Page 34 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“I’m joking. I won’t do that.” I already know I want to, though.

“Okay, good. Last night was a one-time thing.”

I smirk at her. “I bet that’s what you tell all the boys.”

Panic washes across her face. “Oh no, that’s not. I don’t…I don’t do what we did last night. I’m professional. I never, ever cross the line. I don’t⁠—”

“Hailee,” I say, squeezing her upper arm. “I’m joking. I know you’re not working your way through the team. You’re the most dedicated and professional person I’ve ever met.”

Her cheeks burn as she shifts on her feet.

It’s so strange seeing her like this. She’s usually so strong and takes zero shit from anyone. So to see her blush, and to be the one who makes her do it…fuck. It does things to me.

“I’ve never slept with a player or anyone at the organization,” she blurts.

“Okay. For the record, I haven’t either.”

“Right, well. Thanks for this,” she says as she pulls the handle of her suitcase up and takes a step back. “I’ll see you next week then.”

She takes off toward her building, but I don’t move. I can’t.

“Hailee?” I call when she’s halfway toward the entrance.

She looks back over her shoulder and startles when she finds that I’m chasing her.

The second she’s in reaching distance, I pull her in for a hug.

It takes her a few seconds to react, but eventually, she wraps her arms around my waist.

“Thank you,” I whisper against her hair.

“Y-you’re welcome,” she stutters into my chest.

Unable to release her within an appropriate couple of seconds, I hold her a little longer before I force myself to unwrap my arms. I don’t look at her, I can’t. Instead, I turn around and march back to my car. I climb into the driver’s seat, put my seat belt on, start the engine—and just before I pull away, I finally let my eyes close.

But she’s gone, and the time we shared together is over.

I drive home with a heavy heart, and it only gets worse when I step into my apartment.

10

HAILEE

“I’m baaaaack,” Brooke announces as she bounces into the meeting room with a killer tan.

I guess that’s what you get from two weeks in Mexico.

“Did you miss me, bitches?”

“Like a hole in the head,” Jude, our Digital Marketing Manager, snarks.

Unfazed, Brooke rolls her eyes before handing out the tray of takeout coffees in her hand. “If my presence doesn’t do it, then this should cheer you up. Extra shot in both. You’re very welcome.”

“Jesus, how much dick did you get in Mexico to be this chipper?” Jude quips.

“Well,” Brooke says as she drops into a chair, throwing her sun-kissed blonde hair over a tanned shoulder. “Now that you mention it, Mexico has some fiiiine specimens. I really recommend it.”

Jude thinks for a moment. “Is that right? Maybe I need to add it to my list.”