Page 16 of Power Pucking Play

But as soon as I step out of the car, I'm bombarded with noise and flashing lights. It takes everything in me not to turn around and get back in the car.

I make my way through the sea of people, recognizing some faces from the NHL. Everyone seems to be having a good time, but all I can focus on is finding a drink.

Instead, I find something else first. Someoneelse, actually.

Lexi Brookes. Standing there in the middle of it all.

She’s wearing a deep blue dress that hugs every gorgeous curve, her blonde hair styled in loose waves. She looks stunning, and for a second, I have to remind myself to breathe.

But then I see her talking to a group of guys, laughing and flirting. And that twinge of guilt turns into anger.

She saunters over to me, a smirk on her lips. "Look who decided to show up," she says with a raised eyebrow.

"Surprised? Me too. It's shocking, knowing that you've invited people who don't kiss your ass all the time."

"I'm just surprised you actually left your cave for once. Should have had security check for bats as well as weapons."

"Wow. You're funny when you're not tearing people down."

“It’s a gift. Besides, I couldn't very well spend all my time ignoring your constant need for attention." She flashes a fake smile. "So, what's your excuse for being late? Too busy brooding and feeling sorry for yourself?"

I grit my teeth, trying to ignore her provocation. But it's like a broken record with her, always poking at me until I break.

"Actually, I was working.” I nod, shoving my hands into my pockets. “You know, trying to make something of myself instead of living off Daddy's money."

She laughs, her eyes scanning the crowd. "I'm surprised you even know what work is. Must be hard for you, being forced to actually do something productive." She pauses, grabbing a passing waiter and taking a glass of champagne. "As for my father's money, trust me, he doesn't need anyone else to help him blow through it." She smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "But I'd rather not talk about him. It's bad for my digestion. I'll show you where the food is. Looks like you could use something to sink your teeth into besides me.”

I follow her reluctantly, trying not to let her snide comments get to me.

As we reach the buffet table, I take in the spread of delicious-looking food. My stomach grumbles in anticipation; I haven't eaten since breakfast this morning.

"Why don't you try some of these mini quiches?" she suggests with a smug smile. "You know, for those hunger pangs from all that 'hard work'."

I ignore her jibe and grab a few quiches, taking a bite of one. It's delicious, and I wish I'd grabbed more.

"I'm guessing hockey legends like Sal Carmine spare no expense when it comes to their parties," I comment, trying to change the subject.

She shrugs, taking a sip of her champagne. "From what I can tell. Guy's nice. I've gotten a chance to hang out with him a few times."

"What the—how?"

"He's a good friend of one of my father's business partners."

"That's right." I nod. "Your father is the president of Dix Communications, right? They own a few major sports channels, don't they?"

"Vice president," she corrects with a hint of annoyance. "But yeah, he likes to think he's the one pulling all the strings." She perks up, pointing at a group of people entering the room. "Oh look, the man of the hour is here."

I turn to see Sal Carmine, surrounded by his entourage, making his way toward us. He looks just as intimidating in person as I expected, with broad shoulders and a gray gaze that seems to take in everything.

Holy fuck.

I've grown up watching this man on TV, leading his team to victory after victory. And now he's standing in front of me, only a few feet away.

Being a groupie for any grown man has never appealed to me. But for Sal Carmine? I would gladly put on a 'Sal Groupie' jersey and scream my lungs out at one of his games.

"Holy shit," I mutter, unable to hide my awe.

Lexi smirks. "Come on, I'll introduce you."

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