
Damn it. I wish "later" could be right now. It feels like Ronan is intentionally messing with my plans by not giving us a moment of privacy. I just want to hold my girl without an audience, but Ronan insists on taking us out to eat. If I run into anyone I know, I'm going to be beyond irritated.
* * *
Is the universe out to get me? I swear to God, Ronan just had to pick the one restaurant where every person we ever went to high school with has congregated tonight.
"Hey, man! It's good to see you," says a familiar face from our past. "That game against the Tigers, you destroyed them! You carried the team on your back."
Sutton and Ronan exchange knowing glances, aware of how much I despise these unexpected intrusions into my everyday life just because I play hockey. It's not like I'm a professional, for heaven's sake; I'm just a college student... for now.
I shoot the guy a pointed look, and to my surprise, he looks sheepish, realizing he's overstepped. Ronan chuckles as the guy sheepishly retreats.
Leaning over the table, Ronan slyly swipes a boneless wing from Sutton's plate. "We went to high school with him. Zach Smith. He tried out for the hockey team every single year and got cut... every year."
"He did?"
"Dude, you really should start paying more attention to other people."
I take his words with a pinch of humor, my focus momentarily distracted as I watch Sutton lean forward, her hair inadvertently dipping into my cup of ranch.
"I do pay attention to other people," I respond, grabbing a napkin to delicately wipe off the piece of Sutton's hair that accidentally landed in my ranch.
"Someone who isn't Sutton."
We both turn our attention to her, observing as she enthusiastically shoves another wing into her mouth. Her animated chewing comes to a brief halt as she realizes our gaze is locked on her. Sutton's hand quickly flies to cover her mouth, and her cheeks flush with heat.
She swallows and reaches for her glass of water, taking a sip before placing it back on the table. With a self-conscious smile, she settles deeper into the booth. "Guys, didn't anyone ever tell you not to watch a girl eat? That was very rude."
Ronan playfully mimics Sutton's position, sliding down in his seat. "I'm not supposed to watch girls eat?"
I chime in, "You can look, but try not to stare?"
Ronan's lips turn downward in mock seriousness as he shifts his attention back to me. "I always maintain direct eye contact on dates, even while eating. Is that why no one wants to date me?"
I chuckle. "No one wants to date you for an insane number of other reasons. You shouldn't worry about this one."
"Asshole." Ronan retorts.
"Stop being mean to him," Sutton interjects, casting a pointed glare in my direction. Her gaze attempts to cut through me, but I stand my ground.
"Ro, you'll find someone soon. I have a good feeling about it," Sutton says, consoling him.
