Page 124 of A Little Jaded

When I pull away, she bites her bottom lip, her eyes shining with the fire’s reflection. It’s almost enough to distract me from the questioning look accompanying the flames. Almost. But I still see it. Her reservations. Her fear.

“Ask me, Raine,” I push.

“H-he didn’t scare you away?”

I shake my head. “Not going anywhere. Promise.”

She leans in for a second kiss. It’s softer. Sweeter. When she pulls away, her quiet breath falls on my lips, and she whispers, “Where do you want your storm cloud?”

My mouth lifts. “I mean, other than on my cock?—”

“Everett!” she squeals. Her hands fly to cover her face and her shoulders shake with amusement.

“I mean, you asked me where I want my storm cloud,” I remind her.

“I meant the tattoo!”

“All right, all right.” I grab her fingers, lower her hands,and lift my right arm, pointing to the inside of my bicep. “How ‘bout here?”

Her eyes fall to my arm. She sits up and caresses the skin. It’s gentle. Her touch. Like her fingertips are covered in silk. It only makes me want to feel her touch everywhere. Every single fucking inch of me.

“How big?” she asks. “How big do you want it?”

“Whatever you think.”

She looks up at me again and tilts her head. “Ev…”

Fuck, I love when she says my name like this. Soft and light and airy, but with a subtle undertone of…something. Annoyance? Nah. Interest? Probably not, but I’ll pretend that’s what it is.

“I’m your canvas, baby girl,” I murmur.

Her eyes soften even more at the nickname, but she doesn’t comment on it, choosing to fidget with the tattoo machine again like the damn thing’s broken. “Well, sweat can hinder the healing process, so unless you want to wait?—”

“No waiting,” I push. “I want it now.”

Her attention flicks up to me before she stares down at her machine again like it’s the most fascinating piece of equipment in the world. “Okay, then it should probably be something small since it’s the middle of the season.” She nibbles her lower lip. “First, I need to make a stencil?—”

I reach out and grab her wrist to stop her from standing. “No stencil.”

The girl looks at me like I’ve lost my damn marbles. “Do you really want to walk around with a permanent, wonky tattoo?—”

“Not gonna regret anything with you. Besides.” I hook my arm around her waist and kiss her again. Fuck, I can’t help myself. The girl’s gotten under my skin, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I force myself not to lean in and stealanother taste as I remind her, “If I have to walk around with a wonky tattoo, then you do, too.”

Her eyes are a pool of green, and her teeth dig into the inside of her bottom lip again as she stares up at me. “You remembered that part, huh?”

“Yeah, I did.” I kiss her nose. “But even if it wasn’t part of the arrangement, I’d still want to be your first. Now, come on. Let’s see whatcha got.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

EVERETT

There’s nothing like the high from a win when your girl is in the stands. After I drop the puck into the top corner of the net, the buzzer sounds, and I look toward the crowd. There she is. Raine’s hands are cupped around her mouth as she screams my name, jumping up and down, cheering for the Hawks while sandwiched between Dylan and Finley. Mav and Lia are on Finley’s opposite side, and even though I know they’re stoked about tonight’s win, I can’t tear my eyes from Raine. Pointing my gloved hand toward her, I mouth, “That was for you,” as a hard body slams into me. Griffin, Reeves, and the rest of the team meet me at the blue line, each of us celebrating the win, when Reeves announces we’re having an impromptu game night at our house. Not gonna lie. I’m not always in the mood for a game night, but after our win, the idea of hanging out with some of my favorite people, including the girl in the stands, sounds like the perfect ending to my evening. As long as Raine’s on board.

After showering quickly, I dress, meet Raine outside, and ask if she’s interested in attending the party. When sheagrees, I drive us back to the duplex. The place is already bustling. Cars line the street, and our front yard is overrun with people waiting to be let inside as Reeves approaches. With one hand linked to Dylan’s, they weave through the crowd to unlock the front door.

Leaning toward the windshield, Raine watches the people spill through the front door while we stay parked outside. With a quiet laugh, she admits, “I’m not sure I’ll ever get over the chaos of game nights. They are fun, though.”

“Yeah, they’re something.” I grab her hand and bring it to my lips. “We could always go back to the cabin if you prefer.”