4. Stay the Night

Chapter Four

STAY THE NIGHT

~~Nolan~~

I 've done a lot of spontaneous stuff in my life, but going to Dash's place wins the spontaneity cup. I raise my hand to rap on his door but stop in midair. I glance at Muri standing at my side.

"You sure you want to do this?"

"Positive. Dash is a reasonable guy. He'll be okay with this once he gets used to the idea."

"Okay, here goes." I knock on the door. Muri puts her hand in mine in a display of solidarity. I'm not sure what the captain will think about that, but he might as well get used to it. I'm not going away.

Dash opens the door wearing sweats and a ratty T-shirt. His gaze snaps to our linked hands and back to our faces, first mine, then Muri's, then mine again. His expression is unreadable. He's more closed off than I've ever seen him.

"Can we come in?" Muri asks.

Before Dash answers, Everly rushes to the door and pulls us inside. If she notices our hand-holding, she doesn't indicate any surprise.

"Muri, Nolan, how happy we are you dropped by. We were about to have a drink outside. Come join us."

We follow them outside to their large patio that overlooks Portland with the river in the distance. Everly plies us with wine while Dash leans against the railing and sips on his drink. His expression gives nothing away, and I resist the urge to fidget. Dash is a personal hero of mine. I've watched his career since I was a little kid, and I have great admiration for him, which makes this doubly hard. Regardless, I'm committed to be upfront and honest rather than sneak around behind his back.

We sit down on the comfy patio furniture and make small talk about the team and living in Portland. It's tense and obvious that we came here for a reason. Dash isn't going to ask. He'll let me speak in my own time. That's just the kind of guy he is. As we skirt all around the subject, tension builds. I'm about to open my mouth when Muri beats me to it.

"Okay, I can't take this anymore." She almost shrieks. She's as nervous as I am. Dash cocks his head but says nothing while Everly hides a smile.

Not wanting Muri to take the bulk of the heat, I speak up. "I want your permission to date your sister."

If Dash is caught off guard, he doesn't show it.

"We don't need your permission, but we'd rather have your support," Muri rushes to add.

"Hmmm." Dash rubs his chin and swings his gaze to Everly. They exchange some kind of silent communication between each other before he faces us again. "If you hurt her, I'll run you over with a Zamboni, after which I'll tie you to the net and let the guys shoot pucks at you."

Muri and I blow out a breath of relief and start laughing. Dash and Everly join us. Everly beams at Dash, like she's proud of him.

"I promise I'll do right by her." I reach my hand out to my captain. At first I fear he might ignore the gesture, but then he takes my hand and shakes it.

"I'm serious. Don't hurt my sister." Dash's gaze slices into me, and I squirm under the intensity of it. He means every word he's said.

"I won't." I also mean every word I've said.

"Well, then, I guess we should have a toast." Everly hurries to fill our glasses before raising her own. She looks to Dash.

"To a great future," he says, and we clink glasses.

The remainder of the evening is spent in relaxed conversation and laughter. I'm relieved that Dash isn't pissed about us, but I will heed his warning. I won't hurt his sister.

Afterward, I drive Muri to her apartment and walk her to the door. Of course, we share a few of those soul-searing kisses I've come to covet.

When she finally draws back and gazes up at me, I smile down at her. Her lips are parted and slightly swollen from our lengthy kissing session, and she looks hotter than hot. My body responds with a rush of desire.

"I guess I should be going. Good night, Muri." Reluctantly, I back away from her, but she reaches out and touches my arm.

"Don't go, Nolan." Her voice is husky with need, and her eyes glow with desire.

I freeze and gaze at her, not wanting to misinterpret the message. "Don't go?"

"Stay the night. Please."

Those might be the four best words in the English language.

Muri opens the door to her apartment, and we both start a new chapter in our lives as a couple. I couldn't be happier, and the world couldn't be brighter.

Thank you for reading INTERFERING .