Page 68 of The Pucking Player

[Jenna]: So if you wanted to invite a certain someone up...the place’s all yours.

My heart skitters. I glance at the door, knowing Liam can’t have made it far yet.

[Me]: Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?

[Jenna]: I’m suggesting you live a little! When’s the last time you did something wild?

About two minutes ago against thisvery door. I feel my cheeks flame.

[Jenna]: Look, you’re young, hot, and there’s a gorgeous hockey player who looks at you like you’re the Stanley Cup. Just saying…

She’s right. I’m young. I’m single. And Liam O’Connor just made me see stars with nothing but his fingers.

I stare at his contact info, my thumb hovering over his number.

I’ve never felt more like a teenager in my life.

[Me]: Hey. Random question...did you drive away yet?

The three dots appear instantly.

[Liam]: Angel, I’m still sitting in my car having an existential crisis about leaving you.

[Liam]: Also trying to figure out if cold showers come in portable form.

I laugh out loud, some of my nervousness melting away.

[Me]: So funny story...Jenna’s staying at Marc’s tonight

Three dots. Then nothing. Then:

[Liam]: Was that an invitation, or are you just torturing me?

My fingers shake slightly as I type.

[Me]: Depends. Do you want it to be an invitation?

The phone rings immediately. I answer, my voice embarrassingly breathy.

“So,” he drawls, and just that one word sets me aflame. “Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?”

“Maybe?” I squeak. “You only live once, right?”

“Sophie Novak.” His voice drops an octave. “Are you propositioning me?”

“Is it working?”

“Give me two minutes to get back up there.”

“Wait, you haven’t even started your?—”

“Make that one minute.” I hear rustling, like he’s already moving.

I giggle, an actual giggle that makes me sound like a lovesick teenager. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously into you.”

My heart does a backflip. “Just get up here before I change my mind.”

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