Page 86 of Twisted Collide

“I should go,” Dane says, moving closer to the ice.

“If you need me, let me know.”

I turn and walk away, blood still pumping heavily in my veins. Finally, when I make it to the hallway near the offices, I let out the breath I’ve been holding.

That wasn’t so bad . . . oh, who am I kidding? It was awful.

Why do I have to be so damn awkward?

I lean up against the wall, taking deep inhales to calm myself.

You know what? Who cares? Dane Sinclair doesn’t want me. Big deal. It’s fine. That’s his loss.

I need to focus on what’s important. Getting the job done, building a résumé, and getting the fuck out of Dodge.

That’s it.

I don’t have time for a handsome defenseman. No matter how skilled he is, on and off the ice. I have too much on my plate for his shit. Despite my reservations about coming to work for the Saints, I see the opportunity it brings, and I’m going to use it.

I’m going to kick ass and make a life for myself.

34

JOSIE

Yesterday sucked.

I’m not hopeful that today will be any better.

Lord, I’m late.

Something I try not to be. I might not be here of my own volition, but I intend to do the best job I can. I want to get a good reference and get out of here before things implode. Which should be very soon, judging by my dynamics with Dane.Andsperm donor.

I turn the corner to head toward the locker room when I stop dead in my tracks.

“So, did you miss me?” A soft voice giggles.

My back goes ramrod straight, and every muscle in my body feels tight, like a rubber band ready to snap.

Who in the hell is this girl?

And a better question: why are her arms wrapped around Dane’s neck?

Breathe.

Throwing a shit fit won’t go over well.Kicking her ass won’t get me any brownie points either. This doesn’t change the fact that I want to rip her off him, bang my hands on my chest, and tell her he’s mine.

Wow. I’m pathetic.

What has gotten into me?

One kiss—okay, it was more than a kiss—and I’m already gone for this man.

I take a step forward from the shadows, where I’m hiding, and make my presence known.

This is a good thing.

He rejected me yesterday, and now he’s moved on. That means by the time the season starts at the end of the week on Friday, I’ll be over him.

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