Page 58 of Pucking Amazing

“Better than two puck bunnies at once?” I half-tease, worrying the jealousy shows in my voice even as the words come out of my mouth.

But DJ just laughs, the sound rich and reassuring. He tightens his hold around me, pulling me closer against his chest.

“Nothing compares to you, Syd,” he replies, pressing a kiss to my forehead, and I relax into him.

His fingers continue their idle dance along the curve of my spine, sending shivers across my skin. The room is quiet now, the earlier storm of passion giving way to a peaceful intimacy that I hadn’t realized I’d been craving. It feels safe here in DJ’s arms, a feeling so unfamiliar that I almost can’t name it at first.

And as I tumble into sleep, I can’t help but think I’m getting far too used to this.

CHAPTER 19

SYDNEY

The tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee hits my nose, urging me awake. I blink open my eyes to see DJ’s chiseled face gazing down at me, a steaming mug in his tattooed hands.

“Rise and shine, gorgeous,” he says with a crooked smile that makes my heart stutter.

I sit up and gratefully take the mug, the heat seeping into my hands.

“You’re a lifesaver,” I say. “What time is it, anyway?”

“Early. I wanted to catch you before I had to head out. Game day.” He leans in and presses a soft kiss to my forehead. “Sleep okay?”

“Mmm, very okay, thanks to a certain someone wearing me out last night,” I tease, sipping the deliciously strong brew.

I don’t know what I did to deserve to wake up to this perfect man bringing me coffee in bed, but I’m not questioning it.

“That’s what I like to hear.” DJ flashes a smug grin before flopping down next to me, careful to avoid jostling my mug.

Leaning back against the headboard he casually drapes an arm around my shoulders and I nestle instinctively into his side. His large, solid presence makes me feel warm and protected.

Cherished.

God, am I in trouble.

“Any big plans for today?” he asks, idly running his fingertips up and down my arm and raising goosebumps in their wake.

“Oh you know, the usual—catching up on paperwork, making sure the team has what they need to succeed, that sexy counselor life. If I’ve got the time, maybe a quick yoga class online before work.” I snuggle against him, reveling in his earthy, masculine scent.

DJ chuckles. “Yoga, huh? Don’t go getting too flexible without me.”

“No promises. A girl’s gotta stay limber.” I wink at him over the rim of my mug.

“Is that so?” DJ plucks the coffee from my hands and sets it on the nightstand. Then he’s rolling me beneath him, his athlete’s body flexing as he cages me in. “Let’s test that limberness some more, shall we?”

I loop my arms around his neck, drinking in his playful brown eyes and roguish smile. “I thought you had to get to game prep, hotshot?”

“I’ve got a few minutes.” He ducks his head and brushes his lips over the sensitive spot beneath my ear, making me shiver. “Besides, I’m the two-time MVP. They’ll wait for me.”

I’m about to give in, leaning in for a kiss when DJ says thoughtfully, “I hope everything’s okay with Tyler.”

“With—what?” The change in subject leaves me reeling.

“Oh yeah, I didn’t tell you. He and I were going to tackle all that sushi last night, that’s why I ordered so much. But he had some kind of family emergency.” DJ’s voice is tender, his eyes concerned. “I hope everything worked out okay.”

Wait—Tyler was coming here? To DJ’s apartment? Those were the plans that fell through last night?

My heart plummets into my stomach as the realization dawns: there’s more between DJ and Tyler than I realized. Flirting and attraction, that’s one thing, but it sounds like they’re actually exploring a relationship—that Tyler’s letting himself explore his attraction, which is a huge step.

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