“It’s nothing compared to you,” he said effortlessly before kissing the top of my head.
“But you don’t even know me.” I pivoted in his arms, our bodies still pressed firmly together as his grip on me tightened.
“I want to know everything about you. I crave to learn about your passion, your life, all of it.”
His soft lips brushed against mine, but I pulled away, retreating like a scared little girl. I was nervous for him to discover my lack of experience and for him to know he had technically just given me my first kiss ever.How ridiculous—a nineteen-year-old woman never having even been kissed by a man before.
“Did I do something wrong?” he questioned as concern washed over him.
My face prickled from heat burning at my cheeks and neck. “No. It’s just…” I trailed off, letting my gaze drop. I didn’t know how to explain this without sounding completely naïve.
“Nikki, I don’t want you to ever be uncomfortable with me. I am just so drawn to you, and I couldn’t wait any longer to kiss you.”
I perched up on my tiptoes to get closer to him, closing my eyes and leaning in, praying he would meet me halfway since I couldn’t actually reach him. As we connected again, nervousness shot through me. I tried to play it cool, following his lead and parting my lips when his tongue pushed through to explore my mouth. Simple ecstasy filled me as a soft moan escaped.
I will never forget this moment.I supposed my first kiss was worth the wait because I didn’t think most girls could say they were kissed for the first time by a handsome gentleman in one of the most gorgeous hidden gems in New York.
Is this really happening?
“Let’s check out the gardens,” Chase said softly as our lips parted. I immediately desired his taste again, but I didn’t want to seem too eager.
“All right.” I followed him out into the bright afternoon light. The flowers and trees were gorgeous, and we walked with his arm draped across my shoulders through the most breathtaking park. I felt like I had left New York and was strolling through the Secret Garden.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” I said sincerely as we took a seat on a stone bench beneath a large willow tree.
“Thank you for coming with me.” He breathed against my neck, sending chills down my spine. “Let me see your phone,” he practically demanded.
I pulled it out of my fanny pack and he laughed.
“What?” I jabbed his side gently with my elbow. “Making fun of me?”
“No, I would never.” His lips pulled into a smile. “You just look like a tourist.”
“Isn’t that what we are?” I questioned.
He pulled me closer to him. “I think we’re supposed to be newly local.” He took my phone and dialed a number. “Here, now we don’t have to do the awkward thing of wanting to get the other’s number but not wanting to seem too enthusiastic.”
“Perfect.” I put my phone back into my pack and leaned into Chase. “I don’t want this to end.” I groaned. The day had been far too perfect, and I already felt like I was missing Chase even while he was still by my side.
He exhaled a slow breath. “Neither do I, but unfortunately, we need to head back.”
There was no way I was going to be able to hide my dissatisfaction at his declaration. “But, why?”
He kissed my cheek before shoving up from the bench. “Because Coach will have my ass if I’m late for practice.”
“I guess I can understand that. I wouldn’t be able to be late to the studio.” My eyes locked with his as he laced his fingers with mine.
Helping me to my feet, he sighed, “Honestly, I would rather stay right here with you, but work calls.”
Chapter 5
Chase
Practice. Fucking practice.
Usually I was all about it—head in the game, hungry to hone my skills—but all I could do was think about watching Nikki get out of the cab when I dropped her off after our afternoon together. We had talked about so much in the few short hours we spent together. She told me about her dreams of being a prima ballerina and traveling the world, dancing on every stage she could. I confessed my selfish desire to never leave her side and how I had never been so captivated by anything other than hockey until I saw her sitting in The Bookstop.
“What the fuck was that?” Coach yelled as a slap shot I took on an open goal hit the cross bar and flung back at me, almost hitting me in the shoulder.