AllFreeNovel
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“What safety net?”
“You.”
“But I’m not touching you.”
“I know, but you’rehere. It’s time foryouto sit on the bench for once.”
“I actually sit on the bench a lot, it’s—”
“Stop.” I raise a hand in front of his face. “Please don’t point out my lack of hockey knowledge.”
Jesse sucks his lips into his mouth, biting back a smile as he nods.
“Thank you. Now please show me how good you are at sitting.”
“Oh, I’m a pro.”
“I’m sure.”
I watch him as he skates gracefully over the ice, showing me how it’s really done, even doing this fancy spinning thing before he reaches the edge. I roll my eyes but otherwise ignore him, focusing on my solo skate as though it’s my redemption. My way of proving I can do anything.
I skate hesitantly for a bit, but when “Chandelier” by Sia plays, I sing along and my confidence grows.
I’m so lost in the music that I don’t notice Jesse back on the ice until he’s right in front of me, moving closer until I can’t avoid him.Not that I want to.He wraps his arms around my waist and spins me, allowing me to throw my arms back, tilting my head to the ceiling, completely letting go. Trusting Jesse’s hold on me. Knowing with every fiber of my being that he won’t let go.
The song ends and he pulls me to a stop, releasing his grip only enough for me to stand comfortably.
A moment passes between us as we stare into each other's eyes, and an overwhelming feeling hits me. I want to kiss him. I want to feel that connection again. To remember.
As if hearing my silent words, Jesse palms my cheek and lowers his forehead to mine, releasing a soft groan. “You are amazing, Buttercup. I’m trying to do the right thing. I’m trying to hold back. But God, I need you.”
My heart thumps in my chest as a sea of emotion floods me. “If you didn’t have to think about right or wrong…what would you do?”
Jesse’s lips pull into a smirk as he leans back. “Oh Buttercup, you are not ready for that.”
I huff out a nervous laugh. “Sorry,” I whisper before biting my lip. I really shouldn’t have said that.
Jesse’s eyes drop to my mouth before he groans again. And just when I think he’s going to move away, he does the opposite, telling me he’s sorry again before pressing his lips to mine.
He freezes when we touch, and my heart restricts as my body breaks out in goose bumps. I’m sure he’s expecting me to break the kiss, but I don’t. Not yet.
He’s still for another beat, waiting, until I softly caress his bottom lip, making him hum against my mouth. His hands slide into my hair next, gripping the strands to tilt my head, making my mouth open in a gasp.
And instead of panicking, I feel like I belong here.
Like I’ve always belonged here.
I love the possessive hold he has on me, and I want more.
Our kiss turns frantic and raw, with Jesse holding on for dear life while I fight to stay afloat. Fully aware that I could easily drown in him and forget everything I’ve been working on…me.
When he subtly tugs my hair again, I moan, loving the feel of him as his tongue caresses mine.
My entire body heats and I internally curse myself. I’m not supposed to want this. Not yet. But right now, it’s everything.
He continues to explore my mouth for another minute before breaking the kiss and leaning back, his eyes wide. “Jesus. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that,” he rushes out, running a hand down his face as the other continues to hold me.
And I believe him.
