Page 72 of Scrum Heat

“…Motivationalcoincidence.”

She exhales, but her smile’s trying to break through. “I’m going to assume that what you mean is: you don’t like distractions before a big match.”

“Exactly.” I step in closer still, my voice lower and rougher now, just for her. “Although… that doesn’t mean I’m not still thinking aboutthedistraction.”

Her breath hitches.

I don’t move away, and neither does she.

It’s quiet, for a beat.Tooquiet.

She’s watching me. Waiting for me to push it further.

So I do.

Very softly: “Still wanna call yourself a distraction?”

She swallows. “You’re the one standing there dripping and smug in a towel.”

I grin. “So… yes?”

She stares at me for one heartbeat too long.

Then mutters, “You’re infuriating.”

“Thank you.” I smirk. “So, are you here for a behind-the-scenes, locker room thirst trap? You missed my best flex, but I’ll happily do it again for you.”

“Actually, I left my mic rig in the cabinet.”

“Oh.” I glance at her mouth. “So not here to ogle me, then?”

“No.”

“Shame.”

“You’re—god, you’re such a menace.”

“Only when I’m winning.” I let that settle before grinning. “And right now? I amabsolutelywinning.”

Her eyes flick to mine, all sharp, dark edges and frustration wrapped around something curious and hungry. She hates it—I can see that. The way her body leans in before she catches herself. The way her scent shifts every time I get too close.

Andfuck, her scent. So sweet, so perfect.

She’s a match. I’ve never been more certain of anything—I’ve said it to the guys since day one. It’s everything that I’ve never had before: the way my instincts spike around her, the way my control frays when she’s in the room. It’s not just want, it’schemical. Fated, even.

Pheromones don’t lie, and hers hit me like a damn drug every single time.

“You’re right, though. There’s a big game coming up,” I say, leaning in just enough that she’d only have to tilt her head to kiss me. “Lot of pressure. Lot ofnoise.”

Her throat bobs as she swallows. “I know.”

I could reach out. Tuck that loose strand of hair behind her ear. Tilt her chin up and make her admit she wants this—wantsme. But I don’t. Iwon’t.

Not until she gives me that green light.

“You gonna be there?”

“Of course.”

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