Page 31 of The Kiss Class

“I’m sorry someone hurt you.” I would never, could never hurt this woman. Not so much as a hair on her head.

Our gazes catch and linger for long enough for me to get that fuzzy inner rush.

Footsteps squeak as someone approaches. We both stiffen.

Clearing her throat as if preparing to give a monologue on stage, Cara says, “I appreciate your apology. I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to try to be friends, though.”

Miguel Martinez, the DPD, Director of Player Development, who reports to Badaszek, walks toward us.

Hanging my head, and in a low voice in case this gets back to the coach, I run cover, “I understand. I respect your wishes. I just hope you find a guy worthy of someone as stunning, sweet, and smart as you are,amour.”

Her gaze flits to mine as if approving of my delivery. “That’s just it. I’m intentionally single, focusing on my studies.”

Nodding, I add, “Since we’ll both be in this building, it’ll be hard to avoid each other, but we’ll keep our distance. I hope you have a Merry Christmas.”

“And bah humbug to you too,” she adds as Miguel turns the corner and out of earshot.

We both droop against the wall, wearing smiles of relief. Before I sputter with laughter, Cara grabs me by the shirt and drags me into the nearest closet, peering into the hall before quietly closing the door behind us.

We break down in silent laughter.

I whisper, “I have to admit, we make a great team and I know a thing or two about that.”

“Are you referring to the Knights or dating?”

“Honestly, the former, but the latter works too.”

She tilts her head, eyebrows lifting as if surprised by my word choice. “Brawn and brains.”

The corner of my lips curl with a charming smile. “I’m here to impress,amour.”

“That’s what I want to talk about.”

“So, you do want to kiss again?”

She bites her lip and shakes her head as she shifts closer. “No. Yes. Listen.”

I lift my hands and then drop them, feeling oddly clumsy and not at all like Prince Charming. “I am all ears.”

She glances around at the shelves filled with hockey equipment. “I thought this was an office, and we could make a deal.”

“The best kinds of deals have been made in supply closets.”

She wrings her hands. “I don’t know what that means. And that’s the problem. I’m deficient in the art and science of flirting. Okay. Here goes. I’ll pretend to be your one true love and you’re pining over me. I’ll pretend to despise you and?—”

“Despise is a strong word.”

“Loathe, abhor.”

“Hey, I rescued you from Chard. Maybe show a little love.” I cross my arms in front of my chest, wondering where this is going.

“Fair enough. How about I dislike you and want distance from you?”

“It’s a fine line because I don’t want your father to get his hackles up.”

“I wish I could say his bark is worse than his bite, but that’s not true.”

“So why would you need to dislike me?” I ask.

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