Page 6 of Tempting

Anyone can throw a ball.

But can they do it on a blade less than three inches thick, skating backward?

These are the arguments we have over Thanksgiving dinner.

And maybe every other meal we eat together.

“Well then, I guess I’ll be seeing you two at the gala next week. I believe your mother is one of the chairs of the event, Mr. Sinclair.”

I look to Kenzie, not knowing what gala he’s talking about but not willing to let him in on that fact.

Her tongue darts out and wets her lips, and I might be going to hell because I really shouldn’t be picturing what those lips would look like wrapped around my dick... but I sure as shit am.

Fuck me.

What is it about this tiny woman that’s always made my mind spin in ways it shouldn’t?

She plays into my ruse and laces her fingers with mine. “I think we were waiting to see what your preseason schedule looks like.”

“When did you say it was?” I ask, almost forgetting fuckface next to us until he decides to insert himself back into our conversation.

“It’s next Saturday at the Kroydon Hills Plaza Hotel. We’re raising money for the hospital’s autism research department,” this asshole tells me.

Now that makes sense. My uncle has autism, and Mom has always championed research and resources for neurodivergent kids in Kroydon Hills. Guess I’m going to a gala.

“But I’m sure Kenzie can manage without you, Mr. Sinclair.”

The way he says her name, like she’s an expensive toy he’s been denied... I don’t like it.

“Mackenzie would be fine without me,” I confirm because this woman is more than capable of taking care of herself. “But she won’t need to be. My first preseason game isn’t until the following week. I’ll be escorting her.”

“Oh, Nix. You don’t have to?—”

I squeeze her hand, and she purses her lips before she can finish her sentence.

“I think it’s time we get you to bed, Mac.” Okay, so yeah, I’m a dick, and I know exactly what that sounded like, but I don’t like this asshole. I don’t like the way he’s looking at her, and maybe I do like the way she’s looking at me. “You wanted to catch a few hours of sleep before you’re on call.”

Richardson nods slowly. “I’ll see you at the hospital then, Dr. Hayes.”

He’s trying to act unaffected but failing.

“Yes. I’ll see you later,” she tells him as I tug her in front of me. Kenzie rolls her eyes as we walk away. Guess I’m not the only one reverting to their teenage selves. “You know you’re terrible, right?” she hisses.

“Listen, he already thinks I’m your boyfriend. Nothing wrong with him thinking I’m putting you to bed. I am a gentleman, after all.” I will also not be going anywhere near her bed. Not for my own sanity. A man has his limits, and I’m already pushing mine.

She smacks my shoulder with her tiny purse and smiles her first real smile since we walked outside. One that has a tiny dimple appearing in her right cheek in the middle of a pretty pink flush that creeps up her creamy skin. I may not have spent much time with this woman since we graduated from high school, but some things you don’t forget. And that smile is one of them.

“What was with that anyway? The whole I’m her boyfriend thing?” Her words are whispered, like the asshole can still hear us.

“Wanna tell me why you’re scared of him?” I walk in front of her, then turn to face her and walk backward, wanting to see her reaction.

“Scared? Of Dr. Dick?” she scrunches her nose.

“Dr. Dick?” I ask, laughing as it dawns on me... Richardson... Dick. “Dr. Dick. That’s perfect for that douche.”

Kenzie’s shoe gets caught in the sidewalk, and she jerks forward again and grasps the front of my shirt to stop her fall.

“Still a klutz, Mac? That’s twice.”

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