Page 41 of Power Pucking Play

We break away, both panting slightly. "Wow," Lexi says, her cheeks flushed.

"Yeah," I reply breathlessly.

"We seriously have a problem."

"I'm pretty sure kissing isn't an addiction, Lexi." I wrap an arm around her, inhaling her subtle, honeyed scent. "But I'm willing to find out."

She rolls her eyes but doesn't push me away as I lean in for another kiss, deeper this time. I can feel her smile against my lips, and it only makes me want her more.

God help me, the woman is like a drug. Addictive and irresistible.

The night at the All-Star after-party game, I'd known it then...and tried to ignore it.

Ignoring it was better than admitting it—admitting I wanted a woman I should hate.

A woman whose entire job was to hold me accountable.

All those segments, interviews, and articles about me disappointing my own fans.

She was right. As a hockey player, I'm an impulsive, aggressive man. I'm not good at self-control.

And when it comes to Lexi, I'm even worse at control.

That's the problem—has been the problem since the first night we slept together.

I want her in every way possible.

Not just as a one-night stand or fuck buddy.

I want all of her.

That sexy, perfectly proportioned, curvy body. That witty mind of hers. And her fiery spirit.

I know it's a dangerous game to play with someone like Lexi. She could easily break me and my reputation with one wrong move.

We both have our own demons, our own secrets and scars. Scars that run deep.

Scars that still sting when at last she pulls away, her pink lips swollen and hazel eyes shining under the parking lot lights. "We should stop before we can't," she says breathlessly.

I nod, reluctantly agreeing. As much as I want to take her back to my hotel room and never let her go, it's not fair to either of us.

I brush a strand of hair behind her ear, lingering for just a second longer before releasing her. "You're right." I wait a beat, finding myself smiling. "And you know how much I hate that."

She laughs, her hand resting lightly on my chest. "I know." Her gaze falls to the ground and then back to me. "I should probably get back to writing up notes from tonight's game," Lexi says reluctantly, pulling away from me.

I groan, not wanting this moment to end. "Fuck. Can't it wait? We can just stay here all night and kiss."

She chuckles but shakes her head. "As much as I would love to do that, deadlines are a real thing." She leans in for a quick kiss before heading towards her rental car. "I'll see you tomorrow."

I watch as she drives away, feeling both elated and frustrated, and wondering if I've finally found something worth fighting for off the ice.

Chapter 14

Lexi

Iwake up with a start, my heart racing and my cheeks flushed. The dream lingers, vivid images of Gio's hands, his lips, his...everything. I groan, burying my face in my pillow. Great. Now I'm having sex dreams about the guy I'm supposed to be objectively reporting on.

This is not good.

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