Page 42 of My Pucked Up Enemy

“Or she’s just got taste,” Parker deadpans.

James gives the server his cocky grin. "Too bad, you don’t know what you’re missing."

The server shoots him a quick smirk and fires back, "Sweetheart, if I ever feel like missing awkward winks and inflated egos, I’ll know where to find you."

Connor chimes in. "She's got you figured out, dude."

We have a good laugh at James' expense. Then, across the room, I spot Nina.

She’s talking to Coach and the assistant GM, hands moving as she explains something. Her expression is focused, but relaxed.

But when her eyes catch mine, everything else fades.

It’s a look. Not long. Not obvious. Just enough to light a fuse under my skin.

She turns back to her conversation, like nothing happened.

I take a sip of water I don’t need. Swallow hard. Try to laugh at James making fun of Parker’s neat and orderly locker. But I’m not really here anymore.

She’s across the room, her long blond hair spilling down her back. Her sharp green eyes sweep the space like she sees everything. She stands with a no-nonsense posture, the kind that dares someone to underestimate her. The curve-hugging outfit she wears makes damn sure they won’t.

She moves like she’s in control of every inch of her world. And yeah… it’s a problem.

I can't get out of my damn head.

***

We both head toward the elevators at the same time. I slow my pace just slightly to match hers.

“You played solid tonight,” she says, voice quiet but steady.

I glance at her. "Saw the game?"

She gives me a look, something caught between amusement and challenge. "I watcheverygame, Chadwick. It's literally my job. And tonight… you were sharp. Locked in."

"Yeah?" I ask, my voice lower than it should be.

She nods. "You played well."

My mouth lifts at one corner. "Thanks. That means more than you think."

The elevator dings and we step inside. Just the two of us. The doors close.

"What floor are you on?"

"Top, twelve," she answers.

Then silence.

I take her hand and press my lips to it.

She exhales slowly, her voice soft but urgent. "Alex, this is...you shouldn’t be doing this."

“Doing what?” I ask, low and deliberate.

She turns, eyes locked on mine. “Crossing the line into somewhere we’re not supposed to be.”

“That line’s been gone for a while now.”

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