Page 78 of Skate the Line

Rhodes drops his hand. “Kane must have switched the jerseys out to irritate me. I didnotbuy some other man’s jersey for you to wear.”

I shift on my feet. “Why does it irritate you?”

His green eyes spark with something that makes me do a double take before he darts them away. His faint growl echoes around us in the empty hallway, and I stare at the flickering of his jaw.

“Because—” his voice is throaty. “He wants to fuck you, Sunny. It’s his way of trying to get in your pants.”

I laugh out loud.

Rhodes immediately glances at my mouth.

“That’s never going to happen. Jersey or not.”

He squints, like he’s trying to read me.

“You heard Ruby yesterday.” My cheeks grow warm. “I don’t date, Rhodes, and I surely don’t let random hockey playersfuckme.”

Plus, why does he even care? Other than the fact that it’s his teammate.

Rhodes swallows.

“Not to mention, I’m your employee, Rhodes.” I take a step closer to ease his concerns. “I’m Ellie’s nanny. I’m not going to let some hot-temperedboybe the one to end my year of?—”

My words cut off. There’s no need to embarrass myselfagain.

We stand in silence. Rhodes stares at me with a look that I can’t figure out. I’m hoping my honesty will ease his worries, and we can get on the same page—like putting Kane in his place. I know it’s all fun and games. Teammate pranks and all. But I don’t appreciate being the center of the joke.

“Well, take it off,” he demands.

I cross my arms at his sour tone. My eyebrow arches. “Ellie would put you in time-out for that.”

He shakes his head because he realizes his mistake. “Pleasetake it off.”

I still don’t move to follow his command. He rolls his eyes and pulls off his other glove.

Both drop to the floor beside my feet. Next comes his jersey, up and over his head. My eyes follow his every move. He’s so sure of himself as he stands mere feet away, towering over me with his jersey outstretched in between us.

“First you’re mad that I wear your jersey, and now you want me to wear yoursweatyone?”

He scoffs. “It’s not that sweaty.”

I laugh and grab it regardless. “This is ridiculous.”

“What’s ridiculous is Kane,” he snaps.

“Well, what are we going to do about it?” I slip my fingers underneath the enemy's jersey and wait for his clever answer.

Rhodes stands in his thin undershirt and pads with his arms crossed. “There is nowe.I’ll take care of it.”

I hum under my breath. “Well, that’s no fun.”

A laugh, or should I sayscoff,leaves him. I lift Kane’s jersey from my body, thankful I have a tank top underneath, and hand it out for him to take. He stares at it like it’s going to catch on fire, but eventually, he reaches for it.

When his warm fingers brush against mine, goosebumps race to my bare arms. I quickly release the knit fabric and free his jersey from in between my knees. I pull it over my head and catch him staring at my chest. His jaw teeters back and forth, like he’s still angry about Kane’s joke.

After I’m fully dressed, I tie his jersey in a knot so it’s not completely swallowing my frame. I hold my arms out and spin.

“Better?” I ask.

---