Page 116 of The Hot Shot

“When are you going to move your stuff into our room?” I ask Chess as she stands in the guest bathroom doing her makeup.

Chess pauses, eyeliner in hand, and looks at me through the reflection of the mirror. “What does it matter where my stuff is? We sleep in the same bed.”

Technically, I suppose she’s right. But it’s been two weeks since we’ve returned from California. Call me an impatient man, but every time she veers off into this room to get dressed, I find myself worrying.

The whole scene with Britt arriving on my doorstep hasn’t helped matters. I’d been afraid Chess would freak, but she’d treated Britt with compassion and a kindness that humbled me.

Even so, Chess has been withdrawn at times. I don’t know if it’s because of James leaving or if it’s something more. Not knowing worries me, too.

“It feels significant,” I tell her.

“Significant?” She runs the liner over her lid, a sweep of deep green done with a precision that fascinates me.

I love watching her do personal things no one else gets to see. I know it’s the same for her. Every time I shave, Chess appears in the bathroom and sits on the counter as if settling in for a show.

“Yeah, significant,” I repeat. “As in, you’re keeping this room as some sort of safe zone.”

Chess blinks at me as if I’ve spoken in a foreign language, but I know her too well now. I know when she’s stalling. I cross my arms over my chest and wait her out.

Slowly, she sets her eyeliner down. “Sometimes I hate how perceptive you are.”

“It’s my job to read people.”

Chess turns around and leans against the counter. “You’re the first man I’ve ever lived with.”

“You’re my first, too.” I give her a brief smile. “I like that about us, truth be told.”

“Caveman,” she says with a laughing huff.

“So we’ve established.”

Chess bites her lip with a bemused expression. “Don’t you ever experience any moments of doubt?”

Maybe that should insult me, but it doesn’t. We’re more alike than she realizes.

“Of course. It scared the hell out of me when I realized that what I was feeling for you went beyond simple attraction or friendship. But Dex once reminded me that we have zero hesitation on the football field, and to hesitate in life is stupid.”

“Stupid?” She raises one delicate black brow.

“Well...” I grin. “More like a waste of energy better spent on other things.”

Chess pushes off the counter and walks toward me. Heat coils low in my gut, my abs flexing tight in response. She wraps her arms around my neck and lifts up on her toes. Her kiss is sweet affection and lingering appreciation.

My hands slide to her peachy butt and give it a squeeze. Chess makes a small noise in her throat and leans into me, her tongue licking my lower lip like it’s candy.

A surge of lust goes through me, hot and thick, but I can’t help smiling against her luscious lips. “You wouldn’t be trying to distract me now, would you, Chester?”

She gives me a little nip that goes straight to my cock, then pulls back enough to meet my eyes. “I don’t think you realize how irresistible you are, Finnegan.”

Her fingers trace lazy circles on my neck, and my lids lower as I dip down for another taste. She hums in pleasure. And we get lost in soft, unhurried kisses before she speaks again. “Let’s say distraction is an added side bonus.”

I chuckle, then give her ass a light slap.

Chess yelps and glares. “One day, I’m going to spank your ass, Mannus, and we’ll see who’s laughing then.”

“Kinky, I like it.”

Chess cups my cheek. “Want to help me move my stuff?”