Page 5 of Some Like It Hot

“We need to talk,” I tell her, punching the button for the lobby.

I have no idea where we’re going or what exactly I’m going to say. I haven’t spoken to her in months. I’ve never spoken to her one-on-one, but that ends tonight. I have to get her out of my head and, I suppose, this seems like a rational way to do it.

Maybe I just need to hear her say that Travers sucked in bed?

That she is absolutely not still seeing him?

That he treated her well?

Or do I want to know he was a dick to her? That would give me a very good reason to slam his sorry ass into the boards the next time I see him. On the ice or not.

“Uh…”

I glance back at Sammy. I mean Wade. “She’s fine. Go have fun.”

He lifts a brow at Elise and I appreciate the fact that he’s asking her if she’s fine. I look down at her, also awaiting her answer.

This is a little nuts. She doesn’t really know me. If she doesn’t want to be alone with me, I’d understand, I suppose.

She frowns up at me, but then nods. “Yeah, fine.”

“Okay, see ya,” Wade says, ambling off into the party.

The elevator doors slide closed and Elise Starling and I are suddenly alone.

Together.

For the first time.

In a small, enclosed space.

I turn to her. She turns to face me.

“I—” I start.

She just waits.

All I have to do is ask, ‘Are you still dating Justin Travers?’ Or ‘Was Justin amazing in bed?’ Or ‘Did Travers break your heart?’ Any of those would start the conversation that I think I want to have.

I want to know about her and Travers, right? That’s what’s been driving me crazy. That’s what I’ve been wondering about. It’s about my rivalry with that dickhead who is the only Dragon to score on me in the last eight games between the Racketeers and the Dragons.

But when I open my mouth and actually speak, I say, “You look absolutely incredible and you smell amazing.”

Her eyes widen. Mine do too.

That’s what I want to say first?

But…it’s the truth. Suddenly it’s all I can think about.

She’s stunning. Truly. Her hair, her eyes, that damned mouth. My palms are tingly with the need to run over her curves, feel the silkiness of her skin, to see how quickly I can make her catch her breath.

It’s only fair. I don’t feel like I’m breathing too easily.

“Th–Thank you,” she finally stammers softly. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

I step closer. “You didn’t know that I think you’re gorgeous?”

“I…” She wets her lips and shakes her head. “I don’t know.”

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