Boarded by Love Read online

  “Such a smooth talker,” she says with a wink, and I smile.

  Not letting her go, I say, “It was my brother. We’re playing pickup.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  “You should come play one time.”

  Her mouth pulls up at the side. “I’ll smoke your ass.”

  I laugh out, leaning against her, running my nose along hers. “Do you know how unbelievably hot it is that you just said that?”

  She wiggles against me and my fingers bite into her back. Leaning in, I think she’s going to kiss me, but instead, against my lips, she whispers, “Judging by the thickness of you, I’d say pretty hot.”

  “You’re right,” I mutter before kissing her again.

  Pulling back, she grins as she says, “Did you like the song?”

  “Yup, fits our situation very well, I think.”

  “I think so too,” she says, leaning into me. “I need to go in.”

  “I know,” I say, holding her closer, wanting to mold her into me and become one. “I don’t want to let go yet.”

  She gives me a sad nod as she runs her thumbs up my jaw. “I don’t want you to either, but unless you are gonna come in there and dance, I gotta go.”

  “It may surprise you to know that I am a badass dancer, so maybe I should.”

  She giggles, and it’s such a beautiful sound. One that curls my toes and makes me tight everywhere. “I’d pay to see you in a Bullies’ dancer outfit. I hear you’re hot in a pair of ladies’ panties.”

  I laugh out loud and nod, thinking back to the night I pledged at the house. “Yeah, great night, but I’ll pass and leave the dancing to you. But one night, I’ll have you in my arms, grinding against me, and all I’ll be thinking about is…”

  “Sex?” she asks with a grin.

  “No, how fucking hot you are and how lucky I am.”

  Her cheeks darken with color and soon my lips are against hers. As our mouths move together, I can feel someone staring at us, but I can’t bring myself to pull away. I need this kiss to last me until I see her again, and I’m not sure when that will be, so I deepen the kiss. Hoping to take every single bit of her with me. When we part, she smiles up as me as she tenderly kisses me on the side of the mouth.

  “Wanna know what I’m thinking about?” she asks as she breaks free of me and starts to walk backward toward the door.

  “How lucky you are to kiss me?”

  “Nope, I already know that,” she says, flashing me a bigger grin.

  “Then what?” I ask.

  “About how I don’t know how I’m gonna last twelve more days without you inside me.”

  Holding on to the bench for support, I say, “Oh, that’s dirty, Claire Anderson!”

  Biting her bottom lip, she does that hot thing where she winks at me, leaving me utterly speechless before saying, “No one said I play nice. Bye, Jude.”

  She blows me a kiss, and I stand there, willing my dick to stop growing. I can’t play hockey with a hard-on, but as I watch her walk away, her hips swaying side to side, her ass crying my name, I know that’s exactly how I’m gonna play.

  And how I’m gonna be for the next twelve days.

  Chapter 17

  Claire

  “Reese, I don’t think I’m gonna make it.”

  Reese’s laughter rings in my ear. “Why? It can’t be that bad.”

  “The dance we’re learning… We’re learning from a video from 1999! I swear!”

  Her laughter continues as I let out a frustrated breath, rushing across campus so I can get my homework done before heading to work.

  “Well, tell them, Claire. I mean, you are an award-winning choreographer. Tell them to let you work something up. They’d be lucky to dance your choreography.”

  I let out another breath. I had been thinking the same thing since they started teaching us the dance my seven-year-old kids from the studio could do, but I don’t think that Rachael would allow it.

  “I have something,” I say but then sigh. “But I swear the captain hates me.”

  “Why do you think that?”

  “She just looks at me in such a horrible way. She’s either suffering from Resting Bitchface or she hates me.”

  “Again, what reason does she have to hate you? You’re amazing.”

  Ah, the unconditional love I get from this woman makes me so happy, but I’m unable to smile from the problem that lies before me. “There are a couple.”

  “Like?”

  “For one, I’m a better dancer than she is,” I say.

  “Well, of course you are,” she says so matter-of-factly, it makes me grin.

  “And two, I may be dating the guy she wants to date.”

  She squeals so loudly that I have to pull the phone away from my ear. “You’re dating!”

  Rolling my eyes, I say, “It’s nothing to get excited about.” But as soon as the words leave my mouth, I know they’re a lie.

  “Yeah right, you haven’t dated since starting school! He must be something! Oh, is it Jude?!”

  Groaning, I say, “Yeah, you know it is.”

  “Yeah, I did, just wanted you to confirm,” she says before snickering. “Did you invite him to the wedding?”

  “For gosh darn sakes! No! We’re dating, not getting married!”

  “Well, duh, you dork! Y’all are dating, and you need a date for the wedding.”

  “Oh my God, can we please go back to what I called you for?” I ask, pushing the door to my dorm open.

  “Fine, tell them that you would love the chance to give them more options for dances. If they say no, flip them the bird, and start your own dance team.”

  “So mature.”

  “I try,” she says while laughing and I laugh. “Don’t worry, as soon as they see your stuff, you’ll be golden, baby.”

  “I guess I’ll try that.”

  “Good, now, can you promise me something?”

  I feel like she’s about to trap me, and I’m not sure why I say yeah, but I regret it as soon as she asks the next question.

  “Ask Jude to the wedding. Phillip will be nice. I promise.”

  “The hell I’ll be,” I hear my uncle say and I smile.

  “You don’t even know what I’m talking about! Or who for that matter,” she yells back.

  “You are trying to get her to invite that douche bag to the wedding. I swear I’ll be a complete asshole.”

  “Then you won’t get laid.”

  “Ew! Niece on the phone!” I complain and she laughs.

  “Like you don’t know what sex is, but anyway, I’ll stop him. And also, remember we have a dress fitting Friday.”

  I fall face-first on the bed and then roll over before saying, “Yeah, I’ll be there. Make sure the dress you pick for me isn’t whack.”

  “I’ll let you pick it.”

  Thank sweet baby Jesus. “I love you.”

  “I love you more. See you Friday.”

  “Awesome, tell Phillip I love him too.”

  “I will, sweetheart. He’s leaving in a bit for Colorado.”

  Before I can say anything, Phillip comes on the line. “Hey, I’ll be back in a week. Be good, okay?”

  “Aren’t I always?”

  “You have been, but I don’t trust this Jude guy. What kind of name is that?”

  “A classic one and he’s supernice. I really like him. I think you would too if you gave him a chance.”

  He makes a disgruntled noise. “I don’t think so.”

  I snicker. “I love you, Phillip.”

  “Love you, Claire-bear. Text me if you need anything.”

  “I will. Have a safe trip and score a goal for me.”

  He promises me he will, and with a grin, I hang up and then dial Jude’s number. I’m not sure if he’s done playing hockey, but I’ll leave a message if he isn’t. I just want him to know I’m thinking of him. He was so sweet to meet up with me for a few minutes. Okay, let me be honest; I just miss the guy.

  To my