Page 265 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

I’m achingly aware that there are kids everywhere, stopping me from dancing with Calvin in the way I really want to. But having his hands on me reminds me of just how close I got to coming all over him not so long ago.

“I can’t stop thinking about how hot your pussy was, rubbing against me earlier,” he rasps in my ear, letting me know that his head is in exactly the same place as mine.

I whimper in his arms.

“I’m still hard for you,” he says, discreetly rolling his hips against me so I have no choice but to feel him. “As much as I love this dress, I can’t wait to get you home later and watch it float down your body.”

“Calvin.” I groan, my arms tightening around his neck, my body stretching up with my need to kiss him.

“You drive me crazy, darlin’.”

I smile up at him. “Same. How soon can we leave?”

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me, definitely not helping the situation.

“There was a point not so long ago when I thought this season was going to be my worst ever. You didn’t remember me, and I was injured and unable to play. But everything has turned around. Now, I can’t help but think being injured is a blessing.”

I frown, not understanding.

“I don’t have to travel for games, which means we get all this time together to make up for lost time. I wouldn’t change that for the world.”

My smile grows. “I hate that you’re injured, and I miss watching you play. But I agree. Next season is gonna hit hard, though.”

“I know. But it’ll also make coming home that much sweeter, knowing that you’ll be there waiting for me.”

“I’ll be waiting. Always.”

His lips meet mine in the sweetest of kisses, and much to my disappointment, he never pushes it past PG-rated.

The next few hours fly by. We drink and eat, and laugh with friends. It’s the best kind of New Year’s celebration. But no matter how much I laugh at stories the guys tell or how much their girls rib them, I can’t shake my concerns for Garrett.

He’s been working the room like a pro. Every time I look up, he’s talking with someone. And about an hour ago, the man he’d been waiting for finally made an appearance.

The two of them have been at the bar catching up ever since.

They look cute together, and I’m not the only one who’s noticed. Bea has made a comment about Garrett snagging a Viper. Darcy might not be a player, but he’s about as close as you can get. A few of the other guys have been over and teased Darcy as well, all of which he’s taken good-naturedly.

I love watching them all interact. They’re all so different in their own ways, but when they’re together, they are just one big family. I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

As we close in on midnight, servers appear with trays of champagne for everyone to toast with.

I’ve already had more than I intended. I’ve got a nice buzz on, and when I look up into Calvin’s eyes, I can see that he’s well on his way to being drunk as well.

He’s getting handsier, riskier with his caresses. Thankfully, none of the kids are paying us any attention. They’re all either asleep already, or in their own worlds with their games.

Both of us take a glass from a tray as it passes.

“I can’t believe I get to welcome in a new year with you,” Calvin says, his words a little slurred.

“Me either.”

“Thirty seconds,” someone calls, as the music softens around us.

“Parker,” someone bellows. “Get ready with your drink.”

A round of laughter ripples around the room, but I don’t look back to see anyone else. I’ve only got eyes for the man standing before me, staring down at me like his world both starts and ends with me.

“Twenty seconds.”