Page 139 of Ice Princess

April looks squeamish. “Is this how I am with Chance? Please tell me it’s not!”

I bark out a laugh. “Goodnight, ladies!”

I throw a backward wave and sashay to my car, hearing the scrape of April’s jaw hit the concrete.

CHAPTER

FORTY

GUNNER

The next morning,I wake before dawn and send Rebel a good morning text.

Birds aren’t even singing yet when I lock my front door, so I don’t expect an answer right away. But I’m still happy to send it.

I wonder if Rebel still sleeps with her mouth sprawling open and her golden hair sprawled around her like she did when we were kids?

I’d give anything to see that.

Actually, I’d give anything to lie next to her and wake up to her beautiful face every morning.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Today is our first official day as a couple.

I want to make the most of it. Both our schedules are bound to get busier with the last game of the playoffs right around the corner and construction work soon to be done on The Pink Garage.

A few minutes later, I cruise through empty streets, headed to the arena. The donut shop catches my eye and I make a mental note to swing by after practice. I’ll get Rebel her favoritepink frosted doughnuts and bestow her with a strawberry smoothie as an excuse to see her…

A loudvrooomechoes across the quiet road.

Surprised, I check the rearview mirror.

Chance’s flashy convertible roars into sight and then it zips past me on the way to the arena. My annoying teammate honks and waves from the front seat as he overtakes me and screams past my truck.

Oh, it’s on.

I step on the gas.

Chance and I are neck and neck.

Then I pull slightly ahead.

I blaze through the gates of the stadium, yanking the steering wheel and bringing my car to an abrupt stop as close to the arena’s front doors as I can manage.

Chance jumps out of his Lambo first.

I’m right behind him.

Breaking into an all-out dash, I gain ground until I sprint past Chance. His eyes widen when I crash through the doors and stumble into the arena first.

It’s a narrow victory.

But hey, a win’s a win.

“Did Rebel juice your truck engine? How’d you pass me back there?” Chance grumbles, catching up to me as I stow away my gym bag in the lockers.

“Losers ask how. Winners just win,” I grunt.

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