Page 31 of Power Pucking Play

Gio's expression softens, and he steps closer, reaching out to rub his hands up and down my arms in an attempt to warm me up. It works, but it also sends a shiver through me that has nothing to do with the cold.

"Apologize for what?" he asks quietly.

"For the press room tonight. I know everyone in there was trying to do his or her job, but...I didn't realize how much pressure you were under." I take a deep breath, hoping my words come out as sincere as I feel them. "I just wanted to say sorry for any part I played in that."

Gio's gaze softens even further. "It's not your fault," he says, his voice low and almost pained. "I'm used to it. So, what's this about?" he asks, leaning against his car.

"I want to know more about you," I reply honestly. "The real you. Not the Gio De Luca everyone sees on TV or at press conferences."

"Why would you care about that?"

"Because it's my job," I say with a smirk.

"You think you can handle the truth? The gritty details of my life?"

"I'm willing to try," I tell him. And I am. This is why I became a sports journalist. To tell the stories that others don't know or can't see. I straighten up, meeting his gaze. "Now this? This is the part of the job that matters to me, De Luca. You know, the one where I'm supposed to be getting to know the real you?"

He snorts, slamming his car door. "Right. Because a few sound bites and some locker room chats are really gonna show you who I am."

"Then show me." I step closer. "You don't like how I've been portraying you? Fine. Prove me wrong."

Gio stares at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, suddenly, he grins. It's not entirely friendly.

"All right, Brookes. You want the real story? Come with me to Seattle next week."

I blink. "What?"

"You heard me. Seattle." He blinks, and in the night, his green eyes seem to glow. "No cameras, no recorders. Just you, me, and the truth. Think you can handle that?"

"Handle going it alone without my crew?"

He nods, a glint in his eye that's equal parts challenge and...something else. "What's the matter? Scared you might actually have to admit you're wrong about me?"

I should say no. Even me showing up here at the man's gym is crossing all sorts of professional boundaries.

But the reporter in me, the part that's always chasing the next big story, is screaming to take the chance.

"Fine," I hear myself say. "Seattle it is. But don't think this means I'm going easy on you, De Luca."

His grin widens, and for a second, I forget how to breathe. "Wouldn't dream of it, Brookes. Pack your big girl panties. You're gonna need 'em."

As he brushes past me into the gym, I'm left wondering what the hell I've just agreed to.

A week in Seattle with Gio De Luca.

No cameras. No filter. And no 'big girl panties'. I don't own any. Only silk and lace for me. I chuckle to myself before reality hits me straight on.

An alarm goes off in my head. That same one that’s been reminding me that this is either going to be the best story of my career or the biggest mistake of my life.

Knowing my luck? Probably both.

Chapter 11

Gio

The plane touches down in Seattle with a jolt that matches the unease in my stomach. I've faced down 250-pound defensemen without flinching, but somehow, the thought of a week with Lexi Brookes has me more on edge than any game ever has.

Doesn't help that my sister Gabs is on the trip as well. As the head of our Chicago Blades PR—and Jacob's wife—she's usually my first line of defense against the media. But this time, she's part of the problem.

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