Page 8 of Power Play

“Almost two.”

“Almost two, and we still haven’t introduced ourselves.”

I nod.

“I say it’s a crime.”

I chuckle. “Is it?”

“Duh, of course.” She licks her lips, then pushes herself away from the railing. She climbs up the stairs, stops in front of me on my porch, and extends her hand. “I’m Dylan.”

I take her hand in mine and shake it. “It’s nice to meet you, Dylan. I’m Clay.”

“Likewise,” she says. “Do you work with your hands? Your calluses kinda give it away.”

I laugh. She’s bold. “I play hockey.”

“Oh my God! Are you for real?” She puts her hands on her hips, sticking out her chest so her tits are in my face. “I’ve been dreaming about meeting a hockey player, and one as good-looking as you are?! It’s like I won the jackpot.”

“Do you watch hockey?” I ask, trying to change the subject. She’s hot, for sure, but I’m not interested, and I don’t want to lead her on. Not her or anyone else.

“No, I read.”

I frown, and it makes her burst into laughter.

“I read hockey romances, the books where the main guy plays hockey. It’s my favorite genre.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Do you play pro or…?”

“NHL.”

Dylan’s green eyes sparkle, and I instantly regret saying anything. Instead of keeping it friendly, it feels like I’m encouraging her to flirt with me with every answer.

“I honestly can’t believe this is happening. My new neighbor is a handsome NHL player, and he’s single. Can you please pinch me?” She sidles closer to me, her fruity scent hitting my nostrils. Knitting my eyebrows together, I take the tiniest step back, andshe notices. Pinkish color climbs up her cheeks, and she backs away. “Sorry, Clay. That was inappropriate. I didn’t even think twice about what I was doing.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not. You’ve been polite, and I was full-blown hitting on you simply because you play hockey.” She starts fiddling with her headphones, her eyes trained on the ground. “I promise I’m not usually like that. I don’t know what came over me, or why I even assumed you were single. It’s not my business.”

“Thanks, Dylan,” I tell her with a smile. “It was really nice to meet you anyway.”

“Yeah, you too. Er, I better go. Hopefully, a run will help me clear my head from my idiotic ideas.” She gives me a smile and then goes down the stairs, throwing over her shoulder, “Bye, Clay.”

“See you around.” I nod, watching her run away from my house.

With a chuckle, I go back inside. That was entertaining, and at least now I can say I know my neighbor. The first step of starting my new life in a new city is complete.

“Hey, Rodgers!”Colton greets me, keeping the door open wide. It’s the first time we’ve seen each other since I moved to Santa Clara because he and his family have been in Michigan, visiting their parents.

“Hey, Thompson.” I walk inside. “How are you?”

“Good. You? Getting used to your new house?”

I shrug. “It’s just a house.”

Colton shoots me a look but says nothing. When he closes the door, he turns to me with a wide grin on his face. I smile back ashe steps to me and hugs me briefly, clapping me on the back. “If only you knew how happy I am that you’re finally here.”

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