Page 29 of Revenge Puck

“Well, congrats again on the win and goodnight,” I turn around, looking up to tell the tall man.

“Oh, no. Save your goodbye, cupcake, because I’m walking you to your car.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yeah, I do. Which way?”

“I left my car over at the salon.”

“Good. Now I’ll know where to go tomorrow since you forgot to give me a business card.”

“Oh. Right.” I dig into my purse and pull out a card from my wallet as we start walking.

“Thanks.” The card disappears into his jean pocket as we make our way across three more blocks.

“Well, this is me.”

Preston turns to look over the darkened front windows with our logo on it and the black awning. “Cute place. I’ll see you here tomorrow.”

“Only if you decide you want a trim. No pressure,” I say, giving him a half smile, the most I can manage after the long, crazy day before heading to my car parked in the alley.

“I do want one. And Elle?” Preston says, following behind me.

“Yeah?”

“I’d be willing to bet that Riley wasn’t with you because you were convenient or easy. He wanted to be with you for the same reason I do—because you’re beautiful and sexy. Christian Riley may be a lot of things, but he’s not blind.”

“Thank you, Preston.” Now I give him a real, honest smile before I open my car door and slide inside.

What a day indeed.

10

Preston

The morning after our big win, I see a missed call from Tommy after breakfast. I’m in such a good mood that I actually call him back while sitting in the hotel’s restaurant. After all, I’m sitting alone, none of my teammates, coaches, or staff willing to approach me during a meal.

“Preston, my man!” my agent answers.

“What’s up, Tommy?”

“Last night was insane! How did you pull off nailing Riley’s girl?”

Speaking quietly to ensure nobody overhears, I tell him, “That’s not…it’s just a few photos to make him think we’re sleeping together.”

“Well, it was a genius idea because it worked. I’ve never seen Riley go off like that. He played like absolute shit.”

“Yeah, he did. It was fun to watch.”

“And you kept your anger in check, making it through the entire game without even a penalty!”

“Guess there’s a first time for everything.”

“Congrats on the win. Keep doing what you’re doing and offers are going to start rolling in. The Warhawks office seems to still be holding their breath, hoping last night wasn’t a fluke with you.”

“It wasn’t a fluke. From now on, I’ll be fine playing against Christian.”

“All this PR about you finally having a girlfriend is good for your image, too. I’ve been getting calls asking if you want to do talk shows and shit.”

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