Page 63 of King

His eyes are bright and twinkling. “Hey there, enjoying the show?”

“Very much,” I reply. “You look incredible out there.”

He winks playfully. “I think you’re biased.”

I hold my thumb and forefinger up, slightly separated. “Maybe a little.”

King’s laugh is deep and rich. “I like your bias,” he says before speeding off.

Kiera thumps her shoulder into mine. “You two are freaking adorable.”

Yeah… we are.

But are we more?

As he races back to join his team, Kiera nudges me with her elbow. “He’s something special, isn’t he?”

I nod enthusiastically, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. “Yeah, he really is.”

We watch as the team runs through a specific drill, a complex sequence of passes and shots that require perfect timing and coordination. It’s like watching a well-oiled machine in action.

I find myself lost in thought about my blossoming relationship with King. He’s not just a skilled hockey player; he’s also kind, considerate and endlessly supportive. He’s gone out of his way to be there for me, whether it’s helping with the Ice Pups, putting my ex in his place or making me feel like the most special person in the world.

I’ve stopped denying the existence of my heart swelling with emotion. In such a short time, he’s managed to break down so many of my defenses. I’ve been trying to keep things casual between us, afraid of getting hurt again, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. The way he looks at me, the way he makes me feel… it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.

With each passing moment of practice, my resolve weakens. I no longer want to keep things casual with him. I want more. I want everything he has to offer and then some. The thought both exhilarates and terrifies me.

King skates by once again, catching my eye and sending a smile my way. Butterflies flutter in my stomach, and I feel more certain than ever that I’m ready to take a chance on him and our budding relationship.

CHAPTER 17

King

As I parkdown the block from Brienne Norcross’s mansion, I join the line of luxury vehicles already on the street. The frigid air seeps through my coat, nipping at my skin as I quickly get out and circle around to Willa’s side. I open the door for her, and she steps out like a vision in a sleek, dark green dress that hugs her curves with a sophisticated black coat that I helped her into earlier. Her hair is elegantly pulled back, showcasing her graceful neck and delicate earrings that glint in the soft light.

Our hands interlaced, we make our way toward the opulent Norcross home, our breaths visible in the crisp night air. Willa’s hand feels warm and comforting in mine, and I give it a gentle squeeze. “You look absolutely stunning tonight,” I tell her with a sincere smile.

“Thank you,” she replies, a small grin playing on her lips. “And you clean up pretty nicely yourself.”

I took way too much time on my appearance tonight, making sure not a single hair was out of place, breaking down and shaving despite the years it takes off my face, and fretting over the best cologne. I rifled through my closet for fifteen minutes, comparing all of my suits to try to figure out what would look best. Christ, I might have turned into a girl but for some reason, I want to impress Willa tonight. I want her to see me as sophisticated, a side she hasn’t really seen yet. Through my years in the league, I’ve rocked a formal event a time or two.

As we approach the towering house, she admits, “I’m a little anxious, though.”

I stop and turn to face her, concern etched on my features. “Anxious? Why?”

She hesitates before meeting my gaze. “I guess because this is really stepping all the way into your world.”

I frown, not understanding. “But you’ve been to a game, seen a practice, met my mates and their women.”

“Yes, but this is an official, mandatory player get-together and everyone will be here. And you’re bringing me, and I know you guys don’t just bring casual dates to events like this.”

“Who says?” I tease.

“Kiera told me, plus… I know you, King. You’d never bring a casual date to a private dinner with the team’s owner and that means this isn’t casual. My agreeing to come means that I can’t keep this casual and it scares me a little.”

Her admission fills me with joy even as it causes her angst, so I keep it light. “Oh, so you’re saying all my nefarious tricks are working?”

She blushes but laughs, giving me a playful nudge. “Maybe. But let’s take it slow and see how things go.”

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