Page 10 of In My Hockey Era
There’s something slick about this.Like she’s playing chess and I don’t even know the rules yet.I don’t do this for clout.I’ve never wanted recognition, never tried to be anything but a die-hard fan who speaks her mind.But this…
This is interesting.
And when Vivian drops the final bait—something about a surprise guest I’ll meet if I accept—I’ll admit I’m curious.I don’t say no.
Not yet.
4
THE CHALLENGE
Lucy
Vivian, seated across from me, gives a knowing smile like she’s waiting for something.Or someone.
There’s a sharp knock at the door and she perks up.“Oh, good.Right on time.”
Before I can even register what’s happening, the door swings open, andhestrolls in.
Bennett Wilder.
All six foot three inches of him.
My stomach drops.
I’ve seen him from the stands, and watched him on TV dominate on the ice, but up close, he’s—ugh, he’sobnoxiouslybig.Broad shoulders, long legs, huge hands, and that infuriating golden-boy charm radiating off him like he knows exactly how good-looking he is.His dark unruly hair curls slightly at the ends, like he can’t be bothered with it.
“Lucy Quinn,” he says, his voice smooth as hell.“Didn’t think we’d be meeting like this.”
I glare at Vivian.“You didn’t say I’d be meetinghim.”
“Himis right here, you know.”Bennett smirks, dropping into the seat beside me, way too close for comfort.
I inhale sharply through my nose.Bad idea.He smells incredible—like body wash and cologne.It’s a warm, rich, masculine scent of cedar, mint, and ocean air.
I hate how much Idon’thate it.
He’s also staring at me,grinning—like he’s fascinated by what he sees.I can’t even think straight with him so close.
My brain feels completely frazzled.
Vivian, completely unbothered by my obvious irritation, folds her hands on the table.“We’ve been monitoring the response to your, uh…spiritedtake on the book club.And as I’m sure you’ve seen, it’s taken off.”
I clench my jaw.“Yeah, I’m aware.”#LucyIsRight and #BennettWilderCanReadToMeAnytime have been all over my notifications for the past two days.
“Which is exactly why we want to offer a compromise,” she continues smoothly.“You come to one book club meeting.Tryreading a hockey romance.Give it a fair shot.”
I let out a sharp laugh.“Yeah, no thanks.”
“Scared you might actually like it?”Bennett’s voice is light, teasing, but something about the way he says it makes my spine bristle.
I roll my eyes.“Yeah, that’s it.I’m terrified of being indoctrinated into the cult of hockey romance.”
As if.
He leans in slightly, resting his bulky forearms on the table.The movement makes his sleeves push up, exposing his forearms—annoyingly tanned and strong-looking.Focus, Lucy.
“Okay, how about this,” he says, that damn smirk still in place.“If you read one and hate it?I’ll never bring it up again.You can trash talk me and this whole thing all you want.”
