As we sit in the darkened kitchen, devouring the ice cream, the tension between us is thicker than the creamy treat.
Jayden shifts closer, dabbing at my lips with a paper towel. “You’ve got some...,” he trails off, his warm breath grazing softly against my skin.
I hold my breath, my gaze locked on his.
Slowly, he leans in, his lips brushing mine, gentle and achingly soft, his stubble tickling my skin.
I melt into him, the ice cream forgotten, as we succumb to the simmering chemistry that’s been building between us ever since we first laid eyes on each other.
Breaking apart, both panting, I gaze into his eyes.
“I’ve been wanting to do that since we met,” he says, his voice husky.
I feel a flush creep up my neck.
“So, tell me about Jayden Bishop,” I say, feigning nonchalance and eager for a distraction. My brain is still processing the kiss.
He smirks, leaning back against the counter. “What do you want to know, Dylan?”
“Tell me something I don’t know about you…”
“Let’s just say I’m more than a pretty face and a mean tackle.”
Our eyes lock once more, and my heart skips a beat. “Oh yeah? What does that mean?”
“You’ll see, in good time. Good things shouldn’t be rushed,” he smirks again.
“I’d be a fool not to believe you,” I say, my voice husky with desire. “But I still think you need to prove it.”
“I’m glad you said that,” he growls, swooping in for another searing kiss. “Wouldn’t want to disappoint the new assistant captain of the women’s team,” he murmurs against my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
“We’ll see about that.”
Just as quickly as everything started, Jayden pulls away. “I—I should go,” he says, his hardness evident underneath his towel as he makes his way out of the kitchen. “That was a mistake. I’m sorry,” he says, walking away.
“Wait, what just happened?” I arch a brow at his retreating back. A muscular back covered in tattoos. Ugh. My weakness. “Did I do something wrong?”
But he doesn’t reply, just continues to walk away, leaving me alone with a rapidly melting pint in my hand.
I look down at my ice cream and sigh. This is going to be harder than I expected. Strange and hard. Usually a fun combination.
But in this setting, I’m suddenly not so sure.
Chapter 12
Dylan
I’mcarryingtheheavybox of training equipment down the hall, my arms burning from the weight.
As I pass the living room, the guys call out.
“Hey Dylan, you need a hand with that?” asks Jayden.
I stop, glaring at them. “No, I’ve got it,” I snap.
“You sure?” says Noah. “That looks pretty heavy.”
My grip tightens on the box. They’re only offering because I’m a woman. I don’t need their help.