Page 39 of College Hockey Bully

“I’m truly sorry, Scarlett—”

She waves my comment away. “Don’t worry about it. You don’t live in a trailer park for twenty-two years without hearing worse. Did it sting? Yes, but I’m used to it. For once, this is not your fault.”

The twinkle in her eyes makes it clear that last comment was a joke, which makes me smile. I don’t know why I ever thought Scarlett was a damsel in distress. She is the toughest person I know.

My hand moves from her back as we head down the path to the guest house. It’s not because she doesn’t need my guidance anymore. It’s what I feel when I touch her. After everything that’s happened between us, I shouldn’t be feeling anything.

But I do.

And it keeps getting stronger.

And it feels fucking good.

I walk ahead, keeping my eyes peeled on the pool house, but I’m fully aware of her presence behind me. I’m also aware I’ve never smelled that fragrance on her before. It reminds me of a candy store and for some reason, it gives me a warm, comforting sensation in my stomach, tempting me to sweep her into my arms for a deep inhale.

“You’ve got a really nice place,” she comments as I enter the code for the front door. “Huge. I think half of my neighborhood could fit on your property.”

“My parents’ property,” I correct softly, gesturing for her to step inside.

“I mean, yeah, but it’s still yours,” she points out, scanning the open concept space. The living room sits in the center, with the dining area and kitchen on one side and a balcony leading out to the pool on the other side. There’s a narrow hallway that leads to the two bedrooms that include ensuite bathrooms.

I shrug in response, then point to the balcony. “I laid the stuff out there.”

By ‘stuff’ I mean my mom’s massage bed and a few towels. Scarlett nods and I lead the way through the French doors.

“I have a few techniques from my physiotherapy course that will help,” she informs, removing the backpack and restingit on the nearby chair. “But you’ve got to take it easy until your next practice so your ankle can heal.”

We’re on a five-day break, which I hope will be good enough. I can’t afford for Coach to bench me.

While rummaging inside the bag, Scarlett softly instructs, “Take your pants off.”

The soft blush that coats her cheeks is so cute that I smile. “Pants only?” I tease.

Her eyes are still fastened on the bag, but the blush spreads down to her neck. “Last time I checked, there’s nothing wrong with your upper body.”

“You don’t know that. The muscle strain probably spread all the way up—”

“Aiden, quit playing with me.” Her entire face is red now, right after her eyes scope my entire body. That quick scrutiny lights a fire inside me, one that is already spreading in my stomach. I don’t understand getting turned on by a girl simply looking at me. It might just be the forbidden aspect. I can’t touch her, which makes me want her more.

Yes, that’s it.

“Fine,” I concede, yanking down my pants. Scarlett gasps, then whips away from me. When I’m settled on the bed, I let her know it’s safe to turn back around.

“Can I ask you a question?” I say as her fingers lightly press my ankle.

“No.”

“Are you a virgin?”

Her hand pauses on me. “What part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?”

“I’m not familiar with that word. Sorry.”

Scarlett sighs, touching my ankle bone. “Does this hurt?”

“It doesn’t. Are you going to answer me?”

She touches the softer part of my ankle and I flinch. “Just as I thought. Definitely a sprain. You’re one lucky guy. I’m going to start by massaging your calf which will help improve your ankle flexibility.”

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