Page 19 of The Players Next Door

Because it's not just about the sex. Not anymore. It's about the way she laughs, the sparkle in her big blue eyes when shetalks about hockey, about anything, really. It's the warmth of her smile and the fierceness of her spirit. I want all of that. I want something real with her.

"Damn, Holly," I whisper against her ear as I pull her close, holding her tight against me. "That was...incredible."

"More than incredible," she agrees, her voice laced with satisfaction and a hint of something else—something tender. “Unforgettable.”

"Does this mean you'll think about it?" Jaxon asks, his tone hopeful. "About being with us?"

She rolls her eyes, but there's no missing the affection in her gaze. "I'd say after tonight, I'm more than thinking about it."

"Good," Cameron says, grinning. "Because I don't think any of us are willing to give you up."

"Definitely not," I add, and it's true. I'm all in. Whatever it takes to have Holly, to make this work—I'll do it. Because she's worth it. She's everything.

Chapter 7

Holly

The locker room buzzes with post-game adrenaline. My heart beats in sync with the thud of hockey pads hitting the floor. I clutch my microphone like a lifeline. But it's not just another interview. Not anymore.

"Great game, Jax," I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside of me. His dimple flashes as he rakes his fingers through sweaty curls.

"Thanks, Hol." His gaze lingers a touch too long, electrifying and dangerous.

"Cam, those saves were unreal tonight," I turn to him, desperate to seem professional.

He nods, that intense green stare piercing through me. "Just doing my job."

And then there's Deacon, leaning against the lockers, all dark wavy hair and smoldering eyes. He winks, and my professionalism falters like thin ice beneath skates.

"Rhodes," I start, but words escape me.

"Looking for a quote, Holly?" he teases, voice low and thrilling.

"Something like that," I manage, swallowing hard.

They're close now, their physical presence an overwhelming force. I remind myself to breathe. This is my job. I have to keep it together.

"Let's wrap this up, boys," I say, even as Cameron brushes past, his arm grazing mine in a whisper of contact that sends shivers down my spine.

"Sure thing," Jaxon says, too close, his breath warm on my cheek.

"See you later?" Deacon asks, his question loaded with promises.

"Professionalism, Holly," I silently chastise myself. But their touches, their looks...they blur the lines.

"Later," I confirm, tucking away the mic, fleeing the heat of their gazes. My skin tingles where they've touched me, a reminder of the secret we're keeping. A secret that could burn my world to the ground.

The hum of the charter flight's engine is a gentle roar in my ears. But it’s nothing compared to the thunder of my heartbeat, loud and insistent, as I sit sandwiched between Cameron and Deacon. The tight space of our seats doesn't allow for much distance, not that any of us seem to want it.

I can’t believe that I agreed to this, to them. I’m risking my career, my reputation, everything. But I can’t seem to walk away. I already tried that after we spent that first night together. Clearly, it didn’t go so well.

"Comfortable?" Cameron's voice is soft, almost lost under the plane's steady drone.

"Very," I lie. Because comfortable isn't the word when every inch of me is hyperaware of their proximity. My skin buzzeswhere my arm brushes against his, and it's all I can do not to lean into the contact.

Deacon shifts on the other side of me, his leg pressing against mine. It’s an innocent touch, friendly even, but it ignites fires deep within me. I’ve never been this on edge, this hungry for touch. What's happening to me?

"Long flight ahead," Deacon murmurs, his breath warm against the shell of my ear. "Hope you brought a good book."

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