Page 61 of Revenge Puck

Thankfully, I can’t even think about anyone but Preston after that crazy hot kiss that felt more like foreplay than a goodbye.

If we had been at my place or his hotel room, I have no doubt about how it would’ve ended.

I wanted him so badly, right then and there. But then his phone had to ring, showing a woman’s name, and his coach yelled for him to get on the damn bus to get to the airport.

I think the reason I’m so disappointed is that I know a night with Preston would mean something, unlike with Christian.

Texting me was probably more about competing with Preston anyway, trying to get me to choose him as soon as the Warhawks left town just so he could rub it in Preston’s face at the next game.

So, while I wait for Preston’s response, I type out a careful response to Christian that can’t be construed in any way but the one.

No, I don’t want you to come over. I don’t want you to text me again, either. Goodbye, Christian.

I really should block his number. I’m about to do just that when my phone dings with a new message from Preston.

Are you still awake?

Okay, that doesn’t answer my question about getting home safe. I still answer it.

Yes.

Before I can ask him if everything is okay, my phone buzzes in my hand with an incoming call from Preston.

“Hey,” I answer right away. “Are you okay? Did you and the team make it back safely?”

“Oh. Yeah. The flight was fine. I should’ve mentioned that.”

“Yes, you should have,” I tell him with a smile he can’t see. “I stayed up waiting to hear from you.”

“Good. I’m glad, even though you’ll hate me for it tomorrow,” he says, making my smile widen.

“So, what’s up? What was so important you had to call?” I ask him.

“How would you feel about seeing me this week?”

“Seeing you? I’ll see you on television.”

“No, in person. I…I miss you and I want you to come to our two home games.”

“You-you want me to come to D.C.?” I skip over the part where he said he missed me, wondering if maybe I misheard him. He just saw me a few hours ago.

“I know that you have the salon to run and probably a bunch of appointments booked, but I would really like to see you here in town, cupcake. Is there anything I can do to convince you to come here for both games?”

“Both games?” I ask in surprise, since there will be a day off in between.

“Yes.”

“Why is it so important that I come up there?”

“Because if you’re in the arena, I’ll have a good reason not to hit Riley.”

“Oh.”

“That not a good enough reason?”

“I don’t know,” I admit honestly. And while I’m being honest, I tell him, “He just texted me a few minutes ago.”

There’s a long pause. “Riley texted you tonight?”

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