CHAPTER THIRTEEN
My thumb taps on the steering wheel as the freeway curves toward our secret location. That rapid beat mirrors the thunder in my chest. For whatever reason, this date feels like a turning point. There’s only one direction I’ll allow.
Callie is beside me in the passenger seat. It’s easy to consider that as her rightful spot as we move forward. I could sense a shift in our dynamic when we were in a similar position the other day. Just like then, her hand is clutched protectively in mine. The comfort from such casual contact is a natural high.
A constant buzz thrums through me whenever we’re connected. Callie releases a long exhale as if the static charge surges in her veins too. That content sound confirms that she welcomes my touch. If pressed, I’d be willing to assume she wanted to initiate contact the moment I picked her up. I sure as shit did, and here we sit. Interwoven.
My relationship with Callie is progressing faster—and better—than I dared to anticipate. We’re transitioning into a more physical stage and it excites me. Warmth rushes under my skin and I shift against the cool leather. Arousal is always on tap whenever Callie is nearby or I’m thinking about her, which means my body is constantly on alert. The steady thump from tires on pavement anchors me before I get carried away.
Callie has been noticeably quiet since blocks of buildings replaced rolling fields. I take the opportunity to glance over at her. A grin automatically crooks my lips as if I’m the smiling sort. Only this girl can get the expression to rise from me. Not that many would be immune to her in this situation.
Her round eyes and unblinking stare are adorable. She presses her right hand flat against the window. A foggy imprint appears from the pressure.
Then just as suddenly, her body sways toward mine as if reeled in by our linked fingers. The liberty of touching her freely is heady. I’ve been granted permission and I’m taking advantage. She accepts me. Once again, I’m fortunate enough to cradle her delicate trust in my grip. Quite fucking literally. I trace along her inner wrist with my thumb as the smog grows thicker in the sky.
“Do you know where we are?”
“Far from home,” she breathes.
“This is the capital of Minnesota.” I point straight ahead to where we’re going.
“St. Paul.” She peeks over at me. “Our basic education didn’t skip geography.”
“Have you ever seen a big city?”
“No.” There’s wonder in her voice as her attention returns to the urban landscape.
“There are far larger than this. Minneapolis is just down the road.”
“Incredible.” Her fingers curl against the glass as if she can touch the skyscrapers. “I’m sure this is nothing new for you.”
“Nah, I’ve been around.” As in all fifty states before I graduated high school. Traveling sports and the potential of going pro will do that to a kid.
“What’s your favorite place to visit, boyfriend?” Callie pauses to think her question over. “For a… vacation.” The hesitation in her tone makes that last term sound like a mythical concept.
I flick the blinker and switch lanes. “Well, that depends on the type of trip you’re interested in. A beach resort is ideal for relaxing, but the main strip of a popular downtown area will provide a weekend full of debauchery and reckless decisions.”
Her lips twitch. “That’s not what I asked. I want to know your dream destination.”
“Anywhere with you, sweetness. Your choice.”
“As if,” she giggles.
“Test out your power and find out.”
“Power?” Callie shakes her head. “I don’t need that.”
“Regardless, you have it.”
“I wouldn’t know where to start,” she muses.
“It’s something to think about. There’s no hurry.”
Without releasing my hand, she digs out her phone and opens a fresh Google search. “The possibilities are endless.”
A quick glance at her screen reveals millions of results. “We can narrow it down. Would you prefer beautiful scenery from nature or attractions that are mostly indoors?”
Callie hums. “The first option.”
“See? That already eliminates a ton of locations.”
She continues scrolling for another moment. “Would you take a vacation with me?”
“Didn’t we already establish that? Where you go, I’ll follow.” Which would make not inviting me awkward as fuck.
She bites her bottom lip. “Just checking.”
“I love your ambitious spirit. How do you feel about flying?”
Her wide eyes find mine and she goes very still. There’s a frantic urgency in those green depths that suggests she might find the nearest spot to hide. “Like in an airplane?”
My fingers squeeze hers in what’s meant to be reassurance. “I take that as not great. We can make it a road trip.”
