Page 49 of Dirty Pucker

“That’s exactly what I wish would have happened,” I say.

He blinks and clarity returns to his gaze. “It can’t happen though. Because we’re friends. And we work together. And your cousin is my teammate and he’ll skin me alive if I touch you. We can’t ever cross that line.”

I nod, even though I hate that he’s right.

We’re both quiet in the aftermath of what he’s said. My skin is hot and tingly, and my pussy is aching because all I want is Del and it’s turning me on even more that I can’t have him…

I glance over at him and notice how hard he’s clenching his jaw. My gaze falls to his lap, and I spot the unmistakable bulge of his hard-on.

Looks like he’s frustrated and turned on too.

The pilot makes an announcement that we’re in for a smooth ride during our two-hour flight to Las Vegas. The seatbelt sign light turns off, and a bunch of the guys hop out of their seats to visit with each other.

I grab my phone and take a candid photo of the guys on the plane, eager for something to do other than sit here and think about the fact that the man I want most in the world is the one I can’t have.

Then I pull up Del’s Instagram account and post the pic along with a caption.

“What are you doing?” Del asks.

“Indulging your Instagram followers.” I show him the photo and caption.

On our way to kick Las Vegas’s ass #bashers #denver #bandits #hockeyboys

Del smiles. “Thanks again for taking over my Instagram. And for putting so much effort into posting regularly. I’m so bad at that stuff.”

I smile at him. “It’s my pleasure. And hey, thanks for singing my praises to the guys on the team. Xander, Blomdahl, and Theo saw the boost in your Instagram account and asked me to take over theirs too. So I’ve been able to put my random social media skills to good use.”

Sincerity flashes in Del’s eyes. “Your skills aren’t random, Ingrid. You’re amazing at what you do. I’ve gotten a ton of followers since you took over my Instagram. You know exactly what to post to connect with people, get them excited, make them laugh. It takes talent and skill to do all that.”

I touch my cheek, blushing at his compliment. I’ve been posting at least three times a week on Del’s Instagram. Usually it’s photos of him at practice or a live shot of him on the ice during the game. But I also post fun photos, like an inside look at the Bashers locker room or a clip of a funny TikTok I film with him. Or I’ll make him take a photo of a meal or snack or his coffee order, or a screenshot of his workout playlist. Just something fun that lets his fans see that he’s a cool and fun guy, not just a fierce hockey player.

“You saw what a pathetic state my Instagram was in before you started helping me,” Del says. “Everyone thought I was a grumpy fucker who hated being on social media. Which, I mean, I kind of am.”

I laugh.

“But you helped me figure out how to showcase a different side of myself. A side that people actually like. They say nice things in the comment section of my Instagram now. Thanks for that.”

I smile, touched by how he praises my work and how much it means to him.

A second later, Alanna walks up to us. “Hey, you two. Just the folks I was looking for.” She turns to Del. “So about your physique photoshoot tomorrow.”

I heard that Del was asked to do a nude photoshoot about athletic physiques for Luc Jean Pierre, the world-famous photographer.

My cavewoman brain instantly pulls up the image of his cock. I press my eyes shut for a second and will the sexy image away.

“I won’t be able to make the shoot,” Alanna says. “I’m sorry, but I got roped into another meeting with the team owner that day.”

“It’s okay. I understand,” he says.

She looks down at me. “I was hoping you could go with Del? You could handle all the PR stuff for him so he can focus on modeling for the shoot. And hey, it would make fantastic social media content, don’t you think?”

“Oh. Sure, I can do it.”

Alanna beams. “You’re the best, Ingrid. Thank you.”

She promises to email all the credentials and info for the shoot as soon as we land in Vegas, then walks back to her seat at the front of the plane.

I glance at Del, who’s looking at me. A teasing smile plays along his lips. He tugs his tie loose and lets out a soft laugh.

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