Goal Line (The Dartmouth Cobras Book 7) by Bianca Sommerland Page B

her as they stepped out onto the sidewalk, and she laughed when Dominik pulled her tight against his side with his big arm around her shoulders. She grinned up at him as they walked. “Do you like perpetuating the illusion that Masters are mind readers?”
    He snorted, rubbing her arm as he kept a steady pace that was easy for her to match. “You assume I’m not holding you to keep myself warm?”
    “Yep. You’re too big and tough to let a little cold bother you.” She leaned into him as they strolled down the quiet streets, already in sight of the pier. There weren’t many people out and about at this time of year, but there were boats bobbing in the distance and she never got tired of taking in the sights. New York had its own urban charm, and she never went long before visiting her friends and family to take in the familiar hustle. Still, if she compared the two, she could truly say Nova Scotia had become her home.
    Curious, she glanced over at Dominik. “Do you like it here?”
    He blinked, looking around as though he weren’t sure what she meant. “The area is beautiful, but I suspect you mean something more. And the answer is yes. I could see spending the rest of my life here, which probably means I’ll be traded next year.” He gave her a little squeeze and chuckled when she bit her bottom lip. “Not really. I have a nice long contract and a no-trade clause. I’ll probably retire with the Cobras, but I’m not there yet. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
    “So no regrets?” She had some the second the words left her mouth and shadows filled his eyes. Nice going, dumbass. She stopped walking and faced him before he could answer. “I mean, Cam is here now, but your mom isn’t. And your other brother…”
    “My mother is fine with my sisters. And Josh…” Dominik began rubbing her arm again, his forehead creasing slightly. “I’m afraid for him every time he’s deployed, but so proud of him. He’s a soldier and that won’t change, no matter where I live. We all grow up and make our own way in life. I can’t see making mine anywhere but here.”
    “But you miss him. You didn’t hesitate when you said your mom was fine, but you—”
    “Perceptive little thing, aren’t you?” He smoothed her hair away from her cheeks with his fingertips, studying her face. “Yes. It’s been a long time and I miss him. My sisters make him things to get through it, but I’m not really into knitting or quilting.” The edges of his lips quirked. “I write him once a week. Hear back from him least every other month. For some reason, he can’t do email or Skype. Not sure I want to know why.” He paused. “He always asks if Cam is staying out of trouble. I’m happy our little brother has given him no cause for concern.”
    Sounded good, but there was still a tension in his eyes and his tone. She reached up to touch his cheek, much like he was touching hers. “How long since you heard from him?”
    “Little longer than usual, but I’m sure he’s fine.”
    “You like that word.”
    “I do.” He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers gently, the heat of his lips warming her straight down to her toes. Then he took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “Don’t worry so much, sunshine.”
    “I can’t help it. I consider you a friend, and I know how much you love your brother.”
    “Just a friend?” He kissed her palm again, but it was different with the heat in his eyes. If he wanted to change the subject, he’d found the perfect way to do it. “Is friendship all you want from me, Sahara?”
    “You know it’s not.” She tipped her head back as he drew her arms around his waist. His fingers delved into her hair as he slanted his lips to hers. Her lips parted to let him in, no hesitation, no doubts reaching her with the heat of him all around her and the fresh scent of him, all man and spice mingling with the ocean air taking over her senses.
    His kiss was complete possession, narrowing her