Page 68 of XOXO, Summer
My smirk is automatic, shoulders relaxing as she spins in a circle in the entry. Saving me isn’t something she realizes she’s done, but I’m beginning to believe she has and not just from the elevator closing on me. “Make yourself at home.”
When she turns around, the light doesn’t just shine on her face. Her entire body seems to lift in a breath of air. “This isn’t a home.” She peeks at me. “It’s like a hotel.” Rushing forward, she heads straight to the windows. She’s about to press her hands to the glass but stops herself. “I’mafraid to touch anything.”
“Don’t be,” I say, setting the bags down at the opening to the hall. I walk to her. “Everything is replaceable except you.” Wrapping myself around the back of her, I rest my chin on top of her head and appreciate the view. When I dip my head to the side and kiss her temple, she eases into me, wrapping her arms over mine.
“You’re doing a good job of getting me into bed, ya big charmer.”
“I wasn’t even trying. That’s just my skills, Sunshine. Wait until you see me on the ice. It gets really good then.”
Turning in my arms, she slips her arms around my neck and leans back to catch my eyes. “When will I get to see you in action?”
I grab her by the waist, tossing her over my shoulder under squeals of laughter, and start back toward the bedroom. “Now’s a good time.”
“Daniel!” She flails in laughter, arching her back with her impressive ab control. Collapsing over me, she smacks my ass as hard as she can by the energy she puts into it. “Romance.” She cracks up, unable to hold a straight face, and sends her laughter bouncing off the walls.
Spinning her down to her feet, I slide my hand around the side of her neck, holding her hip with the other. “You want romance?”
“What girl doesn’t want romance?” Her lids are heavier, her blinks slower as she melts in my arms.
“I can give you romance.” I kiss her because she deserves a good start to this night, and she deserves to be appreciated after the silliness of before.
Her hands slide over my shoulders, bringing me closer to her. When I pull back even a millimeter, she says, “I’m suddenly wishing we didn’t have plans.”
“I can cancel.”
A soft laugh and matching smile have her holding on as she leans back farther in my arms to look at me. “We only get one shot at this, remember?”
I’m not sure if I find it sexy that she’s quoting me or impressed that she used it against me. Both. I nod. “I remember. We’ll pick up where we’re leaving off later?”
“Something to look forward to.”
Leading her into the bedroom, I catch the time. Traffic was worse than expected, pushing us to arrive at the event sooner rather than kicking back and chilling together. “Do you have a dress?” I ask. “Like a dressy one?”
I’m not sure if that’s horror I see in her eyes, but she rapidly blinks before her gaze shoots out the window andricochets back to me. “I have a dress. I packed two. How dressy?”
I pull my phone from my pocket and find the invitation. Showing it to her, I say, “Medium?”
Her eyes flick from the phone, then she grabs it from me to read for herself. Flashing the screen in my direction, she says, “I don’t have anything that would work for this attire.” Her arm flails out. “Do you have a tuxedo lying around?”
“Not lying but hanging in my closet.”
Shaking her head, she says, “Of course, you do.” A heavy sigh leaves her chest weighted down. “Why would you not tell me? My sisters had options. I have nothing in my suitcase that works for formal attire.”
“You don’t need to worry. Let me make a call.”
“It’s that easy, huh?” She sits on the bed and flops backward, a moan of ecstasy escaping her. Rubbing her arms over the blanket, she says, “How is it possible to have this perfect mix of soft and firm in one mattress?”
“It heats too, which is great for my muscles and recovery after a game or getting home from traveling.” I scroll to favorites in my phone and call the building’s concierge. “Ray, it’s Daniel Sutton.”
“Good evening, sir. How are you?” He’s always chipper, which I appreciate.
“Good. Good. How are you?” I return to the living room to finish the call. Money isn’t something I want piling up between us. Beside us is a different story . . .
“I’m doing fine this evening. How may I help you?”
I walk to the kitchen and back, keeping a steady pace. “My date and I have a last-minute event tonight. She needs a dress that fits for formal attire. Any suggestions?”
“Let me make some calls,” he replies without hesitation. “I’ll ring you right back.”
