Page 179 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“Hayden,” I warn, although I doubt he takes it very seriously, considering I’m smiling like an idiot.

“I couldn’t wait any longer. I need it.”

I shake my head and pull the Vipers jersey from the clear bag and shake it out.

Obviously, “Monroe ninety-six" stares back at me.

“Will you put it on for me?” he asks.

Silently, I pull it over my head, covering up the sports bra I was wearing, and let the fabric fall around me. It’s massive and could definitely pass as a dress, but from the way Hayden’s eyes blaze, I don’t think he notices.

“Goddamn, that looks good. Give me a spin, baby.”

I do, and he growls like a wild animal when he gets a full shot of my back.

“I’m so fucking hard right now.”

“You’re about to go and play.”

“Yeah, while my girl is watching, wearing my number.”

“Fuck,” he grunts, shifting uncomfortably in his equipment.

“You’re a nightmare,” I tease.

“You think anyone will notice if I hop on a commercial flight straight after the game so I can crawl into bed with you?”

“Yes, I think a few people will notice. You’ve got plans tomorrow.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m sure you could get me out of it.”

Absolutely not. You wanna spend your nights in my bed, you gotta toe the line, Monroe.”

“Christ,” he groans. “I really need to go.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “You got a game to win.”

He nods, his eyes holding mine through the screen.

“Yeah. You’ll be watching, right?”

“Every second. Score a goal for me?”

“You got it, baby. Talk to you later.”

“Good luck.”

His lips part as if he’s going to say something else, but he quickly decides against it, and a second later, the call cuts.

A laugh tumbles out of me as I glance down at myself. Pushing to my feet, I walk into my bedroom and stand with my back to my full-length mirror, snap a photo while looking over my shoulder, and send it over to him. It delivers, but he doesn’t open it. Something for him to enjoy later.

With a drink and snacks ready, I settle in to watch my boy out there doing what he does best, but just before they hit the ice, my cell buzzes.

Bea: You watching?

Hailee: Of course.

Bea invited me over to watch with Casey and Freya, but I declined, claiming to be swamped with work. It’s not a lie, I only closed my laptop a few minutes ago, but really, I was scared.