She expels a loud breath and relaxes against the seat. “I like the sound of that. Staying on the ground feels safer.”
I exit at the next off ramp and turn right on Kellogg Street. “Whatever makes you comfortable. It’ll be an adventure regardless of how we get there.”
Her lips part as if she’s about to admit her unwavering devotion. Then she does a quick scan of our surroundings as the city envelops us. The thrum of activity spreads far and wide in this area. Traffic is thick on the road. People crowd the sidewalks. Vibrant displays are splashed across store fronts to draw attention. Music blasts from an unknown source.
There’s much to see—other than greenery—and the woman beside me has taken notice.
“Do you care if I take a picture?” She stares meaningfully at the one that’s permanently attached to my dashboard.
Confusion swirls as I pause as a traffic light. “Why would I?”
Callie makes a point to look down at our clasped palms before lifting her brows. “I need both hands, boyfriend.”
“Do you? I thought the latest model was a point and shoot? One finger should do the trick.” And that’s definitely what she said.
“Unlikely. I’m not that talented,” she laughs.
“I disagree.” But I release her from my hold.
A grateful smile gets sent my way. “You can reclaim your grip in just a moment.”
The window lowers and a breezy gust whips at her hair. “Whoa.”
“It would’ve been worse on the interstate,” I chuckle.
Callie attempts to tuck wayward strands behind her ears. “I’ll be quick.”
“You can’t rush beauty.”
Her eyes roll in my direction before she returns her focus to the passing street view. “You humor me.”
A rumble rolls off my chest. “I hope I do more than that.”
She visibly shivers. “Much more.”
Heat travels through me faster than the speed limit. If I wasn’t driving, I’d be fighting my restraint against kissing her. “How ‘bout that picture?”
That snaps her from the stupor. “If you’d quit distracting me.”
“You make it too easy.”
“What can I say? I like it when you flirt with me.” Her blush teases me while she captures an image of the sleek architecture.
The hum from the film being exported is drowned out by the wind. Not that I’d notice. My chest is too preoccupied swelling with pride as Callie takes another picture. She’s no longer concerned about limiting herself and that plucks a triumphant string within me.
A thought occurs to me while she aims the lens at a mirrored structure. “Why don’t you use your phone to take pictures? The camera is much better than an Instax.”
She twists her lips, but nods. “Technology is strange. I’m still getting used to having a handheld device that grants me access to just about everything. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something about holding an actual camera in my grip. I don’t have to be a photographer to understand the significance. Plus, it spits out pictures instantly! Way cooler than just staring at them on a screen.”
There’s no stopping a smile from forming at her enthusiastic explanation. “I get that.”
Shock steals her voice for several seconds. “Really?”
“Yep. Plenty of stuff is just fine the way it is. Not everything should be updated or replaced just because a new version is simpler or supposedly ‘better.’ I won’t abandon a good thing that’s proven itself. Such as the local company who made my pads and equipment even when I was pressured to use a big manufacturer. I did several ads for their business to put them on the map.” My chest puffs up a bit at the reminder.
“Exactly.” Her eyes sparkle as she gazes at me. “You totally get it.”
“Does that mean I get you?”
“Yes?”
“The uncertainty doesn’t bode well for me.”
Callie giggles and focuses on a skyscraper stretching for the clouds. “Would it be better if I said that I’m not uncertain about you?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely,” I blurt. “Very much so.”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” Her tone is barely a whisper, but she might as well have screamed the declaration.
Now I’m the one struggling to respond. The need surging through my system is too demanding. “Damn, sweetness. That’s how you bring a man to his knees.”
Her posture stiffens in visible alarm. “But you’re driving.”
“Figuratively speaking,” I amend. At least until she’s ready for me to properly worship her.
The redness that blooms in her cheeks suggests she can hear my plans for our future. “Silly me. I was concerned for your health.”
“Nah, don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Thank goodness.” Her relief swirls along with the early evening breeze before she closes the window.
A bright flash in my periphery makes me blink. “Whatcha doin’ over there, sweetness?”
