Page 61 of Suck My Puck

I sigh quietly to myself, disappointed. I’ve already broken my “no hockey players ever again” rule and my “just once to get it out of our systems” rule for Braden. I should just leave before I’m tempted to jump his bones again.

As slowly and as quietly as I can, I slide out from under Braden’s massive muscled arm. I step out of bed and check the time. It’s not even 8 a.m.

I crouch down on the floor and feel around in the dark for my clothes.

“Hey,” Braden says. His voice is rough and sleepy. He yawns and starts to sit up. “You okay?”

“Uh, yeah. Just looking for my clothes.”

He flips on the lamp on his nightstand. I close my eyes at the sudden brightness. When I open my eyes and look at Braden, my knees are weak. His hair is messy, his eyes are puffy with sleep, and he lookssofucking sexy.

I swallow and battle the urge to crawl back into bed with him.

His eyebrows furrow like he’s confused. “Are you leaving?”

There’s a ping in my chest at how surprised and disappointed he sounds.

“Um, I was going to.”

“Why?”

I bite my lip, suddenly feeling exposed. I’m standing naked in front of this sexy and sweet man who I’m wildly attracted to…who I shouldn’t be with.

I hug my arms around myself. He frowns. “Are you cold?”

I nod. “A little.”

He slides out of bed and steps over to his dresser, then pulls out a Bashers hoodie from the top drawer. He walks over to me, slides it over my head, and pulls it down. It’s so big on me that the hem lands at the middle of my thighs.

Gently, he swipes my hair out of the hoodie and over my shoulder. He offers a sleepy, lopsided smile and cups my face in his hand as he gazes down at me. “How’s that?”

My insides go gooey. “Better. Thank you.”

He takes a step back and sits on the edge of the bed, sets his hands on my waist, and pulls me to stand between his legs.

“Wanna tell me why you were trying to sneak out of here while I was asleep?” A teasing smile plays on his lips. It matches his tone. He’s not accusatory or mad or even annoyed. Just curious.

I let out a breath. “Last night was amazing.” I hesitate for a second.

That sexy smile remains as he quirks an eyebrow. “But…”

I bite my lip. “But I have this rule.”

He grins. “I know. ‘Just once to get it out of our systems.’ Terrible rule.”

I start to smile. “Not just that. After my ex, I don’t wantto be in a relationship with another hockey player again. Honestly, I’m not ready to be in a relationship with anyone.”

He blinks like he’s unbothered. “That’s okay. I understand.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I’m not looking for anything serious either,” he says. “Your ex put you through the wringer. I get why you wouldn’t want to get serious with anyone again anytime soon.”

I let out a breath at how understanding he is. “That’s exactly how I feel.”

The corner of his mouth quirks up in a sexy, knowing smile. “We’re not in a relationship though. We’re neighbors.”

My lips twitch with the urge to smile. “We are.”

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