“An offer is forthcoming. Assuming it’s a good one, you’re looking at a future Hissing Muskrat.”
“Amazing. I’m going to need merch, obviously. I assume the muskrat is fearsome and…hissy?”
“So hissy. And I can set you up with that merch soon, if you want.” I set the bags by the entry table and pat my back pocket. “I scored two tickets to the game tomorrow night. They said they’d love to host us in the owners’ box. If you’re interested.”
“Fancy! And yes, I’d be honored,” she says, still grinning. “And jazzed for an excuse to escape my parents. Mom and Dad made everyone take curling lessons today, even Aunt Carol and Gram, both of whom could die from a fall on the ice. I was a nervous wreck the entire time. If I never sweep ice while trying not to fall on my ass ever again, it will be too soon.”
I amble closer to the couch. “Or I could give you a lesson, if you’d like. So you’re better prepared next time. I was pretty into curling in college and I’m a good teacher, if I do say so myself.”
She hums and taps a thoughtful finger to her chin. “Tempting, but I’m more interested in the other educational opportunities you provide.”
“Oh yeah?” My brows lift as I spot her bare shoulders over the back of the couch and begin to wonder… “What exactly did you have in mind? And are you…”
“Naked?” she asks, pushing up onto her knees, bringing her bare breasts into view. “Yes, yes I am. And I was hoping to learn more about shower sex. Is it as fun as it looks in the movies? Does the water get in the way? Should soap be used in an erotic fashion or is that dangerous? I have so many questions. Burning questions,” she adds, tracing a leisurely circle around her nipple, making my knees go weak.
“And I’m going to answer them all,” I say, stopping inches away from her sexy-as-hell self. “By the time we get out of that shower, your curiosity is going to be completely satisfied, Hepburn. Now get over here and wrap your legs around me. I need to carry you into that bathroom and do bad things to you.”
With a happy sigh, she crawls over the back of the couch and into my arms, and I do just that.
And when we’re finished making each other come so hard we end up lying in the tub with the water pounding down on us until it starts to go cold, catching our breath, we dress for dinner, and I give her my gift.
The chess set. Not the other gift, no matter how much the impulsive part of me wants to throw caution to the wind and dive straight into that crazy.
“Wow, this is so beautiful. I love the marble pieces,” she says, the wonder in her expression making me glad I chose the set with the fancy box. She looks up, her eyes narrowing. “You asked Evie for gift-giving advice, didn’t you?”
“Guilty,” I say with a grin. “But I picked it out myself.”
“It’s perfect, and I love it. But since you asked Evie, I get to ask her, too.” She points a finger at my face. “And I get until the twenty-third to pick out a present for you. Those are the rules. Got it?”
“Got it, Bossy,” I say, as she steps away from the entry table, where she opened the set. “But you really don’t have to get me anything. I like giving more than receiving.”
Her eyes darken as she steps into my arms, looping her wrists behind my neck. “I’ve noticed that about you. You are an impressive giver, Olsen.”
“Thank you. It’s my pleasure. Truly.”
“I believe you,” she says, tipping her head back. “But I like giving, too, and I already have an idea that’s going to blow your mind. Just wait and see. Assuming you don’t have any plans for the night before Christmas Eve?”
I shake my head. “Nope. And if I did, I would cancel them.”
Her lips curve in a shy smile that I love every bit as her sexy ones. “Yeah, me too. You’re growing on me. Like a fungal infection.”
I laugh. “Good. I hear those are hard to get rid of.” I slap her ass, making her giggle. “Now let’s go eat. We can talk about how excited you are to be my girlfriend later.”
Her eyes widen, but I put a finger to her lips before she can say a word.
“Just let it happen, Hepburn,” I whisper. “You know you want to be my girlfriend. And we can wait to tell Evie and the rest of our friends and family until you’re ready. I’m in no rush.”
And I’m not. But if we can go from “verbal sparring” buddies to having the best sex of our lives in less than a week, I’m pretty sure by the time we’ve been dating a month or two, we’ll be ready to move in and start planning the wedding.