Page 78 of Revenge Puck

Fuck.

“I’ll see what I can do for next season,” I agree. What I don’t tell my sister is that I may not be playing for the Warhawks in the fall. Maya would just freak out about shit neither of us can control, so there’s no point in stressing her out until I know for sure if I’ll have to relocate over the summer.

“Thanks, Maya. See you in a little while,” I tell her, knowing that my sister will lurk around all afternoon to talk to Elle before her and Finley head out later tonight.

When I pull up to the hotel, Elle is standing outside on the sidewalk next to her luggage. Wearing a pair of snug, curve hugging white jeans, and a frilly sleeveless shirt with red and white swirls, she looks like an actual, edible cupcake. And I like that she looks so eager to see me.

“Hey,” I say when I put the SUV in park and climb out. “You didn’t have to wait down here on the curb. I would’ve parked and come up to get you.”

“It’s fine. I know how tough parking can be in D.C. And I guess I was a little excited.”

“Glad to hear it.” I give her a quick kiss, hopefully fast enough for any cameras to catch, then nod my head to the passenger seat. “Hop in while I load up.”

As soon as we hit the highway, I reach over and grab Elle’s hand.

“How was practice?” she asks.

“Awful. All the coaches were pissed off. Coach Ramsey called us a bunch of two-toed sloths who better wake the fuck up before tomorrow night’s game.”

“Harsh,” she replies with a grin. “You’ll get them next time. Maybe the Warhawks were a little cocky and got too slack last night.”

“That’s exactly what happened,” I agree. “These young guys don’t realize that you can’t ever let up. That’s when your opponent will be waiting to swoop in, score, and kick your ass.”

“You should give your teammates that speech. Wake them up. I’m sure they would appreciate your experience.”

Chuckling, I tell her, “They would probably ignore anything I say.”

“I bet they don’t ignore your criticism during practice. Those men look up to you as a veteran. Not many players win the championship their rookie year.”

“Guess not,” I agree. “I lucked up and landed on a damn good team my first year coming out of the minors.”

“How long had it been since Wisconsin had won the championship before you got there?”

Thinking back, I tell her, “I think it was twelve or so years.”

“Maybe they won because of you joining the team that year.”

“I was a rookie. I barely played.”

“You’re too humble, Preston. You’re a great player and a crucial part of the Warhawks.”

“Thanks, cupcake.” I glance over at her for a second and give her hand a squeeze.

When her cheeks flush, I can’t help but ask, “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.”

“Liar. Tell me.”

“Fine. When you called me cupcake it just reminded me of last night, when you asked to taste me.”

“Oh.”

“The day we met, you said you would never be tempted for a taste.”

“I lied. I didn’t want to be tempted by any woman, especially not one who had a history with Riley,” I explain to her. “But I was pretty much a goner as soon as I saw you pleading with security to meet me.”

“It was a stupid idea,” Elle says. “I don’t regret it, though.”

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