Page 28 of Power Play

He’s annoyed.

Probably both at the game and at me, for wearing the opposing team’s uniform. I’ve chosen the enemy.

I’m not the only one who has noticed Duke’s ticked off expression, because the guy behind me taps me on the shoulder and says, “You sure wearing that Red Wings jersey was the best decision you could have made today?”

I glance at Duke, at the way his mouth has now completely flat-lined as he glares at the stranger talking to me. “I’m sure it doesn’t matter. It’s not like we really know each other.”

Casey has already filled in anyone who will listen about my predicament, much to my frustration. The beer has gone to her head, I think.

“It looks like Harrison wants to know you,” the stranger tells me conspiratorially. I think his name is Matt, but that’s just a guess. “Do you want to see if I’m right?”

I tear my gaze away from Duke, who still appears annoyed, to Matt. Max? Hell if I know. “What are you talking about?”

“Do you want to see if I’m right, about him wanting you,” Matt clarifies with a wide grin. “I bet you a beer that he does.”

“I bet you two beers that he doesn’t.” I don’t drink beer, but I’m sure Casey will take my trophies should I win. Ahem,whenI win.

“You’re on.” Elbowing his buddy out of the way, Matt climbs down onto our row, issuing apologies when he scoots Casey over to step up next to me. Matt and I are the same height, which is to say, he’s shorter than average. Definitely shorter than Duke Harrison. I force myself to not look at the penalty box and the man caged inside.

“Ready to buy me that beer?” Matt says, hooking a gentle hand around my elbow. His messy brown hair hangs down over one eye. I’m pretty sure he’s in college, which explains his to-hell-with-it attitude.

Since I have no plans to buy him anything, I cross my arms over my chest and lean back. “A kiss on the cheek,” I inform him, “and then I’ll pretend to give you my number. That’s all you’re getting.”

His friends break out into laughter, thumping Matt on the back in solidarity. “All right, all right,” he mutters, still smiling playfully, “I’ll work with it.”

With absolutely no lead-up whatsoever, he drops a kiss to my cheek and then hits up my other cheek like he’s a European. Removing his phone from his pocket, he hands it over and goes for broke: “I’d actually really like to take you out. So, like, if you want to give me your real number that’d be cool.”

Beside me, Caleb gives a hoot of laughter. “Smooth move, kid.”

Oh, this is awkward. I give him back his phone, resisting the urge to run my hand over my jeans. “You’re a bit young for me.”

Matt presses a hand to his heart, all faux-dramatic and everything. “I’m twenty.”

“You can’t even legally order the two beers you promised me.”

“Which is why I asked you to buy me one.”

Casey joins in on Caleb’s laughing fit, and I sort of want to stab both of them. “Not happening, Matt.”

“It’s Max.”

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes, then flick at him with my hands. “Return to your seat, young one. The bet is over.”

“Is it, though? Take a look at Harrison.”

At Matt’s—erm, Max’s—prompting, I twist around. Without realizing it, his stint in the box has ended and he’s back in the net. But while the other players are fighting over the puck at center ice, Duke’s head is turned just slightly . . . and he’s watching me.

Chapter Nine

Idon’t hearfrom Duke after the Blades lose against the Red Wings.

Like the lame-o that I am, however, I force Caleb and Casey to stick around by the concession stands as I keep watch over my phone. Originally, the plan was for him to message me with a place to meet. After thirty minutes pass, and then another twenty-five, I’m forced to accept that our scheduled meeting isn’t happening.

Not tonight, anyway.

“Can we go?” Casey asks, pointing at the time on her watch. “Even if he had to talk with the press, it wouldn’t take this long.”

It might, actually, but I let the argument drop. With a last glance around at the employees sweeping the otherwise empty concessions area, I stuff my phone into my purse. “Fine, let’s head out.”

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