Page 16 of Puck Yes

I’m giddy hearing it, especially when he adds, “I definitely wanted to see you again.”

“Same,” I admit, still feeling fizzy. But there are probably rules or at least guidelines against a workplace romance. We’d need to tell HR or something. Both of us are new here. Is a date worth it? I don’t know, especially when the Ice Crew members are supposed to be brand ambassadors for the team. Pretty sure hooking up with a player is not thefan engagementskills they want in a mascot.

Blinking off the haze of lust, I stand taller, then circle back to the first question—theyou’re the team mascotone. Does he think I misled him last night about my job situation? Maybe he thought I was flexing.

“About the mascot thing. I landed this job today, but it’s just a stopgap. I work in fashion, and I started up all my social channels this morning, and a newsletter. I used to write about fashion in college on my own blog, and now I’m just doing it again as a freelancer and on social.”

Do I sound defensive? I hope I don’t sound defensive.

Hayes lets go of the wall, holds up his hand like it’s all good. “I didn’t doubt you. I was just surprised. It’s not exactly a job anyone can get. Especially in hockey.”

I tense, the echo of Xander’s constant mascot jokes ringing in my ears. He’d always teased me about having been one. He’d even said when I got the job with Simone that I was leaving mylittle mascot days behind me and finally growing up.“I was one in college,” I explain tightly.

Yep, that definitely sounds defensive. I don’t like men belittling me. Heard enough of it as a kid when my dad did it to my mom. Heard so much of it I decided to protect my little sister so she wouldn’t hear it too.

Hayes’s brown eyes sparkle with laughter. “That’s pretty cool.”

Okay. Maybe he’s not like Xander. Still, we’re going nowhere, and probably not even to the wedding now. “I guess I need another date for the wedding,” I say with a sigh.

He seems to give it some thought. “You’re my neighbor.”

“Right.”

“We met in the elevator.”

“True,” I say, as it becomes clear he’s telling the public story.

“You told me what happened with your shitty, no-good ex and your terrible boss. I offered to go.” He gives ano big dealshrug. “So that’s that. It’s platonic. I’ll take you to the wedding as your new neighbor.”

Platonic is officially my least favorite word as it relates to this man, but I get it. And I appreciate the extra descriptors for Xander and Simone.A lot. “Are you sure? I can go solo. I don’t want to cause problems,” I say.

“I made a promise. I keep my promises. I’m a nice guy.”

I hear the echo of Jackson’s comment.Nice guys are never any good in the bedroom.The bedroom’s not an option, but I can’t resist one little flirty remark.“Will you be a nice guy at the wedding?”

Hayes’s smile is confident. Strong. “If being a nice guy means no one will know what I really want, then yes.”

I have to know. “What do you really want?”

With his eyes on me, Hayes takes his time, leaning in close then closer still. He runs his nose along my neck, slowly, sensually, lighting up every inch of my skin. “I want to see you slide those fingers between your thighs like you did this morning after I sent that picture.”

“Oh,” I gasp, as my thighs clench and my stomach swoops.

“Is that what you did, Ivy?”

He can read my thoughts so easily. It’s such a thrill. “Yes.”

“I thought so,” he says, as he pulls back, looking far too pleased.

The air between us is charged, and we hold each other’s gazes for a hot second. But there’s a rap on the door.

My heart explodes. Hayes rips himself from me, jumping away. I shouldn’t do this. I shouldn’t be sneaking around in an equipment room. It’s the first day and I’m already going to get in trouble.

“Be right out,” Hayes says immediately, his voice still a little husky.

“This is your captain speaking.” It’s Stefan, and I relax some. “I’d like to welcome you to the Avengers arena, where we’re expecting temperatures on the ice of fucking freezing. But that’s ice for you. If the weather continues to cooperate, the new mascot should be able to practice any second.”

I breathe a big sigh of relief, so glad it’s not Oliver or the team owner demanding to know what I’ve been up to in here.

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