Page 55 of Power Play

My pathetic skating skills and how I’ll never,everdo this again.

“This was a travesty.” I blink down at him. He looks up at me, still wearing that grin and not in any hurry to move me off of him. “What do we do now?”

“We forge on and try again.”

“That’s a pretty positive outlook for a guy who scowls more than anyone I know.”

“Maybe I’m turning over a new leaf. I’m inspired by your fearlessness and your inability to stop.”

“Look who’s funny with the sarcasm.” I put my hands on his chest and push onto my knees. “Rinkside is where I belong. It’s safest over there.”

“One more lap, then we can get a drink.” Liam’s thumb strokes along the hem of my sweater and brushes against my bare skin, leaving a trail of heat in his wake. “Consider it part of your lessons.”

“Okay,” I whisper, incapable of saying anything else. I don’t know what lesson he could be talking about, but I’m ready to be the most dutiful student in the world. “Only if you’re buying.”

He drops his hand away, and I miss his touch already. “Your first teacher might have been shitty, Piper, but you have me now. I know how to take care of a woman.”

One more lap turns into two then three. It becomes painfully obvious with every circle we make how different he is from the man of my past.

And, judging by the cocky smirk he’s tossing my way, he knows it too.

SIXTEEN

PIPER

Me

Hello! Are you busy tonight?

Liam

Depends who’s asking.

Me

I am! Does that change how you’re going to answer?

Liam

Possibly. If it involves other people, I have plans.

Me

And if it doesn’t involve other people?

Liam

I’m listening.

Me

I figured we should get to know each other before your sister’s wedding, and I was going to invite you over.

It’s not like a date or anything!

It’s two friends casually talking about things you like and things you don’t like.

Liam

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