Page 13 of Power Play

“You look better with clothes on.”

“Figured as much. How did the castration go?”

“Whoa.” Ethan looks between us. “Are you into castration, Little P?”

“No.” She blushes and tucks a piece of blonde hair behind her ear. I feel like a jackass for making her uncomfortable. “It’s a joke.”

“Didn’t know Goalie Daddy was capable of jokes, but I’m here for it.” Ethan elbows my ribs. “Move over, you big lug. I want some marinara sauce and you’re taking up too much space.”

“Sorry,” I grumble. “I’m out of here.”

“Let me know how the chicken is,” Piper says before I can make my way to the living room. She lifts her chin and offers me a shy smile. “It’s my first time using the grill I’ve had for years, so it might not be edible.”

I maneuver around the island and past my teammates. “If I get salmonella, I’ll send you my hospital bill.”

“I’m not sure I can afford it, to be honest. The best I can do is get you some water and saltines.”

I rip off a piece of garlic bread with my teeth. “Fair trade.”

“I’m sorry again for interrupting you and Lexi the other day. I hope you don’t think I’m unprofessional.”

“Pretty sure you’re the most professional person in this room, Pipsqueak,” I say at the same time Lexi drapes an arm over Piper’s shoulder.

“So true,” Lexi agrees, then glances at her friend. “Is that what you’re wearing on your date later?”

“Yeah.” Piper runs her hands over her jeans. A hint of cleavage appears when she moves up and fixes her necklace. It feels wrong to stare at her, so I glance away. “Do you think it’s okay?”

“It’s perfect,” Lexi says, snapping her fingers. “Sullivan. You’re a man.”

“What gave it away?”

“First impressions of Piper’s outfit?”

My fingers curl around the edge of my plate as I look her up and down.

Her blonde hair is long, slightly messy, and I wonder if she ran her fingers through it before she walked into the kitchen. There’s a small smile on her mouth, like she has a secret she’s keeping to herself. I move to the sweater that shows off the curve of her tits. Her jeans make her legs look long, and I find myself staring at the sliver of skin between her top and the denim for longer than I should.

Piper Mitchell is sunshine incarnate, and it must be fuckingexhaustingto always be so happy.

There’s this presence about her that makes me think she’s going to save the world or die trying. I’ve had a small,stupidcrush on her since she introduced herself to me with that peppy attitude of hers, but I’ve always kept my distance.

She had a shiny ring on her finger.

I wasn’t looking for a distraction.

There might not be a diamond on her hand anymore, but I’m still not looking for someone to take up my time.

I can’t deny she’s fucking gorgeous, though.

And I know I’m not the only one who thinks that way.

I’ve seen how my teammates stare at her when she’s at practice or behind the glass at games. I know how they flirt with her and try to get her attention.

They’d never do anything to cross the line, but that doesn’t mean they don’t look.

“It’s nice,” I grit out. “Fine.”

Lexi frowns. “Fine? We don’t want her to looknice. We want her to look like a knockout.”

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