Page 44 of Power Pucking Play

Gio's quiet for a moment, studying me with those damn green eyes that see way too much. "No," he finally says. "I guess it's not."

I sigh, shaking out the messy waves in my hair. “I'm supposed to be working on a behind-the-scenes feature on you, you know. My boss is breathing down my neck for 'juicy tidbits' and 'real dirt'."

"And instead, you got...what? A hockey player with mommy and daddy issues?"

"No," I say softly. "I got you. The real you. And that's...that's the problem."

Gio takes a finger and tilts my chin. The gesture is so tender it makes my chest ache. "Why is that a problem, Lex?"

I lean into his touch, even as alarm bells are going off in my head. "Because I can't be objective anymore. Because..."

"Because what?"

"Because I'm not a robot. Because I don't make a habit out of kissing my subjects."

Gio laughs and leans back. "You don't make a habit out of kissing anyone, Lex." I raise an eyebrow at him, but he just grins. "Look, I get it. You're worried about your job. Your integrity as a reporter."

"Exactly."

"But what if I told you that I trust you? That I know you won't use anything against me or twist my words for some scandalous headline?"

I bite my lip, unsure of how to respond. It's true, Gio has always been open and honest with me during our interviews and conversations. But is that enough to justify this blurred line between journalist and subject?

"I promise I won't let our personal relationship affect your professional work," he finally says. "But I also won't pretend like you don't mean something to me."

My heart races at his words. Heat works its way up my neck, and I can feel myself blushing. This is not the kind ofrelationship I expected to have with a sports celebrity, especially one who has always been portrayed as a troublemaker.

"I appreciate your trust, Gio," I say finally. "But I also need to consider the consequences if this ever got out."

"That's a risk we both have to take. He stares me down. "But for now, can we just enjoy being in each other's company without worrying about what others might think?"

He leans in, and I know I can't resist him any longer. Our lips meet, and it's like a fire ignites within me. I lose myself in the moment, forgetting about everything else except for Gio and the way he makes me feel.

The way his hands wrap around my waist, pulling me closer. The way his lips move against mine, so gentle and yet so passionate.

I breathe in the scent of him—coffee and soap and something distinctly his own. Every inch of my body is begging for his. Ready to tell him to take me right here on my hotel bed.

My breasts feel tender, aching with want. My nipples harden against the fabric of my bra. I can feel his erection pressing against me, and it only fuels my desire.

But as much as I want him, there's a part of me that knows this is dangerous territory. We're both risking our careers and reputations for this moment.

I break away from the kiss, panting and trying to catch my breath. "We should stop," I say, halfheartedly.

Gio pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine. "Do you want me to stop?"

I hesitate for a moment before shaking my head no. The truth is, I don't want him to stop. I want to feel him inside me. Want to experience everything I felt that night at the after-party.

And more.

God, this man is my kryptonite. If only I had Superwoman's strength.

I swallow. "No, I don't want you to stop, Gio. But I still think it's best that we should."

Gio's expression is pained, but he nods in understanding. He knows the risks and boundaries better than anyone else.

"Okay," he says softly, kissing my forehead before getting up from the bed. "We've got a flight back to Chicago that we both have to get ready for, anyway." He runs a thumb along my bottom lip. "Call you later?"

I nod, my chest squeezing as he walks to the door and opens it with a wink.

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