Page 16 of Spring Break with a Slap Shot

"Damn straight, ladies love a scorer," I shoot back, but my gaze drifts back up to the stands, to Harmony. Yeah, they might love a scorer, but I'm starting to think I'm playing for an audience of one.

The adrenaline from the first goal still pumps through my veins as I glide across the ice. Every so often, my gaze flicks up to the box seat where Harmony's chatting with the other WAGs—wives and girlfriends of my teammates. She‘s laughing. Something warm and unfamiliar bubbles in my chest again. I’m starting to like these strange feelings.

"Keep your head in the game, Dakota!" Coach yells from the bench, and I snap my focus back to the puck.

When the final buzzer sounds, sealing our victory. My teammates are slapping my back, but I'm already scanning the stands. There's a cluster around Harmony now, and even from this distance, I can see she looks happy. The guys' girls are all smiles, clearly taken with Miss Green Eyes. I knew she'd fit in.

"Your girl up there, she seemed to enjoy the show," Asher claps me on the shoulder as we make our way to the locker room.

"Harmony's not my—" I start to correct him but then hesitate. What is she exactly? We're... something. Whatever that something is, it has me grinning like an idiot.

"Sure, pal," Asher chuckles, not buying my hesitation for a second. "Just wait 'til you see how much more fun winning is when you're celebrating with someone special."

I roll my eyes, but I know he's right.

My shower to clean up is quick, and soon I’m striding through the corridor in search of Harmony, my heart hammering like I've just played double overtime.

"Miss Green Eyes!" I call out as soon as I see her.

She turns, those eyes lighting up. I close the distance between us in a few long strides, not caring about the line of puck bunnies eyeing me like I'm the last chocolate in the box.

Without warning, I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her close. Her lips part in surprise as I lean down and seal them with mine. The kiss is deep, possessive, and all-consuming—a public declaration that leaves no room for doubt.

I'm vaguely aware of whispers and gasps from the onlookers, but they fade to nothing. It's Harmony's response that matters, the way she melts into me, her fingers tangling in the back of my hair.

Pulling away, I press my forehead to hers, grinning like a damn fool. "Looks like you're officially off the market, too," I murmur, loud enough for anyone lurking close by.

Chapter 11-Harmony

“My friends are all going to Sand Dunes to celebrate, but I’m much rather have you in my bed sooner rather than later,” Dakota growls in my ear.

“Sounds good to me,” I breathe out.

“Let’s leave your rental car here, and we’ll pick it up tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I agree.

As soon as Dakota's sleek black Porsche 911 purrs into the driveway of his and Kaleb’s house, my heart hammers like it'strying to break free. I glance at Dakota, his profile lit by the dashboard's soft glow.

We exit the car, and I follow Dakota up the steps, the sound of the ocean in the distance. When he unlocks the front door and we step inside, he immediately leads me through the spacious living room straight to his room.

He turns to me, closes the door behind us, and it's like a switch flips. All those playful, nonchalant vibes evaporate, replaced by an intensity that draws me in. His eyes lock onto mine, and there's no mistaking the raw desire reflected back at me.

"Harmony, I want you so fucking bad." His voice is a husky whisper.

"I need you, Dakota." My response comes out breathy.

His hands frame my face, pulling me in, and finally our lips meet. It's all-consuming, the way his mouth moves against mine with a fervency that's near desperate, as if he's been holding back.

I'm lost in the sensation, my fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer. Our hands roam eagerly; there's a hunger in our touch, an urgency.

"More," I whisper.

Clothes are shed like the final barriers to our connection. Buttons give way under deft fingers, fabric slinks to the floor, and suddenly, the cool air of the room kisses my heated skin, making me gasp.

We fall onto the bed. His body is all hard muscle and warm skin, and mine is curves and sighs, ready to be explored. Each touch, a discovery; each kiss, a conquest.

"God, you're incredible," Dakota breathes out.

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