Page 4 of Jingle Devil

“We have a deal, Coach Weller. Since you said I can have anything, I’ll have to think about what happens when I win. And I’ll have my dress ready in case you can pull off the impossible.”

“Nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough.”

Well, fuck me. Don’t I know it.

THREE

Tessa

This has been one crazy day after another. First, I faceplant in my sexy boss’s lap and very inappropriately caress his erection with my cheek. And now, I’m walking arm and arm with said sexy boss into a charity dinner for the local children’s hospital.

I’m not sure how they managed to pull out a win against Toronto, but the Devils beat them by one goal. Mick must have threatened them or offered them a bonus if they won. Something had to have motivated them to score the last two goals in the third period. Especially with the Avalanche playing so well.

It’s the best bet I ever lost. Let’s just hope this Christmas gamble doesn’t come back to bite either one of us in the ass. But with Mick beside me, it’s hard to think of anything else. He is irresistible in a tux. The black fabric is snug against his broad shoulders and narrows to his tapered waist. His brown eyes are so deep I might get lost in them. That is if I don’t get distracted by his stubble and full lips first. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to keep my hands to myself.

“Have I told you how absolutely stunning you look tonight?” he whispers in my ear, his warm breath caressing my neck and breaking me out in goosebumps.

I turn my head to smile at him. “Only about five times but it hasn’t gotten old yet.”

“That dress,” Mick rasps. “Where did you get that thing?”

“I just had it laying around… Do you think it’s inappropriate?”

“Absolutely.”

Not that I picked this dress with the purpose of seduction—who am I kidding, that’s exactly why I picked this dress. The emerald green is perfect for a Christmas eve, and the fabric hugs my body like a glove. “I think us being here together already crosses the line.”

“Baby, when I cross the line with you, you’re damn sure going to know it.”

His words are like fuel to the fire raging inside me. A shiver sweeps through me, and my panties dampen with need. His hand sweeps across my lower back and he grips my hip in a tight hold.

Mick leans down and this time his lips graze the skin behind my ear. “Are you chilly, baby girl? Or is it something I said?”

I may combust on the spot. Baby girl. Sweet mother of all things sensual. I’ve never heard a term of endearment be so sexy.

We make our way past the Christmas trees and Mick pulls us to a stop as Jazz and Lincoln block our path.

“Well, hey guys.” Jazz greets us each with a hug but not before eying Mick’s hand on my waist. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Well, crap. Jazz and I had known each other for years. We met at the Olympic training center in Florida. She’d been the talent and I worked in the front office of the training facility. I was never a skater myself, but I loved to watch the girls practice and spent every lunch break I could, rink side. Jazz and I had instantly bonded over our shitty parentage and became fast friends. Despite our friendship, I would’ve been happier if we had gone all night without seeing someone from work. Especially now that she’s an owner again and essentially Mick’s boss. I’m still trying to figure out if he’s using me for my company or if this is an elaborate set up for a one-night stand.

“I’d believe you were surprised, except you knew I was coming, especially since you’re the one that put me in touch with this foundation.” Mick smiles, shaking Lincoln’s hand.

Jazz laughs and links her fingers with Lincoln’s. “I was talking to Tess.”

My heart hammers and I swallow past the lump in my throat. Since her relationship with Lincoln was splashed all over the news, there isn’t a workplace dating policy, but Mick is my direct boss. I don’t want things to get weird.

“Oh, well,” I clear my throat, heat creeping across my cheeks. “I lost a bet. This is my punishment.”

“Doesn’t look very punishing.”

“You haven’t spent much time with him then.” I chuckle and step away from Mick.

Lincoln raises his brow. “I didn’t peg you for a dating man, Coach.”

“I don’t date,” Mick scoffs and runs a hand down the front of his tux.“Dating was something I considered in my twenties.”

If I wasn’t sure about the longevity of his relationships, I am now. Mick Weller is a one and done kind of guy. Which is perfectly fine with me, and I’d rather know upfront. “We’re just here as friends,” I interject.

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