Chapter 64
SIXTY-FOUR
SUTTON
- Present Day -
*Three Hours Earlier*
“ Y ou sure you’re up for this?”
I pause, pick in one hand and fingers resting on the G# I’d just transitioned into as I attempt to navigate the complex bridge that seemed just perfect two weeks ago.
Of course, that was before I got sick and ended up almost dying.
Apparently my stamina is still not up to par, even with the newly minted clean bill of health from my doctors.
Glancing up distractedly at the sound of his voice, my half-finished sheet music with its hastily scribbled notes along its margins and the pencil that fell from my mouth lie forgotten on the floor, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of both Jonah and Cal in their game day suits.
Jonah, ever the fashion icon, is stunning in his form-fitting tweed burgundy with its matching flat cap. Callum stands next to him, no less captivating with his hands in his pockets and ankles just peeking out from his muted blue pinstripe and polished leather lace-ups.
While the NHL had passed a new regulation a few years back which allows players the autonomy of expanding their game day wardrobe beyond the classic suit and tie look that was once a standard requirement, the Sabretooths as a team voted to uphold tradition, maintaining the standard suit look pre-game, and choosing instead to wear more individualized numbers afterwards. I can’t say I’m sad about the decision.
“Eyes up here, Sweetheart.”
Dragging my gaze up the long, mouthwatering view, my eyes connect first with Cal’s before I quickly shift over to Jonah, cheeks heating in embarrassment at being caught ogling.
A smirk pulls at the corner of Jonah’s lips, matching that of Cal’s amused expression.
Oh they know exactly what they both do to me.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“I asked if you’re sure you’re up for coming to the game tonight?” Jonah repeats, toning down the amusement in his voice.
“Uh, yeah.” Glancing back down at my sheet music, I try to gather my wayward thoughts. Now’s not the time for that. They’ve been gone for several days with back to back away games and I’ve finally managed to get to a point where I don’t feel like death warmed over.
As much as I’ve loved having Lena here to keep me company, having my doctor give the ‘okay’ means that I can get back to some semblance of normalcy, and hopefully move past the butterflies that have been a constant companion at whatever this is with having both men hover over me night and day.
Me going to the game tonight is my chance to prove that I’m truly fine, and we can all move forward with our lives.
“I’m sure. You guys go on ahead. I’ll see you there. ”
I refuse to look up. Looking up means that they can both probably see the feelings that have threatened to drown me.
There’s no need for me to throw heart eyes in their direction.
Forcing a steadying breath, I reach out to grab my pencil, making an unnecessary notation along the already barely legible margin.
I hear the footsteps though, feel them as he moves closer.
A whisper of a kiss is placed on top of my head and my eyes close involuntarily.
“Bye, Baby Girl. I’ll see you tonight then.”
Jonah walks out of the room, but I can still feel Cal’s presence, even without me looking.
Against my better judgement, my attention is drawn back to him, a force as strong and involuntary as gravity itself, and when our eyes connect, there’s such an intensity in his gaze that I feel my face flush once more.
Biting my lip, I watch in silent fascination as he takes a step forward then pauses. I can see the hesitation in his face, some internal debate that I’m not privy to playing in his head before he continues his slow, deliberate walk in my direction.
Coming to a halt, he pauses directly in front of where I sit cross-legged on the floor.
He squats, my breath hitching as he reaches out to gently tug my bottom lip where I had been nervously chewing.
I see his gaze flick briefly to my lips before his eyes lock with mine once more, everything slows down as if the world has stopped around us as he leans in and kisses me.
It’s not careful, like the kiss in the hall a few weeks ago, nor is it filled with longing and lust, like that night with Jonah. No, this kiss is calculated, intentional. . . full of promise. His tongue brushes against my lips in a slow, teasing invitation and I open, unable to stop myself.
The butterflies that have been my constant companion burst into flames of desire as he explores my mouth in a languorous caress, his hand traveling down to rest against the base of my neck, the faintest of squeezes hinting at the promises of possession.
I practically melt into that kiss, and the soft whimper that escapes as he pulls back is completely involuntary.
He smirks, but the heat in his eyes matches the flames of desire burning deep in my core as he stands once more. “See you tonight.” He winks. Actually winks at me, before turning and walking out of the room without another word.