Square to the Puck (Offsides #2)

by J.J. Mulder

When he turns to look at me there’s something in his face I don’t recognize. He’s so hard to read, and I’ve already made enough missteps when it comes to him that I can’t trust myself anyway. I tuck my own hands into my pockets and wait, staring back at him. He clears his throat. “Do you think…would it be okay if I hugged you?” I suck in a breath and take an involuntary step forward before halting. No, I tell myself, firmly, let him come to you, don’t rush him. I’m eager for the feel of him, but just in case that’s not obvious, I nod. “Yeah, of course.” He takes a few measured inhales before he steps forward. I lift my arms partially, unsure if he’s going to go low or high with the hug. He wraps both arms tentatively around my waist, one hand curled around the opposite hip and the other firm on my middle back. I can feel every single fingertip through my shirt. I settle my own arms around his upper back, shirt soft beneath my palms. My heart is jackhammering in my chest, and I wonder if he can feel it where we are pressed together. I jolt when I feel his lips press into the juncture between my neck and shoulder. Not a kiss, I realize, just him tucking his face in. Slowly, I slide a hand up to the back of his neck, palm gentle on his nape and fingertips brushing his hair. Not holding him in place, just letting him know I want him to stay and needing to feel his skin warm against my own. I can feel him breathing against my neck, so slow and even he could be asleep; the only ...