Page 52 of Forecasting the Forward

“Not a clue.”

“It’s called a Zamboni. It shaves off the top layer of ice, then puts down a heated layer of water that freezes onto the leftover ice. It gives us a smooth surface to skate on for each new period.”

“Why’s it called a Zamboni?” I ask.

“For the dude who invented it.”

“Makes sense,” I murmur. “What’s the other word for jersey?”

“They’re called jerseys or sweaters.”

“Who is the most popular guy on your team?” I wonder aloud.

“Levi. He’s an enigmatic mystery, which means he’s a chick magnet,” Jacob laughs. “Gabe Dawson is right up there too. He’s a top scorer, and he gets the female vote because of how he became a dad.”

“How?”

Jacob leans toward me. “A sad story, honestly. He found out about his daughter because the hospital where she was born called to tell him that the baby’s mom died in childbirth. Gabe had no idea about the baby.”

I gasp. “Oh, I can’t imagine. How horrifying. He wasn’t in a relationship with the mom, then.”

“A one-night stand. It was during the season, and Gabe was completely unprepared. The team helped him with everything, and Nally’s sister started nannying for him.”

“How old is the baby now?”

“I think about one and a half.”

“And Nally’s sister still nannies for him?”

“Yes and no,” he chuckles.

“I don’t see how that question is funny,” I say with a frown.

“It is when you hear the whole story. Just know they’re together now. As a couple. So yes, she technically still takes care of Mackenzie, but it’s mostly because Kenz calls her Mama.”

“If I had a nickel for every time I read a single dad and nanny story,” I say with a laugh.

Jacob’s brows raise. “Single dad and nanny?”

“Yeah. In romance books.”

“The spicy kind?” he inquires.

Crud. “They usually are, yes.”

A wicked smile crosses his face as he leans in, his lips ghosting over my ear. “Promise to share your favorite books with me, wife?”

My stomach leaps as pure lust pools in my core. “I didn’t take you as a reader of women’s fiction and romance, husband.”

He groans against my skin, letting his forehead rest on my temple. “I enjoy learning, Becca. And if reading a romance book helps me to learn what you like, then I’ll happily buy a Kindle and take it with me everywhere.”

“What I like?” I ask breathlessly as he places a hand on my thigh, and my eyes flutter shut as I bite my lip to refrain from moaning out loud.

Jacob absentmindedly draws across my leg, and I’m thrilled the dress I’m wearing is thick enough to hide the goosebumpshe leaves in his wake. The fabricshouldbe thick enough to hide goosebumps, but my eyes are closed, and I can’t seem to force them to open enough to look. “You’re a tough nut to crack, darlin’. If I read enough of the same books, I’ll learn what you veer toward. If you want it sweet, or if you like it rough. If you like a man to take control, or if you want to make the decisions. Hell, I might even be able to determine what area of your body is the most sensitive, and what gets you off the quickest. Because here’s the thing, Spitfire. I want to learn every fucking thing about you, your body, and what you need, and I plan on giving it all to you.”

“Holy cow,” I pant. “I wasn’t ready for that.”

He gives me a pained smile as he nods, sitting back and discreetly adjusting himself. “Yeah, I know. I came on too strong.”

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