“Saved the best for last.”
“A picture of me?”
“You look very mysterious while driving us on this seemingly endless journey.” Her arm flails toward the windshield.
“Is someone getting impatient?” Not that I can blame her. We’ve been on the road for over an hour.
“More like morbidly curious.” She tucks her new prized possession away. “That’s enough photos for now. I’ll take more once we get to where we’re going. And on that note, are you planning to reveal this secret location?”
“You’re about to find out,” I say as the Xcel Energy Center comes into view. My empty hand seeks to reclaim hers. “We’re here.”
“Where?”
I point at the domed fortress on our left. “This is where the Minnesota Trojans play.”
Callie gasps. “That’s the hockey team you were on.”
“Yep, and I still have access to the rear lot. Free parking this close to the arena is a golden goose.”
“Sounds like a fairytale,” she muses.
“That’s what I’m going for.” I pull into a spot in the center row.
“Your choice in attire makes more sense now.” She glances at my matching hat and shirt before frowning at her outfit that doesn’t have a stitch of gold or green. “Is there a souvenir store where I can buy a jersey or other clothes? Then I’ll look like I belong.”
A jealous wave crashes over me to give our surroundings a green hue. My hand slips from hers and I shift into park. Then I grip the steering wheel hard enough to make the leather creak. “You want to wear another man’s name across your back?”
Callie frowns. “Why would I do that?”
“The jerseys in the pro shop are from the team’s current roster.” I kill the ignition with more force than necessary. “You’ll be supporting whoever you choose.”
A disgruntled squeak escapes her. “I’ll just get a generic option.”
“Or you could wear this.”
She watches me pull a wrapped bundle from the backseat. “Another gift?”
“Consider it mutually beneficial.”
Her fingers lift the tissue covering to reveal a familiar color pattern along with the Trojans’ logo. “You got me a jersey?”
“It’s somewhat of a retro throwback,” I joke.
Callie holds up the oversized garment. After flipping it over, she traces the letters of my last name boldly displayed for all to see. Imagining that caress against my bare flesh is an erotic visual. Her gentle touch lowers to fondle the twenty-three that monopolizes the center, which only adds to the temptation.
“This is yours,” she says softly.
Just like you are, I nearly groan. Rather than allow my obsessive side loose, I settle for a gruff, “Sure is.”
“I love it. Did you know twenty-three is my favorite number?”
“That’s very convenient.” And just one more reason we belong together.
“Mhmm, it’s my—”
“Birthday,” I finish for her.
“My golden one is this year.” She taps the trimmed stitching that matches the milestone. Another coincidence.
“We’ll have a big celebration in September.”
“That’s many months away. For right now and always, I get to support you whether you’re on the ice or not. Which is how it should be since you’re my boyfriend.” She slips the mesh fabric over her head and my cock is ready to punch a hole in my jeans.
“Damn,” I croak.
“What do you think?” She tugs at the hem, which rests at mid-thigh in her current position. The baggy material will probably fall to just above her knees once she’s standing.
“Perfection,” I rasp. My gaze feasts on her tagged with my name and number while I wrestle the arousal thrashing through me. “You’re the most stunning sight I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you,” she murmurs. “For everything.”
“Trust me, sweetness. It’s my pleasure.” I discreetly push at the bulge behind my zipper.
Her stare slides to the steady flow of people entering the Xcel. And that’s just one of many access points. “There are a lot of people at these games, huh?”
I chuckle. “You could say that. Does it bother you?”
Her bottom lip gets tortured between her teeth. “I’m not used to crowds of this size. Knox Creek is big compared to where I grew up. It’s still an adjustment.”
My hand scoops hers into a reassuring hold. “I reserved a private suite to keep us separated from the masses. We’ll have a large room and box seats entirely to ourselves. But if you’re not comfortable, we can do something on a smaller scale.”
“No, I want to try.”
“Are you sure?” I give her fingers a squeeze.
Callie’s blush reignites to replicate a rose garden in full bloom. “With you at my side, I’m sure I can do just about anything.”