Page 28 of Revenge Puck

“Maybe,” he agrees as his hand strokes the long, thick bush. His voice deepens when he adds, “I might be persuaded to shave it off if you can make it worth my while.”

A tug in my lower belly instantly responds to the offer hanging in his rich, rumbly baritone.

“Oh yeah?” I ask nervously, as his dark eyes hold mine hostage. “H-how might I be able to persuade you?”

“That kiss today was pretty hot.”

Wow. I guess I wasn’t the only one who felt the sparks. Maybe he was tempted after all…

“Yes, it was,” I agree.

“Hot enough for a repeat?”

He wants to kiss me again?

Yes, please.

Wait. No. I shouldn’t.

But I want to, I really do. However, I’m not going to cave without getting a little something from him in return.

“Hot enough for a repeat,ifI could see the face I’m kissing.”

Again, he tugs on the pointed end of his facial hair. This time it’s a harder tug, as if he might pluck it all out himself, right then and there. “I’ll think about it.”

So, no kiss tonight? Did I just kiss-block myself with a silly little demand from the man who doesn’t date that he shaves his face? What is wrong with me?

Oh, I remember now. I need to think before diving into more than kissing with any man, especially another hot shot hockey player. One with a major temper and ulterior motives.

“I’m glad you came out with me tonight,” Preston says into the silence.

“Me too.”

“Do you think we could keep up our game? Keep pretending for a little longer?” he asks.

All those hateful comments at the game and on social media have me wanting to say no and run for the hills. But it’s nice having a little male attention after crashing and burning with Christian. And seeing him furious for consorting with his enemy, even if he’s not jealous. I think I’m also flattered that theman who is known for not dating women wants to even pretend with someone like me.

“Well, our fake relationship wouldn’t really look authentic if we weren’t seen together after one night.”

“Very true,” Preston agrees. “The longer we keep it up, the better. I can’t get thrown out of any games or the Warhawks won’t extend my contract. Not to mention I don’t want anyone thinking Riley stole you back from me.”

“Oh.”

Why didn’t I think of that explanation? Preston needs to keep his temper down to win games and stay on with the Warhawks next season. And it makes sense why he wouldn’t want our fake dating to fizzle out too fast. It would make him look bad, lose ground on messing with Christian, defeating the original purpose of our scheme.

Preston wants to keep up our fake dating for a million different reasons, none of which have anything to do with me personally.

“You know, I have an early appointment coming in tomorrow,” I tell him as I slide out of the booth.

“You just got here. You’re leaving already?”

He obviously only wanted me to come tonight for more photos or videos to be spread online. Mission accomplished.

“Yeah, it’s late. I should get home.”

“Let me walk you out.” Preston gets up and follows me since I can’t exactly stop him from going downstairs. I remind myself that everything he does is with a bigger purpose in mind—winning games and getting his contract extended.

A few moments later and we’re outside on the busy downtown street, people going from one bar or club to the next since it’s a Saturday night.

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