Page 7 of A Whole New Trick

“Because I saw him checking out your friend before I walked up,” he reveals. “And then he asked about her. You don’t strike me as the kind of girl who would let a guy hit on her after he made it clear he was interested in her friend.”

He’s right. I wouldn’t.

“You don’t know me,” I challenge. “I could be interested in him after his incredible save against the New Mexico Bombers last week.”

“Ah hah.” Dane dips his chin. “So youarea hockey fan.”

I roll my eyes. “I follow thesport.But don’t get it twisted, I’m not a puck bunny.”

“No? That’s a shame.” His grin contradicts his words. He inches a bit closer. There’s still a respectable distance between us, but I sense his goal is to change that as soon as possible. “I bet you’d look good in my jersey.”

I bark a laugh. “Oh my god. Has that line ever worked for you before?”

“All that matters is if it’s working now.” His eyes shine under the strobe lights. “So… is it?”

“No.” I laugh. “Not at all.”

“Then why go along with Cam’s antics?” A competitive gleam enters his eye—it’s a look I recognize. Anyone who’s competed in sports would.

I decide to be honest. “Because he asked me to.”

Dane blinks. “That’s it?”

“That’s it.” My hips sway to the beat.

Dane’s pupils dilate as his eyes dip down. I send up a silent thanks to fate that I chose to wear this crimson dress. The color flatters my skin tone, but more importantly, it makes my athletic body appear to have feminine curves men are known to admire. And Dane isn’t shy about doing just that.

“My eyes are up here,” I tease, feeling more confident with every passing second Dane makes it clear he finds me attractive.

“I know.” He looks up. “And they’re beautiful eyes.”

A small part of me swoons. Dane is a smooth talker, just like I suspected.

“It’s nice that Cam cares about you.” At Dane’s confused look, I explain, “He said you’ve been having a hard time lately, and he brought you here to lift your spirits.”

“Ah.” Dane nods. “Yeah… I guess.”

I wait for his flirty demeanor to resurface, but I fear I’ve effectively killed it by mentioning his troubles.

Why in the world did I think that was a good idea?

The song begins to fade. In a few seconds, the DJ will transition to the next one. I take a step back, about to save both of us from the growing awkwardness by saying I’m going to search for Lacy, when Dane reaches out and snags my hand, pulling me close.

My other hand lands on his chest to keep from crashing into his muscular torso. His heart beats steadily under my fingers.

“Let’s dance again.”

Is he for real?

I tilt my head to the side. A shadow still hovers in his crystal-blue eyes, but it’s slowly receding as he meets my gaze. His lips curl into an enticing grin that makes my stomach swoop.

Still, I can’t make it easy.

“How about you ask me first before man-handling me?” I shoot a pointed look at his fingers wrapped around my hand. He makes me look tiny, which is unexpectedly arousing.

He chuckles. “Sorry. Will you dance with me again, Morgan Caldwell?”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say yes when I pause. “Wait.” My eyes narrow. “How do you know my last name?”

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