Snowbound With The Hockey Star

Chapter 10

I leaned in but before we could kiss. I saw the internal battle in his eyes. The guilt and I couldn't.

I walked away yet again, but it was for the best.

The next morning, the cabin felt alive with a different kind of energy. Snow still fell in making our little world feel even more cut off from everything else.

Leon, bless his pure heart, was a whirlwind of delighted squeals. We built snow animals outside, and he was collapsing into laughter the whole time as they eventually toppled over. His joy was infectious and especially because it was only 2 days before Christmas.

But beneath the surface of the fun, an undeniable current flowed between Luca and me. Every time our hands brushed as we reached for the same marshmallow to float in Leon's hot chocolate, a jolt went through me. We were like two magnets, pulled together yet trying desperately to resist it.

We didn't ignore each other today because I think we've both come to terms with the fact that there's something between us, and there is no running away from it.

I could feel his gaze on me as I chopped vegetables later when I made dinner, the heat from his body as he moved past me to the stove. My stomach did flips, and my carefully constructed walls, which I’d spent years building, felt like crumbling sand.

It's crazy because without the outside noise, I'm getting to know myself, and the two of them are definitely making me a better version of me.

Finally, Leon was tucked into the couch after falling asleep while we were watching the movie.

Luca was the one who spoke first. His voice was low and rough, shaking the quiet air. "Ava... this is getting out of hand."

My breath caught. It was hard to breathe, my chest felt tight. His eyes were on mine and he wouldn't let me look away. I didn't want him to see my fear, my wanting, and all the weakness I tried to hide.

"The kiss, last night," he went on, his voice shaking a little, "It was wrong for me to say what I said. But this... us... It's not going away."

My throat was so tight, I could barely get the words out.

"I know," I whispered. Saying it felt like falling into something scary and new. "I... I can't pretend it's not here either. But I'm not looking for anything serious, Luca. Not after everything." I looked at him, hoping he would understand. "I can't. I won't."

I meant for the words to be strong, like a last stand, but they came out shaky needy whisper.

"And I can't offer you more than this moment, Ava." His eyes held a deep sadness, a familiar pain I knew well now. "My heart... it's still hers in many ways. The guilt of even feeling this for you... it's heavy. I promised myself I wouldn't feel that kind of pain again."

His honest words, our shared pain from the past, made my own confession feel less scary. We were both broken, both afraid. And in that scary, beautiful moment, I feel like we were biting more than we could chew.

"What if..." The words were unsure, a whisper against the loud storm. My idea felt wild, crazy, but also completely necessary. "What if we just... let it be what it is, for now? Just for the storm. While we’re stuck here. No expectations. No promises. No past, no future. Just us."

It was a risky plan, a short break from real life until I found my way home.

"Just for the storm." He held out a hand, a clear offer. "No strings."

My fingers were shaking as I reached out, finding the warmth of his hand. His skin was rough, hard, very real.

"No strings," I agreed. The words were a silent wish and a desperate gamble.

The moment our hands touched, everything broke open. The air buzzed with the release of days of held-back feelings and silent longing.

He pulled me up, his hand still holding mine. I stumbled into him, my body crashing into his. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me so close that there was no space left between us. I could feel the heat of his body, his hard chest, and the fast beat of his heart mirroring my own.

My hands naturally went to his shoulders, then up to cup his face. His stubble grazed my palms, a nice rough feeling. He lowered his head slowly, giving me every chance to pull away, but I leaned into him, hungry, desperate.

His lips claimed mine, not gently this time, but with a strong, needy passion. It was a kiss that ate me up and took over.

His mouth moved over mine, urgent, wanting, making a soft moan escape deep in my throat. My fingers tangled in his thick hair, pulling him closer, wanting more, needing more.

He broke the kiss only to trail a line of hot kisses down my jaw, along my neck, sending shivers all over my skin. I bent back into him, my body buzzing and alive, desperate for his touch. His hands slid from my waist to the small of my back, pressing me close against his erection.

My fingers fumbled with the buttons of his flannel shirt, desperate to feel his skin against mine. He helped me, his hands moving quickly, tearing it open and tossing it aside.

His chest was wide and strong, covered in a light bit of dark hair. I pressed my palms against him, feeling the warmth and the fast beat of his heart.

He lifted me easily, my legs naturally wrapping around his waist. I gasped as he carried me, still kissing me, towards the small bedroom. He kicked the door shut behind us, but not hard enough to wake Leon.

I was like a delicious cookie right then, and he was desperate to devour me.

And I've been waiting for this moment.