Page 51 of Rowdy Hearts

And someone who only had a limited amount of time to get what I wanted.

“Have you always lived in New York?”

I shook my head slowly as I closed the distance between us. “No. I used to live in L.A.”

His gaze narrowed. “Are you an actress? Should I know you? I’m sorry, I don’t go to a lot of movies, and I don’t watch a lot of TV.”

He sounded so guilty, I felt sorry for him.

“No, you wouldn’t know me.” Which wasn’t a complete lie. Unless he’d watched one of the silliest sitcoms ever to air on network TV. But noteveryonein the world had watched it. And even people who had watched the show didn’t recognize me now. I wasn’t that kid anymore. I didn’t live in that world. I’d never belong in that world again. I didn’t really know where I belonged anymore. But at this moment, I knew I belonged right here.

He didn’t respond right away, just let the silence build. Then he tilted his head to the side, inviting me in. I dipped my head and broke the connection, walking by him into the house. Trying not to reach out and let my fingers trail across that broad chest, I focused my attention on his home instead.

A stone, wood-burning fireplace dominated the center of the room, comfy leather chairs and couch in prime position in front of it. Built-in bookshelves flanked the fireplace, filled with books and only books. No pictures or tchotchkes. I wanted to explore those shelves, but there was so much more to look at. The walls on either side of the room were almost covered with pictures.Many of them with his family, but many others were hockey related, of course. Team photos, solo photos, photos of Rowdy with his arm around another player’s shoulders. So many other players.

I turned to the left, drawn to the photos of his hockey career. He was smiling in every photo, except a couple, and those were the ones I went to first. They’d been taken during games and that intensity was front and center. Tonight during the game, I’d noticed how, even though he was having fun, he played with so much heart.

And more skill than most of the other guys on the ice. I couldn’t believe he’d never been asked to play for a higher-level team. Then again, maybe he hadn’t wanted to leave. His dad owned the team. Rowdy was the captain. He had it good here.

Still…

I felt him stand behind me, not crowding me, but close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from him. My fingers curled, nails digging into my palms.

“Do you want something to drink?”

I shook my head, feeling my hair swing against my back.

“Do you want to continue to make small talk?” Humor laced through his voice. “I mean, I can, if you want.”

Biting my lip against the urge to turn and devour him, I took a step forward then turned to meet his gaze. He stayed in place, sliding his hands into his pockets. He was waiting for me to make a move. Wanting me to be sure.

My lungs tightened and my core clenched. I was sure. I was really damn sure of exactly what I wanted.

“I don’t want to make small talk. I want to kiss you.”

His lips barely curved, but I knew he was smiling, and it felt like another of his teases. Then he withdrew his hand from his pocket and crooked a finger at me. If another man did that, I’d turn and walk out the door. It should’ve seemed sleazy. Why, when Rowdy did it, did my breath catch in my throat?

“If you want to kiss me, princess, you’re going to have to come closer.”

It was my turn to smile.

“Maybe I want you to come to me.”

“All you have to do is ask.”

I took a page out of his book and crooked my finger at him.

His smile sharpened, and I suddenly needed air desperately. I almost wanted to turn, knowing he would chase. Wanted to be caught.

Whoareyou?

Good question. One I’d ask myself tomorrow.

I took a step back and then another, until I sensed the wall at my back. Flattening my hands against the surface, I tipped my head back and watched him close the few feet between us, until there were only inches. And then centimeters.

He leaned down until our foreheads were almost touching and said, “Your move.”

He just couldn’t help himself. He had to push.

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