We’re in the elevator by nine thirty, which gives me plenty of time to speed over to the rink. Best thing about ten o’clock practices is that I get to bypass morning rush hour. Jess is checking her phone as I punch the lobby button, but when I put my arm around her shoulder, she leans in and brushes an absentminded kiss on the bottom of my chin. I love how touchy-feely she’s becoming. It’s such a turn-on.
Smiling, I run my fingers over the side of her throat, but the skin there is so soft that I can’t not kiss it. So I start kissing it. Jess moans and lets her phone drop into her purse.
“You’re such a horndog,” she accuses.
Like that’s a bad thing. “Mmm-hmmm.” I lick a path up her neck to her jaw, then kiss my way to her lips. When our mouths meet, she makes an anguished sound and then practically attacks me with her tongue.
Cheezus. I cannot get enough of this girl. I want to do this forever. Kiss her. Fuck her. Love her—
Love her?
The thought barely takes root before the elevator doors ding open, and suddenly an astonished voice fills the small car.
“What the…? Jess?”
We break apart so fast that the back of my skull bounces off the wall. Oh shitballs. Wes is standing open-mouthed in front of the doors. He’s got a hockey bag slung over one shoulder, a travel mug in his hand and a horrified expression on his face.
Behind him, Jamie stands looking every bit as surprised.
“Oh my fucking God,” Wes bursts out, his gaze pinging between me and Jess. “I did not just see you two lip-locked. That is so not cool.”
Jess recovers a lot quicker than I do. “Good morning to you, too, Wes. Can I have a sip of your coffee?”
His jaw stays unhinged. He stares at her, then at me again, then at the doors that are slowly sliding back together. In a flash, he thrusts out a hand to stop the doors from closing, then lunges into the elevator.
Still looking stunned, Jamie hops in after him.
The doors shut and then we’re all just trapped there together with Wes’s reddening face. He growls like a pissed off she-wolf, jams his finger in my chest and actually threatens me. “Paws off my sister. I mean it.”
“Oh. My. God,” Jess squeaks. “I’m a grown-up! And older than you! I was having dirty, filthy sex when you were still trading hockey cards.”
“Ahhh!” Wes tries to cover his ears, even while holding a mug in one hand, but I hear Jamie snort.
Honest to God, I’m offended right now. “What’s the big deal, anyway? You like me.” Shit. I thought they did.
“Your track record,” Wes says, dropping his hands. “It’s not good.”
“It is now. Cheezus. This isn’t just a hook-up, Wesley. We care about each other. A lot. Tell him, Jess.”
I look over my shoulder and see my girlfriend’s eyes pop wide. And my heart plummets.
29 That Kind of Smith
Jess
My mouth is suddenly dry as I look back at three sets of eyes boring into me. My brother just looks confused. Wes looks like he’s ready to rip Blake to tiny shreds with his bare hands. But now Blake suddenly looks unhappy, his handsome face falling.
And, shit. I don’t want Blake to ever look the way he’s looking now, like I’m about to reject him. This man has a heart the size of Ontario. He was far kinder to his crazy ex than I could ever be. And he’s spent the last week showering me with affection. Maybe I feel a little overwhelmed by life right now, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let him think that I haven’t noticed just how special he is.
It’s more than a gut feeling I have about him. So I say what needs saying.
“Wes,” I say softly. “You’d better just get used to it. Blake and I are together for real.”
Blake’s expression fills with surprise. Then he gives me a wide Riley smile. “Aw, Jessie. You make me so happy.” He pushes me against the elevator wall and kisses me.
Wes makes a strangled sound, but luckily the elevator doors ding open. As Blake steps back, I see my brother steer Wes toward one of the stone columns dotting the fancy lobby and say a few quiet words to him.
Holding Blake’s hand, I stop outside the elevator. “Sorry about that. I don’t know why Wes is being such an ass.”
“Eh, he’ll come around.” He squeezes my hand. “Are you okay? Wish I could drive you to school.”
“I’ll be fine.” It’s true, too. Even if I am about to learn I got a shitty grade on my exam, I know I can tell Blake later. He’ll listen, and then he’ll say something sweet. Then he’ll strip off my clothes and make me forget.
We’re good for each other. I’ve finally figured that out.
Across the lobby, Wes takes a deep breath and lets it out. His shoulders relax. Then he dips his chin and walks back over to us, his gaze on Blake. “You’ll treat her right,” he says. It’s a statement, not a question.
My eyes are rolling so hard right now I could power that revolving restaurant at the top of the CN Tower. But I manage not to say anything snarky while Wes and Blake have their moment.
“Of course,” Blake assures him. “You have nothing to worry about.”
Wes strokes his chin and nods. “Okay. Sorry.”
“Apology accepted.” Blake’s smile is blinding.
“So, uh.” Wes clears his throat. “We’re a little late for practice. I was gonna drive Jamie to work, but…”
“You need a ride in the Hummer.” Blake laughs. “That’s rich.”