Yet there he was.
Leaning against a pillar off to the side, his hair was a bit unruly-still slightly damp and on the long side-but he was clean shaven, showing the strong jaw line that was typically hidden by stubble. Otherwise, he was the same man that’d left two weeks prior. Same soft, full lips, same crooked nose, and same alluring eyes that were continuously scanning the crowd in search of one thing.
Me.
When our gazes finally met, I felt my lips involuntarily twitch upward, and before I knew it there was a full-blown grin on my face and the two of us were moving toward one another, meeting in the middle.
Lia. He exhaled, encircling his arms around my waist. I let my bag fall to the ground as he hugged me tightly against him and snaked my arms up around his shoulders. With his nose buried in the crook of my neck, I felt his mouth brush against my skin as he whispered, I missed you.
A burst of lust and longing shuddered down my spine. I-
He didn’t even let me return the sentiment before his lips were on mine, caressing and claiming. Making up for all the times we’d spoken over video chat the last two weeks, unable to physically be next to one another. His tongue swept slowly along my bottom lip before twirling with mine as I opened for him, realizing that we were in public, but not necessarily caring.
Well, hello to you too, I breathed when he pulled back a few moments later. And in case it wasn’t clear, I missed you too.
It was clear, he replied with a smirk, but it’s still nice to hear.
After another purposeful kiss, I was the one who pulled back, combing my fingers through his hair. What ? I teased. No hat or anything to try and disguise yourself ?
He chuckled, squeezing my hips affectionately. This city’s a bit bigger than Boston, and with all the celebrities around these parts, I’ve learned trying to blend in actually makes you stand out. And as if the universe wanted to prove his theory to me, a family with three young boys walked by, enthusiastically talking about the Royals last game while not sparing Derrick a glance. Lifting a knowing brow, he nodded inconspicuously their way. See ?
Now imagine if those kids knew they’d just walked past the newest all-star hockey player to come to Los Angeles. I bet they would’ve been kicking themselves for not getting your autograph.
You really think highly of me, eh ?
Of course, I said confidently, kissing his jaw before stepping back to pick up the bag I’d dropped. And don’t try to get all modest. I’ve seen some of your games lately-you’ve been playing great. Being traded might’ve sucked on so many levels, but for your game, I think it did wonders.
Yeah, me too, he admitted slowly, as though he hadn’t admitted that fact to himself yet. But enough about hockey, that’s not what this weekend’s about.
Oh ? I quirked a brow. I seem to remember you telling me I’d be in the stands for your game tomorrow.
He pinched my side, causing me to yelp in surprise. Okay, Mrs. Smarty Pants, let me rephrase : this weekend isn’t all about hockey. Using a finger to swipe a stray strand of hair behind my ear, he leaned in and said, This weekend is about you, and trust me, I have some great plans.
His voice was like silk-soft and smooth-prompting warmth to bubble in the pit of my stomach as I felt goosebumps coat my skin.
Well, I drawled, reaching for his hand to intertwine our fingers, I’d love to hear about these plans. Especially the ones that involve only the two of us.
I’m sure you would, he said, a knowing gleam in his eyes, but I think our first order of business should be finding something to eat.
As if on cue, my stomach grumbled loudly, and I flushed in embarrassment as Derrick laughed. What did you have in mind ?
Sushi ? he offered. There’s a great spot a few streets away from my place that has an all-you-can-eat deal.
Sold.
Enjoying yourself ? Derrick mused as the waiter walked away, having just written down my third order of dumplings.
Immensely. This place was like heaven. These things are delicious, I said, picking up the last of the dumplings in front of me and plopping it into my mouth. It tasted so good that I had to physically hold back a moan of appreciation. In fact, everything here is.
We’d ordered an assortment of everything to start : shrimp tempura, a sashimi platter, chicken teriyaki, spicy California rolls, eel, crab, salmon, and of course, the specialty pork dumplings. All of it had been devoured, and we’d re-ordered our favourites, drawing out our dinner as we caught up.
I’m not gonna lie, since the guys told me about this place, I’ve probably ordered their take-out special like three times, Derrick said, snatching the last crab roll. But I’ll admit, eating in makes everything taste better somehow.
Maybe it’s just the company, I said jokingly.
That could definitely be it.
I nudged his knee with my own underneath the table and rolled my eyes. Have you been eating out a lot then ?
Nodding, his smile turned sheepish as he said, There’s a reason I didn’t take you back to my place for dinner. I think all I have in the fridge are some eggs and maybe half a carton of milk, plus a few basics in the pantry.