Page 26 of Second-Rate Superstar

After a few minutes, she became more sure of herself, her feet doing less stomping and more gliding.

Peering up at me, she asked, “So, you really like doing this?”

“Hockey or being here with you?”

“Smartass,” she mumbled before clarifying, “Hockey.”

Well, if that isn’t a loaded question.

I blew out a heavy breath. “I suppose. It’s all I really know how to do.”

Dakota arched an eyebrow. “Really? You have zero marketable skills besides swinging a stick around and punching dudes out in a setting where it’s legal?”

A chuckle slipped past my lips. “Can’t remember the last time I got into a fight. I play a clean game most of the time.”

“From what I hear, it’s quite the blood sport. Very violent.”

“No.” I shook my head. “Fighting on the ice is usually strategic. Sure, there are times when two guys lose their tempers, having too much adrenaline coursing through their veins, and the only recourse is to drop the gloves. But other times, it’s about protecting a teammate or, in some cases, amping up your team if you’re down.”

Her progress on the ice came to a screeching halt, so I stopped beside her.

“How in the world would fighting help a losing team? Don’t you get penalized?”

“Sure.” I nodded. “But when you get in a hole, morale takes a hit. Everyone gets down on themselves, and a fight provides a spark. Everyone starts to get excited, and more than once, I’ve seen a losing team come back to win after that.”

“Interesting,” she mused.

Tugging her along, curling along the edge of the ice to skate in the other direction, I turned the conversation back on her. “Why are you writing a book about hockey when you have no interest in the sport?”

Dakota stared at her skates as they cut the ice. “It’s embarrassing.”

“Can’t be worse than a guy who was just labeled as only being proficient at handling a stick.”

Her eyes snapped to mine, and I instantly knew she caught my double meaning.

“Okay.” She sighed. “People are nuts for them. I don’t get it, but I’m looking for my big break. And if I’m being honest, it was Bristol’s idea.”

My brows drew down. “Books about hockey are popular?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe.”

I knew arenas sold out and cable providers cashed in on subscription services so fans could catch every game around the league, but books? This was the first I was hearing of it. I’d have to do some research on the subject in my free time.

“Well, if you’re willing to take the time to research your subject matter, I’m sure it’ll be great. I’d love to read it when you’re done. Since I had a hand in it and all.”

Dakota’s cheeks grew pink. “I don’t think so.”

“Why not?” I demanded.

“It’s not your kind of book.”

“Why not? Because I’m an airhead who can’t do anything more than play sports?” There was a bite to my tone, and she almost stumbled back upon hearing it.

“That’s not what I meant.” Her teeth descended on her lower lip, and I bit back a groan. “They’re books for women, is all.”

I cocked my head. “You’re telling mewomenare losing their shit over hockey books?”

Nodding, she replied, “Like I said, I don’t get it. But any help you can provide would be appreciated. I’m a stickler for authenticity, so if I can’t nail this down, I might as well give up and start a new project.”

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