Page 188 of Power Play

I’m nervous. Why am I nervous? I’ve seen the man naked dozens of times, but the minute he says he’s taking me on a date, I get butterflies?

Lexi

Because you loveeee him!

Me

Stop it. That’s a big word.

Lexi

Almost as big as his dick?

Me

I’m done with you.

“Is the blindfold really necessary?”I cross my arms over my chest in the front seat of Liam’s Range Rover and turn my chin in his direction. “Feels a bit dramatic, if you ask me.”

“Sorry. My kidnapper insisted,” he says, and I bite back a laugh at his joke. “I didn’t want to argue with him.”

“Fine. But I if I meet this kidnapper, I’m going to have some words for him.” I relax against the cool leather interior and huff. “I’m not really a fan of surprises.”

“You’re not?”

“No. I think walking into my ex-husband’s office and seeing his head between his secretary’s legs was enough of a jump scare to last a lifetime.”

“I’m taking you to the rink,” Liam says immediately.

“You are? Is there an event tonight? I didn’t think there was anything on the schedule with the playoffs only a few weeks away.”

“Nope. Nothing on the schedule It’ll just be us.”

“And what are we doing at the rink?”

“You’ll see,” he tells me, and I hear the smile behind his words. “But I promise not going to see my head between anyone’s legs.”

“Very reassuring.” I reach over, searching for his arm or his hand or something so I can touch him. So I can feel his warmth. “How was practice today?”

“Fine. We were sloppy in the game last night, and Coach took it out on us this morning. We went through shootout drills, and my legs are shot.”

“Is that why we’re going to the rink? Because you can’t stay away?”

“Kind of.”

Liam cuts off the engine and unbuckles his seatbelt. I hear him open door then open mine, helping me to the asphalt. His arm drapes over my shoulder as he guides me down the familiar path I’ve walked hundreds of times.

There’s the beep of his credentials, then cool air greets me. I smile when he leads me down a long stretch of hallway, his hand in mine and his thumb rubbing against the inside of my wrist.

It’s colder wherever we are, and I figure we’re probably near the ice. At the end of the tunnel where I usually stand during games. I don’t hear any other sounds, though. No music. No noise. No conversations.

I’m in the arena every day, but there are always dozens of other people around. I’m used to the whistles and plays being called out, not utter silence.

“Okay.” Liam pulls the blindfold over my head and I blink under the house lights. There’s a carpet rolled out to center ice, and I spot a table sitting right over the logo. “We’re here.”

“What is going on?” I laugh when I see plates and glasses set up, and he tugs on my hand. “Are we trying out a game the fans are going to play at intermission?”

“We’re having dinner. You told me the arena is one of your favorite places. Why would I take you anywhere you don’t love as much?”

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