Lindsey

Liam's snoring is the only thing keeping me anchored here on Earth. If it weren't for that, I think I would have floated away by now. I feel so light and happy sitting in the back of this cab holding Chase's hand. The way he's looking at me makes me swoon. I could stay like this forever, minus the loud snoring next to us.

The taxi slows and pulls next to the apartment building. I wish this night didn't have to end. I'm far too excited to sleep right now.

After paying our fare, Taylor and Chase wake Liam and help him out of the cab. The three of us get him upstairs to the apartment with some difficulty. Looks like he had more to drink than I thought; he's swaying dangerously on his feet. We nearly drop him twice, trying to make it to the elevator.

Chase is strong, but he needs help keeping all 6'2", 205 lbs of my bulky brother upright in his current state. I'm sure onlookers are getting a kick out of the scene. One man and two women carrying/dragging the half-conscious hockey player through the building. Especially when one of us is barely 5'4", but to her credit, Taylor is holding her own. She supports most of Liam's weight when he shifts away from Chase for a second starting to wake up.

"Whaz happning?" A groggy Liam asks, whipping his head to look from Chase to Taylor.

"We're just going home, buddy, don't worry. Almost there." Chase tells him.

Liam grunts, "iz fine, I kin walk," he tries to take a step away from Chase and loses his footing, nearly knocking over Taylor in the process.

Chase quickly grabs Liam by the arm and steadies him. "Hey there, papa bear, let us help you, okay?" Taylor tells him, repositioning herself under his other arm.

He cocks his head at Taylor as if just noticing she was there. He smiles down at her. "M'kay, Tay. Lez go home."

We make our way to the apartment, Chase and Taylor on either side of my brother, me behind, making sure he doesn't fall backward. Liam stumbles along with us, mumbling nonsense the rest of the way. We make it inside without further incident, but when Chase and Taylor try to gently lay Liam down on his mattress in Chase's room, he trips and falls in a heap taking Taylor with him.

He falls backward and pulls her on top of him, chest to back. Then, he promptly falls asleep, still holding her in a tight grip. Chase and I try to release his hold on her while she tries to wriggle free, but he doesn't budge. It takes Chase sliding a few ice cubes down the back of his shirt for him to rouse. And when he does, he looks at Taylor accusingly. "Why'r you in ma bed?"

She peeks over her shoulder at him and gives him an equally accusing glare, "you were trying to hold me hostage."

He looks down at his now loose hold around her, "ooops, s'rry Tay."

She scrambles up after he fully releases his hold on her, shaking her head as Liam falls back into his slumber. Chase, Taylor, and I exit the room.

"I didn't think he drank that much tonight," I tell Taylor.

"Rob and Drew convinced him to do several rounds of shots while the two of you were having your little chat." She wiggles her eyebrows at me and Chase as she emphasizes the word 'chat'.

I feel the heat creep up my cheeks as I look down to the ground. I see Chase shake his head and smile in my periphery.

She laughs quietly before covering a yawn. "Well, it's been fun, kids, but I'm going to shower and get some shut-eye." She turns to walk away but looks back briefly, "I'll leave you two lovebirds to enjoy the living room." She sends us a wink as she disappears behind her bedroom door.

I turn around to face Chase. He's looking at me nervously and biting his lip. I can't believe we're actually alone. What the hell do I do now?! It's been so long since I've been alone like this with a guy that I'm attracted to. I have no idea what to do next.

Chase clears his throat. "Uh, do you want to watch a movie?"

I look up at him, "yeah. Yeah, we should do that. Let's watch a movie." Why am I so nervous?

He smiles, "what kind of movie do you want to watch?"

Crap! What's a safe movie for this kind of situation? Comedy? Romance? Action?

I quickly reply, "uh, comedy. Let's watch a comedy."

He chuckles and searches through our choices in the comedy genre, and I settle into a spot on the couch. We agree on a movie, and he offers me something to drink. After grabbing two glasses of water from the kitchen, he comes back to join me in the living room. He looks down at the available spots on the couch, debating which to occupy.

Feeling brave, I pat the seat right next to me and say, "sit here. We can cuddle...if you want."

His grin grows to twice its previous size as he gets situated next to me, pulling a blanket from the back of the couch for us to share. The movie starts, and I look over at Chase. His eyes are glued to mine. They are filled with heat and longing. My heart skips a beat when he puts his arm around me and pulls me closer.

"I've been waiting so long for this," he whispers.

My eyes drift down to his lips, "me too."

His free hand drifts up to my cheek, and his thumb softly grazes my lower lip. I can feel my eyes start to close. When I reopen them, he is staring intently at me. He looks down to my lips, then back to my eyes, asking for permission. I start to lean forward slowly, and he understands my answer.

Our lips come together, moving in sync, gently sweetly. Then, our pace quickens, our lips start to move feverishly like this is the last kiss we'll ever have. His tongue brushes my lips, begging for entrance, and I oblige. We stay there, suspended in time for who knows how long, mouths locked together, tongues dancing harmoniously.

His hands slowly trace my body, down my neck, over my shoulders, across my back while mine explore the hard muscles of his chest and abdomen. He starts to kiss slowly down my neck, nipping gently as he makes his way down to my shoulder. I can't suppress the moan that escapes my lips. I feel the rumble deep within his chest as he growls his appreciation to the sound and makes his way back up to my lips. Not once do we cross the barriers of our clothes, but, man, is it tempting!

I can feel the heat of my desire between my legs and the pressure of his pressed against me as our bodies melt together. We continue our exploration of each other as the movie plays in the background. We both feel the urge to cross that boundary, but it's too soon. So, for now, allowing our mouths and hands to dance across skin and clothes tops will suffice. The movie credits are rolling by the time we break apart, both needy and breathless.

I don't think I've ever truly been kissed until tonight. Every other time has felt sloppy and rushed. With Chase, it's slow and passionate; it makes me feel sexy and wanted. And the way he looks at me...I feel like the most important woman in the world. He makes me feel special in a way no one ever has before. I could stay right here with him forever.

He gently strokes my cheek as he places his forehead against mine. "You are amazing, Lindsey. So fucking amazing."

I smile, "you're not so bad yourself."

He chuckles and gives me a quick peck on the lips. We both look toward his room when we hear Liam start to snore loudly. I turn to look at the clock as I try to stifle a yawn. I think about suggesting we stay on the couch, but I don't think either of us wants to face the wrath of hungover Liam tomorrow if he walks out and finds us together.

I give him a soft smile and tell him we should probably get to bed. He agrees reluctantly and walks me to my door. Before going inside, I turn and look at him one more time. His soft lips curl into a sexy smile, and I can't help but wish those lips were on mine again. He pulls me close for a tender hug. When he releases me, I pull his face close, and he gives me what he knows I need; another slow, sensual kiss. After our lips part, he softly wishes me goodnight with a promise to see me in the morning before practice.

I float over to the bed, body still thrumming with the excitement from what just happened with Chase in the living room. I fall back to the mattress gently as I remember the feel of his lips on mine. It feels like I'm weightless, suspended in the air with no worry in the world. He makes me feel dreamy. As sleep overtakes me, I think of Chase, and I am happier than I have ever been in all my life.