Page 44 of Silver Fox Puck

I have this job.

I have too much at stake.

And I won’t risk it all just because some gorgeous, infuriating woman has a way of looking at me that makes me forget every damn rule I have.

I push off the counter, stripping off my shirt as I head to the bathroom.

A cold shower. That’s what I need.

Because this ends now. I turn on the water, brace my hands on the edge of the sink, and stare myself down in the mirror.

I’m not some kid, chasing a thrill. I’m a man who’s worked too damn hard to get here. I won’t screw that up. I won’t let her get under my skin.

I won’t.

Except—

I already did.

And I have no clue how to stop it.

***

I just need to focus on hockey.

That’s what I tell myself the next morning as I step into the rink. Fresh and smooth ice. Early practice. This is what I need.

I spent half the night telling myself that I could shut this thing with Kenzie down. That she was just a distraction. A one-time mistake. A moment I let get out of hand.

Today? I’ll prove it. I push through the doors, nod at a few of the guys already stretching, and head for my office.

And that’s when I see her.

Kenzie.

In my space. Again.

One hip cocked, water bottle in hand, talking to Jake like she’s been here a thousand times before. And honestly, she probably has. The way she exists here, it’s like she doesn’t even notice she’s screwing with my head.

But I know that she knows.

My pulse jumps because she’s wearing leggings and a cropped hoodie, and I hate that I notice. Hate that my gaze catches on her bare stomach before I force it back up.

I shouldn’t be looking at her like this.

Not here. Not now. Not at all.

But it’s too late.

She turns, locks eyes with me, and smirks.

I’m screwed. I should look away. Ineedto look away. But I don’t.

She’s standing there, smirking like she won something, and my body is betraying me all over again.

Jake says something to her, nudging her arm before heading toward the locker room.

Leaving her alone.

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