Caleb’s P.O.V.“Caleb is an incredible hockey player, and you’re only calling out on him for his injury because you know that he would wipe the floor with Florida’s team if he would be at his full strength. Hell, he’ll wipe the floor with you WITH an injury!” Reese yelled, sticking out her finger and probably giving the man the look she would give her students whenever they were crossing a line. I could not help but feel my chest swell, along with my dick, seeing and hearing how Reese was sticking up for me, trying to protect me even though I knew for a fact that she had never seen me play on the ice. Fuck… it made me want to throw her over my shoulder, take her home so I could have my way with her, ending with her having my mark on her body so no other guy would ever dare to look her way ever again. The guys standing with the troublemaker already sent me an apologetic look, but all I cared about was hearing what else my woman had to say. Fuck… hearing her so angry somehow was freakis
“Actually, I’m pretty busy tonight. It’s my brother Zach’s birthday.” Caleb finally said, bursting my bubble.“Oh,” I responded, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice.“Yeah, sorry about that,” Caleb continued.“I promised to celebrate his birthday with him, it’s kind of a family tradition and all.” He added, as I felt a lump form in my throat. Caleb was going to celebrate his brother’s birthday, meaning he was not going to spend his time with me, or even worse… not ask me to join him and his family for his brother’s birthday celebration.maybe he really doesn’t feel the same way as I did?Wouldn’t he ask me to join him, if he wanted more with me than just being friends?He had said he wanted to explore this 'thing that was growing' between us...maybe I was now the one that was rushing things?“That’s OK.” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.“I have plans too, anyway.” I added, nodding mostly at myself, in the hopes that my words would make me feel strong. Which they
Reese’s P.O.V.I turned myself around, facing the bartender so I could ask him for a drink and at the same time hide my blush from Caleb.“No, I’m not jealous at all. I don’t even have any reason to be jealous in the first place.” I answered him matter-of-factly. “In fact, I’m so ‘not jealous’ right now, that I won’t even bother you for the rest of the evening, especially when you seem to be so… busy,” I spoke, before lifting my hand in the air, finally getting the attention of the man behind the bar, finally.“A martini, please!” I shouted over the music, giving Caleb my back and nothing more. I was pissed and right now, I needed time to cool off, so instead of giving Caleb any more attention so he could piss me off even more, I took my drink and walked over to Dana, saying hi to my coworkers and sticking out my hand to meet some of her friends who I had never seen before.“Hi, I’m Reese.”I shouldn’t even have felt down when Caleb seemed to take the hint and stepped away from me. B
Reese’s P.O.V. As soon as I knew that the creepy guy called Jef Markle had walked away, I turned myself back around, my eyes scanning the bar to make sure I would find Dana. Caleb had loosened his grip on me, but his arm was still very much there, and in the meantime, ever since I had been to the bathroom, more and more people had shown up inside this place, so now, I was forced to have my body close to his.Very, very closemaybe even too close for my self-control…Darnit... “Are you trying to run away from me again, gorgeous? Because let me tell you, it was my job to chase after a tiny puck on slippery ice, grab it and score with it. If I can do it with a puck, don’t be mistaken, I can and I will chase you again. And just like on the ice, I will win.” He told me as he leaned down so closely that his lips were against my ear. The crowded bar pulsed with energy, the music thumping in my ears. Or maybe that was my own heartbeat I was feeling? Who could really tell at this point? I st
Caleb’s P.O.V. I sensed her turmoil, so I stopped walking and turned to face her. Her gaze burned with intensity, her eyes filled with a mix of frustration and affection at the same time. And I sighed, as I tried to find the right words to say to the most stubborn woman that I had ever met in my life.“Reese, I need you to listen to me for a second,” I said, my voice steady but laced with vulnerability.“I get why you are scared here, but you have to know that my feelings for you go beyond any superficial desire. What we have between us, it’s real, and I care about you deeply.” I watched her as her eyes welled with tears, her defenses slowly beginning to crumble. Thank you, alcohol!“I’m terrified.” She gasped before she pressed her lips together. Looking like a little bird that needed to be saved. And I felt my own expression soften, my hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek.“Oh gorgeous, you have to believe me. You are not just another name for me. I have never felt this way be
Caleb’s P.O.V. I walked her toward and into her car, before climbing into my own truck as I followed her home. I wasn’t going to get out of my truck once I would have made it to Reese’s home. Getting out would have drama written all over it, and since the moon was almost full, my wolf was making it even harder for me to stay away from my one true mate. My inner wolf craved for her, ready to claim what was rightfully his. So shit… because here I was... going against my own earlier thoughts, because sure as shit I was getting out of my truck, wanting to be a gentleman by opening her car door for her. And fuck… opening the door and getting a new whiff of her vanilla scent in my nostrils, sure as shit didn’t make it any easier on me or my wolf.Fuck!“Hey,” She spoke, her eyes widening a little.“Your eyes, they have this shimmer in the moonlight. It’s really beautiful.” She spoke as she got out of her car, now really looking at me as she tried to make sense of what she saw.double fuc
Reese's P.O.V. With trembling fingers, I picked up my phone and opened my messaging app. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say or do. But the memory of our kiss was still vibrantly alive in my mind and the taste of him was still resting on my tongue. God… I wanted to see Caleb again, hell… I wanted to be with him again. But how could I possibly put into words the whirlwind of emotions that were coursing through my veins right now? I pondered for a moment, but eventually… taking a deep breath, I began to type. Reese: Hey you, Mr Melt-my-heart and turn around to leave. I hope you know that my thoughts are still consumed by tonight. That kiss… it’s a fire that’s still burning bright… I paused, my fingers hovering over the screen. Was this too bold for me to send? Nah, I thought, smiling and shrugging to myself, the alcohol still giving me the extra courage. I wanted to show Caleb that I appreciated his intention and his desire for something more substantial. Reese: But you,
Reese's P.O.V.Jake walked through the apartment, the remnants of the intrusion evident in the disarray. My heart ached as Jake surveyed the once-familiar space. Jake’s presence, however, provided a comforting strength, reminding me that I wasn’t alone anymore. That in a way, I was finally safe again.“The intruder seems to have left in a hurry. We’ll document everything and gather any evidence we can. But the most important thing is that you are safe. Are you OK, Reese?” Jake asked me, placing both his hands in his sides. I nodded, a mix of emotions welling up within me. Gratitude, relief, and a sense of admiration for Jake’s unwavering protectiveness towards the people of this city.“Just a bit shaken, but I’ll be OK. Thank you for being here.” To which he sent me a small but yet professional smile.“Let’s make sure we take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety moving forward.” He stated, to which I nodded, agreeing with him. As Jake began to gather evidence and secure the