Page 34 of Rowdy Hearts

I nodded, biting my tongue against the threat of tears as Raffi and Krista turned and headed out of the row and up the stairs. I had no idea where they were going, but I knew Krista would be fine.

I couldn’t say the same for myself. That man’s smile made me feel like my bones were jelly. Taking my time down the stairs so I didn’t trip, I reached Rowdy, who was leaning against the boards, dark eyes shining with amusement.

“Have a good time?”

“It was…interesting.” I smiled, hoping he wouldn’t think I was trying to make fun of him but not wanting to fawn all over him. “It looked like you all were having a good time.”

“It’s a good team-building exercise. And it gives the veterans a chance to get to know the rookies better.”

I stopped on the last step, wondering if this guy was for real. He seemed…decent. Nice. Down to earth. All wrapped in a bad-boy exterior that was catnip to my inner Bad Girl. I knew he wasn’t perfect. No one was, myself included. As a kid, I’d been too trusting, too ridiculously naïve. Now I trusted no one, because everyone wanted something from you. Nothing came without strings.

What did Rowdy want from a woman he didn’t even know?

Same thing you want from a man you don’t know.

It couldn’t be that easy, could it? A random flirtation, maybe a little covert making out? And if I was lucky, a couple of orgasms that led to nothing more than a quick smile and “thanks so much, have a good life,” the next morning. I couldn’t even remember the last time that had happened to me, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it now.

“How long have you played for the team?”

Small talk. Sure, that’s really gonna take my mind off the strong neck I want to lick.

“Come to the game tonight and you’ll find out all you need to know. Then let me take you out for a drink after.”

Oh, yes, please.

“Won’t you be too tired to go out?”

His smile widened. “I’m not ancient, and I’m never too tired to buy a drink for a beautiful woman.”

My brows rose at his blatant flirting, making him huff out a laugh.

“You’re gonna be hell on my ego, Tressy, but I still want to get that drink after the game. Say yes. Please.”

I wanted to. He was the first man in years I’d wanted to spend time with. The first man to stoke my dormant sexuality.

Say yes, already.

But I was staying with his parents, and it almost seemed disrespectful to want to have hot sex with the son of the woman letting me and my daughter stay in her home.

“You know your little girl has my mom wrapped around her finger. Mom’s probably already making plans for her and Krista tonight.”

I shook my head. “You’re pretty damn sure of yourself.”

Rowdy huffed out a laugh, his grin slipping for a quick second. “Only on the ice. Solid ground gives me more of a problem.”

“I don’t believe that one bit.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “You’re one of the most confident men I’ve ever met.”

And I didn’t mean that in a bad way. Rowdy’s confidence was sexy, not pretentious or a pitiful cry for attention.

“Stay for a while.”

This time, his words were quiet, sincere.

I paused, though I knew what my answer would be. “I think…I’d like to.”

Now his smile returned. “Good. I’ll see you at the game. The team always starts off the season with a private dinner before the game. Mom and Rainbow usually do dinner together, so I’m sure you and Krista will be invited along with them.”

“You all spend a lot of time together. You work together, eat together, live near each other.” I couldn’t imagine having to live with my mom now. Or even live in the same state. “Doesn’t that get…stifling?”

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