Page 31 of Revenge Puck

My heart begins pounding louder than it already had been at the thought of him tagging along.

“Please.” Whitney smiles. “You are more than welcome to join us.”

He hesitates for several seconds. “Sure.” Pause. “Why not?”

Why not?Why not!

Let me count the ways.

Then, when I think the situation cannot get any more awkward and uncomfortable, a voice interrupts, causing the three of us to turn.

“Sorry—am I interrupting?”

Out of nowhere, a tall guy slows to a stop, looking lost. He’s young, ginormous, incredibly good-looking—and apparently, he’s lost.

“Hi, sorry to interrupt,” he says again, giving us a cute little wave, although there’s nothinglittleabout him. “I’m trying to find Coach Boucher’s office? Is it up here?” He looks this way and that, up and down the long, sleek halls. “I feel like I probably walked past it a few times.”

“Garrett Storm!” my boss exclaims, delighted. “You’re the second player to wander into this hallway while I’ve been standing here—this must be our lucky day!”

I wouldn’t say Whitney is flirting, but she sure does seem excited they’re both here.

I clear my throat and decide I should say something. Anything to add to the conversation. “We must be doing something right today. Players everywhere!”

His attention shifts, and he grins widely down at me. “Well, now I know the reason I got lost. Guess I took a wrong turn on purpose.”

Heat strokes my cheeks.

“Coach Boucher’s office is at the end of the hall, third door on the left,” Aaron deadpans, nodding his head in the opposite direction. “That way.”

Garrett ignores his teammate. “I’m Garrett,” he says, pointing at his chest. “In case you were wondering.”

“I…”

No fraternizing.

Termination.

Consequences.

He laughs, unfazed. “And you are?”

“Juliette.” I offer him my hand “Kennedy. My brother Declan is one of your forwards?”Why am I asking him like it’s a question?

Ugh. Get it together.

He grins wider. “He didnotmention having a sister who works in the building.”

“I’m new.” And I’m blushing.

Whitney clears her throat. “Gentlemen, Juliette and I have to get to our appointment. Garrett, Aaron is tagging along. We’re taking a look around a venue for the fundraising gala. Any interest?”

“If I’m being invited to walk through a ballroom with two beautiful women, seems rude to say no.” Garrett stares at me while he says it.

“Perfect. The more perspectives, the better.” Whitney looks pleased. Then she points a warning finger at him. “But dial down the flirting a notch, would you?”

“No promises,” he says with a wink, following her toward the door.

I follow, hyper-aware that Aaron is behind me.