Page 93 of Face Me Off

And a chance to continue playing with Blake.

I stand taller, pushing my shoulders back. “I’m honored, sir. Hockey has always been my dream, my passion.”

The scout’s eyes narrow. “Is it? Because you turned us down once.”

Panic sets in. “My circumstances have changed, sir. I’m ready to give hockey everything I have.”

The scout’s smile widens, and he claps me on the shoulder. “That’s what I like to hear. We’ll be in touch, Ryan. I have a feeling this is the start of something big.”

As he walks away, I feel a rush of adrenaline that never came with studying formulas and equations. This is precisely where I want to be.

With a final glance at the ice, I turn and head for the locker room, ready to face whatever comes next.

Showered and ready to face the night, I burst through the rink doors and immediately dial Maddy’s number. I don’t even wait until I’m in the rental car.

“Hello?” Her soft voice instantly calms me.

“Maddy, hey.” I’m breathless and grinning like an idiot. “You’ll never guess what just happened.”

“What’s going on?” Her voice holds a hint of concern, and I realize how I must sound.

“No, no, it’s good news. Great news, actually.” I take a deep breath and tell myself to calm the fuck down. “I just talked to a scout from the Pines. They’re interested in drafting me.” I pause as the words register. “God, Maddy. This could be my shot at the big leagues.”

After a beat of silence, Maddy breathes out, “Oh my God, Ryan. That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you.”

“I can’t quite believe it myself. It’s like a dream come true.”

“You deserve it, Ryan. You’ve worked so hard for this.” Maddy’s voice is warm and sincere. God, I hate not having her here.

“I wish you were here to celebrate with me.”

The line goes quiet. I check to see if the call has dropped and then return my focus to the road. “Maddy?”

“I’m here. I just wish the same.”

My intrigue spikes. That was a little ominous.

“Are you heading to the hotel now?” she asks.

“Yeah. I have an early flight.”

“Call me when you get there.” She hangs up. Weird. I shake it off as she does not want me to talk and drive. Whatever. I’ll call her when I get to the hotel room. Preferably on my bed.

Hope she’s into a little cybering action tonight.

The drive to the hotel is a blur, my mind still reeling from the offer. I can hardly believe it’s real, that I’m on the cusp of everything I’ve ever wanted. The thoughts continue after parking my car and riding the elevator to my floor.

I shake my head, trying to clear my mind as I swipe my keycard and push open the door to my room. And then I freeze, my breath catching in my throat.

“Surprise!” Maddy grins at me from her perch on the bed. I do a double-take. She’s wearing the sexiest teddy I’ve ever seen. The emerald-green lace pops against her creamy skin andauburn curls. She tilts her head, still smiling. “Thought you could use some company.”

I stand there, stunned, my mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Damn. Fuck cybersex. I’ve got the real thing right here.

“What … how did you…?”

“You’re not the only one with skills.” Her light and teasing tone sends a shiver down my spine. “Besides, I couldn’t miss the chance to congratulate you in person.”

She rises to her knees, and I find myself standing in front of her four long strides later. My gaze dips to her mouth painted with pink lip gloss but then dips lower. My dick twitches in my pants.

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