Page 36 of Silent Girl

I blink. If I’m honest, truly honest, I’m not sorry, because that was one hell of a kiss. The once-in-a-lifetime kind of kiss. But I’m never going to admit that out loud. Especially not to him.

“Yes,” I say instead.

Liam’s lips tip up at the corner of his mouth, just one side. “You’re lying. Are you sorry you asked me to stay?”

“Yes,” I say again, becausethatI am sorry for. “I’m sorry you had to see me at my worst, and I’m sorry I woke you up.”

“I’m not.”

“What?” I ask, confused.

“I’m not sorry, for any of it,” he says right before his lips slam down onto mine.

I’m telling myself just one more second and then I’ll pull away. Just one. Maybe two. And then he has his tongue inside my mouth, devouring me, and I’m lost. Like I said, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of kiss.

Or does this make it twice?

It doesn’t matter. All I know is that I could stand here and kiss him until my last breath. It’s that good. I don’t want to stop, even though I know I should. I have to.

Liam’s hand cups my cheek, holding my face exactly in the position he wants it, as he takes a step forward and I take a step back until my ass hits the wall. One more step and his body is pressed right up into mine. My hands roam over his naked chest, down his abs.Damn it.It’s my only thought as my fingertips dig into his skin. I’m not supposed to like this as much as I do. I’ve never felt like this just because of a kiss before. I need more. More of him. I need him to touch me. Everywhere.

As that thought enters my head, Liam pulls away. “I don’t believe you’re sorry at all, princess.” He smirks.

I push at his chest. I need space. I need to get out of here. “I’m going home, and you’re getting your ass over to The Castle.” I skirt around him and walk out to the foyer before repeatedly stabbing the button for the elevator.

“What’s on the schedule for today?”

“Huh?” I spin around at Liam’s question.

“The schedule you made me, what’s on it?”

“You have your morning skate, then you’re presenting a check to a local animal rescue center. Wear a suit,” I tell him.

“A check?”

“Yeah, the team is making a donation, and you’re repping the team.”

“Why me?”

“Because you’re the one who needs all the good PR opportunities.”

“Okay.” He nods, then asks, “Can I take you to dinner?”

I’m so stunned by his question that I don’t even know what to say.Can he take me to dinner?

“I’m gonna assume your silence is a yes.Wear a dress,” he says, mocking my tone. “I’ll be taking you somewhere nice.” Then he turns his back on me and disappears down the hallway.

What in the ever-loving hell just happened?

The doors to the elevator open and I step inside, leaning against the mirrored walls as the cab descends. My mind is whirling. I kissed Liam fucking King, not once but twice. And I freaking liked it.

ChapterEighteen

I’m trying to listen to the special teams coach. He’s going on about some new power play he wants to try out. I should be paying attention, but that’s really fucking hard to do when I can’t stop thinking about her.

Especially when she’s seated in the bench section just off the ice, all bundled up again, like she’s in Antarctica and not a hockey stadium. Cute as fuck.

Whoa, where the fuck did that come from?

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