Chapter 2 #2
Tempting. But my schedule isn’t exactly built to work around movies and dates
Me:
Then how about we call it a social skills practice?
Yana :
Nice try, golden boy
Golden boy? She’s already given me a nickname? Warmth radiates through me, and my heart hammers against my ribs. Damn, this little text exchange is fun. Ignoring the commotion in the locker room, I send her a screenshot of the schedule from the movie theater’s website.
Me:
What should we see?
Yana :
The new Marvel
I double-check the time to make sure I can drop off my things at home before our date, then shoot her one last text.
Me:
See you there
I stand and shove my things into my duffel bag. Everything will be wrinkled tomorrow, but I’ll worry about that later. My sole focus is to have an amazing date with a stunning girl.
“What’s the hurry?” Camden says as I sling the duffel over my shoulder.
He’s standing near his locker, a towel wrapped around his hips. His hair is damp, his skin glistening with droplets of water. When I see the ink that covers his arms and neck, I can’t help but think about the tattoos I always talked about getting when we were in high school.
He clearly followed through, while I can never find the time.
“I have a date.”
He twists his lips. “With that redhead?”
My heart stutters. “With Yana, yes.”
With a shake of his head, he shrugs. “Good luck then. See you tomorrow.”
I rock back on my heels, a question on the tip of my tongue. Rather than ask, I give him a single nod and head for the door. “Yeah, see you.”
If I’m right and he does find her attractive, it’s better that I don’t know.
When I texted Yana, I thought she’d ignore me or come up with an excuse to say no.
Even after she agreed, I figured she’d cancel on me.
But she’s here, stepping out of a black Escalade as I stand in front of the entrance to the theater.
Maybe it’s silly, but I brought flowers—a bouquet of purple tulips.
She pulls her coat tight, and when she sees me, she shuffles my way.
Her copper-red hair is loose around her shoulders, and for a second my brain goes blank.
She was beautiful the other night but also somehow untouchable.
Online, she came across as fierce and determined on the court, then elegant and stylish at events.
Now, though? In dark blue jeans, ankle boots, and a black turtleneck under her unbuttoned coat, she’s all kinds of perfect.
I fix the collar of the beige shirt that I paired with light brown pants and a dark green bomber as she stops in front of me. “Hey.” I hold the flowers up between us. “These are for you.”
Smiling, she takes the flowers from me. “Hi, and thank you. They’re gorgeous.”
“You are gorgeous.” I grin. “These tulips have nothing on you.”
She huffs a laugh. “Do you practice these lines in the mirror, or do they come to you spontaneously? They are way too cheesy, by the way.”
“Kind of both.” I wink at her. “I already bought tickets. Should we find seats?”
“Sure.”
I open the door, and as I follow her inside, I have a hard time taking my eyes off her mouthwatering ass. For the view alone, I’d listen to her mock me all night long.
“Want to share a bucket of popcorn?”
“Sorry, I already had dinner.” She gives me a reassuring smile. “And I’m training for my next tournament.”
“You’re talking to a fellow professional athlete,” I remind her. “You don’t need to explain yourself to me.” Heart thumping in my ears and with a hand on the small of her back, I guide her to the hall. “This way.”
During the ads that play before the movie, we chat a little, and once the lights dim and the film starts, she crosses her arms and keeps her gaze on the screen, invested in the plot.
I, on the other hand, have no idea what’s happening. All I see is her. The way the corners of her mouth tremble when she’s holding back a smile. The way she arches her brow when she’s surprised by a scene. But also, the way she shifts in her seat each time our shoulders brush.
By the time the credits roll, I know I’m screwed. This isn’t even a free fall. It’s a strange, magical type of transportation. My attraction to this girl is already way too consuming.
I’ve never experienced anything like it.
Outside, the air is crisp. It’s a typical California night in December.
“I honestly expected you to bail,” I tell her as I walk her to her car, my hands in my pockets.
She smirks, giving me the side-eye. “I considered it.”
My chest tightens. “And?”
“And…I’m here, aren’t I?” She arches her brow.
My heart stutters, the sensation new and strange. I grin at her anyway. “I’m glad you are.”
As we stop by her car, the air between us shifts, and my skin heats. She toys with her car keys, her head tipped down.
I take a tiny step forward, desperate to touch her, my fingertips tingling. “I’ll be on the road in two days. Then I have a short break around Christmas before the grind starts up again. When can I see you?”
“I’m not sure.” She chews her bottom lip, pressing the tulips to her chest.
My heart stumbles, causing a pang in my chest. Dammit. I was—
“I’ll be in Tahoe for Christmas. I rented a cabin for a week.” She smiles at me, her gray-green eyes emitting warmth. “I’m training here, but to get myself mentally ready for Australia, I need some time alone, in the woods, surrounded by snow.”
I blink, her words sinking in. Honestly, that makes complete sense now that I’ve done some research on her career.
“You’re a brave girl,” I murmur.
“I am…most of the time.”
Her voice, full of confidence and power, slides right under my skin. God, I’d give anything to get to know her better. To know all her secrets.
I want to know everything about Yana Lipnitskaja.
And I will.
I lean in slowly, zeroing in on her mouth for a moment before making eye contact again.
She doesn’t move away. Instead, she watches me with interest in her expression.
I cup her face and pull her into me. Our mouths meet, and it’s like the fucking Fourth of July going off in my head.
Her lips are soft and luscious, and I want to devour them.
The kiss is slow and soft at first, but when she opens her mouth, I slip my tongue inside, and it quickly becomes heated. Wild, even.
I’m so fucking gone for this girl, it’s not even funny.
With my forehead against hers, I confess, “I didn’t want to wait to do that till I see you again.”
“Good,” she murmurs. “But don’t get ahead of yourself, Golden Boy.”
With that, her lips are on mine. Fuck, I need to figure out how to see her again. Soon.
1 God
2 Bye