Page 17 of Falling for the Pucking Bad Boy

RORY: Flattered. But I still think it’s best that you go away.

WELLS: When do I get to see you again?

RORY: You don’t. I’m busy, and our lives don’t intertwine like that, especially since my father can’t stand you.

WELLS: I wasn’t trying to flirt with him.

RORY: I know you know what you’re doing.

WELLS: I definitely do. And I’m trying to see you again.

RORY: I need to get to work.

WELLS: Alright. I’ll go for now. But don’t block me.

I didn’t think about blocking, but that’s not a bad idea.

Honestly, I don’t want to be mean to him, but I know the kind of guy Wells is.

Persistent. Not a follower of rules.

A rebel.

RORY: Bye, Wells. Good luck with your game.

WELLS: Thanks, baby. I’ll win it for you.

Trouble.

Trouble.

Trouble.

And then I block him.

6

CHAPTER SIX

RORY

Afew weeks later, I sit on the bench next to the Blizzard players, the game's energy pulsating through the arena as we play the Sacramento Hawks. The guys are so pumped and celebrating with each other after every goal, and I can't help but get caught up in their excitement.

"Nice shot, Carter!" I cheer as he skates by, giving me a grin and a nod of acknowledgment. Being close to the action like this, feeling the intensity of the game, is exhilarating.

We're in the lead, and the determination on the players' faces is evident. They're focused and driven to maintain their advantage.

Amidst the intensity, I catch glimpses of my father. His expression shifts from concentration to joy as the Blizzard gains ground.

Just as I'm fully engrossed in the game, a sudden tapping on the glass behind me breaks my focus.

Confused, I look over my shoulder and instantly freeze.

On the other side of the glass is Wells, who has a mischievous grin as he holds up another orange Post-it note with his phone number in his palm.

What. The. Hell?

My heart skips a beat, a mixture of surprise and annoyance flooding me. I had blocked him on social media for a reason, hoping to avoid any further encounters like this.

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