Rosalie's Player by Ella Jade

now.
    “I’m kidding.” Rosalie turned and smiled at him. “I have the only player I need.”
    “Good answer.” He took her face between his hands and kissed her, relishing in her soft lips as he probed her mouth with his tongue.
    “Don’t mind us.” Ally killed the moment. “We like to watch.”
    Rosalie placed her hands on Holt’s chest, pushing him away. Her cheeks held a hue of red, but he didn’t care who saw him kissing her.
    “Let’s go.” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “It’s too crowded here.”
    “Where are we going?”
    “I want to show you something.” He slung an oversized pool towel from the bench by the pit over his shoulder.
    “I’ll bet you do,” Tina snickered. “Watch him, Rosalie. He’s a wild one.”
    “I already know that.” Rosalie waved to the girls. “Text me.”
    “We will,” Ally said. “Have fun.”
    “Where are we going?” she asked again as he led her down the stone path.
    “The lake.” He pointed to the lights at the end of the path. “See the gazebo?”
    “It’s beautiful.”
    “The landscaper takes care of it. His wife insisted we needed all of these white twinkling lights. Ryder agrees to anything.” He guided her up the two steps and into the wooden structure. “I don’t come here much, but I thought you might like it.”
    He spread the towel down, placed the beers on the built-in bench, and extended his hand for her to sit with him.
    “I love it out here. It’s private and peaceful.” She sat close to him, never letting go of his hand. “I’ve been waiting to be alone with you all night.”
    “These parties are always more work than I think they’ll be. These guys can eat and drink, but I think Ryder has it under control.” He took a beer and popped it open. “You want some?”
    “I’m good. I’m feeling those two daiquiris you made me earlier.”
    “I just want you to have fun.” The chirp of crickets surrounded the lake as a warm breeze swept over them. Summer was in full force.
    “Everyone is great.” She rested her head on his shoulder as she looked out at the water.
    He glanced down at her, thinking how comfortable she was with him. How natural it was to have her close to him.
    “The girls are friendly,” she said.
    “Yeah, about that...”
    “What?” She looked up at him. “You don’t want me to hang out with them?”
    “Not a chance.”
    “Is this you trying to take charge again?”
    “Oh, I’m not trying anything. I am taking charge. Tina and Ally go out for one reason and one reason only.” He took her chin between his fingers. “You already have that reason.”
    “I do?”
    “Yeah, you do.” He kissed her lips without releasing her from his hold. “More than you know.”
    “I get it,” she whispered, and he appreciated that she didn’t push him. She let him be him without any conditions.
    “You’re coming to Boston next week, right?” He didn’t think he could handle being away from her for four days.
    “Yes. My parents are looking forward to having me and Sage home for a few days.”
    “I guess you’ll be busy then.” He’d hoped to spend his downtime with her, exploring the city and checking out some of the sites.
    “We’re meeting with my parents one night for dinner. You’re probably booked, but if you want to come with me...” She looked down at her lap, and he sensed the awkward tone in her voice.
    “I’d have to check my schedule.” He wasn’t sure he was ready to do a family dinner.
    “It’s no big deal. I just thought I’d ask. I didn’t think you’d commit or anything.”
    “Why not?”
    “Meeting parents doesn’t seem like your thing. That’s okay.”
    “Can I get back to you?” Why was he finding it so hard to say no to her?
    “Sure.”
    “What else will you be doing in Boston?” He smoothed her hair away from her face because he couldn’t resist touching her.
    “I’m meeting up with some friends who I haven’t seen in a while.”
    “Girls or guys?”