Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
I wasn’t sure how much time passed as we kissed. Seconds or minutes, but his slow kisses were so good. Ryder was as skilled with his lips as I assumed he was on the ice, and I felt a void as he pulled away, clawing at his hair as he panted against my forehead. “I’m sorry. I didn’t plan on that.”
“It’s okay,” I murmured, wanting more as I breathed in his woodsy scent. I didn’t want to continue this in public, but I was scared that if I let him go, he would disappear.
“Would you like to get that coffee now?” he murmured before kissing my hair. I considered his answer and nodded, deciding that I needed some time to think this over.
He led me to a small dimly lit coffee shop, opening the door for me. I walked through and looked around at the mismatched couches with a soft smile. I’d never been here before, and the atmosphere was great. We walked up to the counter and placed our orders before Ryder paid. Once we had our drinks in our hands, he led me to a love seat by a fireplace and we settled in. We were close, and I pressed my swollen lips together before glancing down at my drink.
“You didn’t mind what happened back there?” he asked. I stared at him in surprise.
“I probably wouldn’t have responded like that if I didn’t. It was a surprise, but a good one,” I admitted quietly as he chuckled. “What do you want from me, Ryder?”
“You’re so shy, but you can be direct,” he mused as I stared at him. “I want to get to know you. That kiss almost knocked me on my ass, and that’s not easy to do. It doesn’t mean that I expect you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. I just want to see you smile and feel good about yourself.”
Chapter 4
RYDER
ELYSE DIDN’T FEEL bad about herself, but I could see in her expression that she doubted herself. It was evident in her eyes that she went through something, and the curiosity was deep. I just had to let that go for now.
We sipped our drinks, and I focused on the heat between our bodies. I wasn’t going to kiss Elyse again yet and would revisit that when I dropped her off at home. I asked her when she worked at her bookstore next, and she told me the following afternoon for the closing shift. She smiled when she spoke of it, and I knew she loved her job.
“I don’t have a pre-season game until two nights from now. It’s a home one, and then we travel for about a week. Want to go out again after work tomorrow?” I asked.
“You want a second date with me?” she responded, and I knew I wanted that more than anything.
“I do,” I admitted, and she smiled.
“That sounds nice. I get out of there at eight. Will that work for you?”
I nodded.
“You can pick me up at the bookstore. It will save some time.”
“That sounds great. I know the place already. One of the wives likes to go to the café attached to your store and writes her books while the baby is with the nanny.”
Her eyes lit up, and I tilted my head at her.
“Becci? I see her on my day shifts. She’s great. She’s married to a hockey player?” Elyse asked, and I nodded.
“Our assistant captain.”
She took a long drink from her cup and laughed.
“I know her a little. We just make small talk before she goes to the corner table and gets to work. I always tease her about reading her next release.” Elyse set her cup down and smiled.
“I’ll tell her that I know you. Maybe she’ll get you a signed copy,” I suggested, and she laughed sweetly.
“Since we’re going out tomorrow, why don’t you take me home so we can have that goodnight kiss?” Her voice was low, and I met her eyes, a deep purple in the light of the shop.
“Yeah, I can do that.” We left the coffee shop, and I opened the car door for her, driving slowly to her house. The idea of kissing her again thrilled me, and I parked at the curb before turning the engine off. The road was lit with streetlights, and I glanced around slowly. “Is this a safe place to live?” I asked, and she laughed.
“I have a few police officers scattered around the neighborhood. They keep a close eye on things,” she replied as I stared at her. “You’re protective again.”
“I can’t help it. My mom raised me to watch out for people,” I told her as she raised her eyebrow.
“Is she a fan of you beating up men on the ice to watch out for your people?” Elyse countered, and I pictured my mom as she told me that I needed to tone things down on the ice.