Page 74 of The Roommate Remodel

Jaz grabs my right arm and lifts it too fast, sending pain across my shoulder. I squeeze my eyes shut and say through gritted teeth, “Warn me next time before you do that.”

She gasps and drops my arm. “Brax, why didn’t you say something? Your shoulder’s killing you again?”

“Shhh,” I say, glancing out the open door to make sure nobody heard her. Even though we’re doing measurements outside the locker room, I don’t want anyone to overhear us. “Today’s pain is compliments of Leo. Who isalwaysa pain.”

She frowns. “He seems to have it out for you.”

“He has it out for anyone who beats him.”

She turns me around, gentler this time. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Brax.”

If only she knew. I’m always holding back part of myself with her.

She runs the tape down my back, and a line of warmth follows. “Tonight I’m going to make sure you’re taking care of your shoulder. I’ve got Joshua working on some repairs today, so you can have the night off.”

I make a mental note to remember to pay Joshua for the repairs later without Jaz knowing. “How are you going to keep me from working? I like helping you.”

“Want to test me and see?” she asks, lifting an eyebrow.

I grin. “Can’t be worse than facing a defender.”

“Wanna bet?” Her gaze dares me to disagree.

I grin, taking in her rose-colored lips. “This time I think you’re serious.”

“I am.” Her mouth curves into a cocky grin as she measures my chest next. As she steps closer to me, she stretches the tape across my collarbone and her nails graze my T-shirt.

My eyes follow the soft curve of her neck, down to the hollow space of her collarbone peeking from her teal-green blouse that matches the Crushers logo.

She catches me staring and smiles. “Why are you looking at me that way?”

“Because you’re in my line of sight and very distracting. Especially this close.”

She gives me a playful grin. “I’m pretty sure nothing can distract you on the ice.”

My pulse vehemently disagrees.

“I think you underestimate your power, Princess,” I murmur as she wraps the tape around my waist, totally oblivious to the fact that her hands are making my heart leap against my ribs. “Careful now. I think you’re taking advantage.”

“Is that what you call it?” she says, avoiding my eyes as she takes down another measurement. “I’m just trying to make sure your shirt doesn’t look like a preschooler made it.”

“It would help if your hands were warmer.”

“Occupational hazard.” She shrugs.

I open my arms. “I’d suggest putting them on me to warm them up.”

“Yeah, nice try,” she says with a smirk. “But we’re keeping this secret, remember? And I’ve got to measure the next guy.”

“All of them?” I grumble.

“Yes, all of them. It’s my job, remember?”

Even if it is her job, I don’t like the idea of her touching anyone else other than me.

She puts her clipboard and tape down. “Like I said, occupational hazard.”

I hesitate for a beat. “Hey, are you coming to the game on Friday?”

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