Page 40 of An Irresistible Force (Vancouver Vice)

Having ordered all the appropriate kid snacks and pizzas, I made sure that the suite was in good order. The worn black leatherette couches were not going to impress the owners of a decorating magazine-worthy house, but the game was the main thing. Chris told me that we might actually win against the Rampage, another struggling team.

“Boo.”

I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders and shrieked. When I turned around, Chris himself was standing there, laughing.

“Jeepers. You really scared me.” My heart was beating a mile a minute now.

“Jeepers? What century did you come from?” He chuckled—at my expense, as usual. He was perfectly dressed in a leather jacket, dark jeans, and a dark ribbed sweater. He walked over and hung his jacket up, and I tried not to notice his well-defined chest and slim waist.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I’ve been coming to all the games. Someone told me it’s the best way to see what’s going on with the team. But I thought I’d see what it’s like up in the luxurious owner’s suite.”

I sniffed. “Hardly luxurious. But there is pizza. I’ve invited a girlfriend from high school and her family. I’m winning over fans one at a time.”

“I’m already won over.” He leaned in closer to me. “I like your jeans.”

“Cut it out. Look, I was wondering, do you go into the dressing room too?” I had heard the team was dysfunctional and wondered how true that was.

“Pankowski’s not exactly getting a hard-on at the idea of me being in the room. Having a stranger there is kinda awkward.” He grinned. “Hey, you’re the owner. You could go in the room if you like—sit among the half-naked sweaty guys and listen to the coach yell.”

“Right. Jocks don’t turn my crank.” Not to mention I had already done that.

Chris leaned closer. “What does turn Amanda’s crank? Other than me.”

I inhaled sharply, and of course he focused on my chest. “You’re such a—”

“Ah, here she is.” James called out as he walked in. Then his eyes widened. “Lucky Luczak! Wow, I didn’t know you were going to be here. Aren’t you working in NHL management now?”

There was an almost audible click as Chris switched into his public persona. They shook hands. “Nice to meet you, James. I’m working on a consulting project with Amanda here.”

They began some small talk on hockey, and I looked out in the hall for the rest of the family. Cynthia rounded the corner holding Delia’s hand as she toddled along. Cynthia was wearing boots, a white wool coat, and a navy knit dress—possibly the only dress in the arena.

“Hi Cyn. Hi Delia.” I got air kisses from my friend and a glare from her daughter. I introduced Chris, but it was clear Cynthia had no idea who he was.

“It’s Lucky Luczak, Bunny,” James told her. “You know, NHL superstar and captain of the Millionaires?”

“FormerNHL player,” Chris said with his faux-modest grin. He was so full of it.

Cynthia’s forehead creased. “Wait. Lucky Luczak? That name is familiar....”

Damn. Did this woman forget nothing? I interrupted, “Would anyone like a drink? Or nibblies?”

“Amanda, wasn’t Lucky the name of the hockey player that you—”

“Delia, would you like a Coke?” I held out a can to the toddler.

“No! She’s much too young for soft drinks.” Cynthia looked as shocked as if I’d offered her daughter cocaine, which was exactly what I’d wanted. “Don’t you have juice? Preferably organic.”

“I do.” I walked over to the fridge and Chris followed me.

He spoke in a low voice. “Once more I miss out on hearing about the big old crush that you had on me in high school. But maybe you can tell me yourself someday. Every fantasy in detail.”

“You want to know my biggest fantasy?” I hissed. “Putting a gag on that big mouth.”

He pursed his lips in what he assumed was a sexy way. “Ooooh, bondage. I’m in.”

Then he grabbed two beers and went to chat with James.

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