Crossing Paths

Chapter 21: Road Trip

**Alex's POV**

The sun was dipping below the horizon as Kate and I set out on the drive from Iowa to Texas. The road stretched out before us, a ribbon of asphalt leading us home. Kate's presence beside me felt like a comforting anchor amidst the swirling storm of emotions I was grappling with.

"So, are you excited about the tournament?" I asked, glancing over at her.

Kate smiled, a playful glint in her eye. "I am. But honestly, I'm more excited about spending this time with you."

I grinned, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. "Well, I guess that makes two of us. Even if the drive is a bit long."

"Long drives are only boring when you're alone," Kate said, her hand brushing against mine. "With you here, it's just another adventure."

As we drove through the rolling hills of Oklahoma, we decided to stop for the night. The hotel we chose was modest but cozy, a quiet refuge from the road.

After checking in, we made our way to the room, and as soon as the door closed behind us, Kate turned to me with a mischievous smile. "So, what should we do now? Relax? Watch a movie?"

"Or," I suggested, leaning in close, "we could see just how comfortable this bed really is."

Kate's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Now that sounds like a plan."

Our laughter and conversation drifted through the room as we settled in, enjoying a light dinner. The mood shifted as the evening wore on, our playful banter giving way to a more intimate connection. As we moved closer, the air between us thickened with anticipation. Kate's fingers traced my arm, sending shivers down my spine.

"I love when you look at me like that," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks heat up. Kate laughed softly, but before I could say anything else, she pulled me close, our lips meeting in a tender kiss. The warmth of her touch made my body relax instantly.

One of her hands slid down to my thigh, and I felt her fingers graze the waistband of my shorts. She paused, looking at me for permission. "Kate..." I nodded hurriedly, and she deftly removed my shorts.

My hands found the hem of her shirt, to which she quickly grabbed, holding them above my head.

Kate pressed kisses along my neck, her lips trailing lower and lower. When she reached my underwear, she looked up at me, giving me a teasingly smirk. I gave her a breathless "please," and she gently pulled them off. Her touch was electrifying, each kiss sending waves of pleasure through me.

She continued to explore my body with her mouth, and I couldn't help but place my hand on her head, guiding her gently. The sensations were overwhelming, and I let out a sigh of contentment. As she came up for air, I pulled her into a passionate kiss, our bodies pressed close together.

As we sat on the bed, I couldn't help but admire Kate. Her eyes, her smile, the way she made me feel so at ease. I reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"Goodnight babe, I love you. Forever," I whispered, giving her one more quick kiss.

"And always," she said before we both drifted off.

The next morning, we woke early, ready to continue our journey to San Antonio. Kate had practice before the tournament, and she needed to be at the team's hotel.

As we drove through the early morning mist, the landscape rolling by in shades of gray and gold, I glanced over at Kate, her eyes heavy with sleep but bright with anticipation.

"Big day ahead," I said softly.

Kate nodded, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "Thanks for coming with me. It means a lot."