Page 78 of The Golden Goalie

“Okay.” He stares down at me. “What?”

He smiles and shakes his head. “Nothing. Just remembering that you are a strong and independent woman.”

I push my finger into his hard chest. “And don’t you forget it.”

He grabs my finger. “I won’t.”

I stare up at him. “Soooo.”

“So what?” he asks with a smile.

“So this thing between us,” I motion between our bodies.

His smile grows. “Yeah, what about it?”

“So it’s like...are we...” I pause, unable to find the words.

“Amber, ask what you want to ask. Be the direct woman you are.”

I meet his gaze head-on. “Are we exclusive?”

He doesn’t bat an eye. “Yes.”

I give him a hard look. “That means nobody on the side.”

“I know what exclusive means.”

“Yes, but you’re a hockey player who travels often,” I point out.

“I am.”

“And there are probably women in every city that want you.”

“There are,” he responds. I scowl at him, and he has the audacity to smirk. “Does that bother you?” he asks in a low voice.

I cross my arms. “Yes.”

His smirk grows deliciously. “Good.” I narrow my eyes at him, and he steps closer. “I like the idea of you being jealous.” His eyes scan my face. “I like it a lot.”

“Yeah, well I don’t.”

He chuckles and wraps a hand around my wrist as he pulls me slowly closer. “There is only one woman who has been on my radar. I don’t mess around when I’m traveling. Never have. Never will, and I especially won’t now that I have a girl waiting back at home for me.”

“A girl?” I question with raised eyebrows.

He tugs me forward with a full grin on his sexy lips. “A gorgeous woman,” he mutters as he pulls me against his body. I shiver, but I’m not sure if it’s from the cold or from being pressed against him. He’s such a big guy, but he makes me feel so safe. I can’t help the sigh that escapes when I’m surrounded by him.

“I think you’re good for my serotonin,” I tell him without looking up at him, as I lay my head on his chest.

“Is that so?”

I nod against his chest. “Yeah. I think we need to do this more often.”

“I can get behind that.”

Neither of us say anything for a little bit, and the silence settles around us. “You’re a good man, Rico Garcia,” I say after a little bit.

He kisses the top of my forehead. “You’re just saying that because I’m using my body heat right now to keep you warm.”

---