Page 53 of Power Pucking Play

Every flick of his tongue sends shockwaves that spread from the tips of my fingers to the very core of my being.

Holy fuck. I can't believe it.

It's official. My body—and soul—are losing themselves in Giovanni De Luca. And I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to find my way back.

Chapter 17

Gio

Iwake up feeling like I've just won the Stanley Cup, scored a hat trick, and been named MVP all at once. The gentle rocking of the yacht and the soft morning light filtering through the porthole create a dreamlike atmosphere.

For a moment, I wonder if last night was just that—a dream.

But then I feel Lexi stir beside me, her blonde hair splayed across the pillow, and reality hits me like a perfect shot.

It wasn't a dream. It was better.

I prop myself up on one elbow, taking in the sight of her.

She looks softer in sleep, the sharp edges of her reporter persona smoothed away. I resist the urge to trace the curve of her cheek, not wanting to wake her up just yet.

Instead, I carefully extract myself from the bed, pulling on my slacks and shirt. Lexi mumbles something in her sleep, reaching for where I was, and I can't help but smile.

"I'll be right back," I whisper, even though she can't hear me. "Don't go anywhere, Brookes."

The marina is quiet this early in the morning, with just a few early risers going about their business.

I nod to the security guard as I head toward the street, inhaling deeply.

The air smells like salt and possibility.

As I walk, I have to fight to keep the shit-eating grin off my face.

It's like every single thing is in technicolor this morning.

The sky seems bluer, the grass greener. Even the honking of impatient drivers sounds like a symphony.

Adding to the symphony is the buzzing of my phone inside my pants pocket.

I pull it out to notice a barrage of notifications from this morning...and last night.

Texts from teammates. Tweets from fans.

Shit. I look closer, noticing the news alerts about the Blades making the playoffs.

Another top contender lost and now we've got even a better shot of winning. It's only another reminder of the world waiting for me outside the bubble I've created with Lexi.

But as much as I dread it, I know I can't stay in this blissful bubble forever. Eventually, the season will end and she'll back to doing her job elsewhere. The thought alone is enough to make my chest tighten.

I push those thoughts aside and focus on the present, namely the little cafe where I plan on picking up breakfast for us.

Ordering as much food as I can carry, I make my way back to the yacht. I use the walk to scroll through my social media, smiling at the congratulatory messages and memes from my team.

"Way to go, De Luca! We fucking did it. Playoffs are ours, baby!" – Jacob

"Don't let it go to your heads, boys. We've still got work to do." – Coach (always the buzzkill)

"Proud of you, big bro. Maybe try not to punch anyone in the playoffs?" – Gabi

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