Page 12 of Pucking Knox
"Real doesn't usually involve trying to climb inside someone's mouth in public." She studies my face. "You're into him."
"I'm not—it's not—" I touch my still-tingling lips. "It's just physical. Chemistry or whatever."
"Uh huh." She doesn't sound convinced. "And does Knox know it's just 'chemistry or whatever'?"
Before I can answer, my phone buzzes again. This time it's Ace.
Ace: Wtf. Since when are you with Knox??
Great.
"I have to go deal with my father." I squeeze Sawyer's arm. "Cover for me with Ace?"
"Fine. But this conversation isn't over."
She's right – it's not over. But as I head to my father, all I can think about is Knox's mouth on mine. His hands in my hair. The way he looked at me after, like he wanted to—
No. This is just an arrangement. A business deal with some benefits.
Even if I can still taste him on my tongue.
Even if my whole body feels electric.
Even if that kiss felt anything but fake.
Time to go face my father's disappointment. Again.
At least this time it was worth it.
Chapter 6
"What the actual fuck, Thompson?"
Ace's fist connects with my locker, rattling the whole row. Several teammates pause in their pre-practice routines to watch, but one look from me sends them scrambling.
"Use your words, Ace."
"My sister?" He gets in my face, voice low and dangerous. "Of all the girls, you had to go after my sister?"
I take my time wrapping my wrist tape, keeping my movements deliberately casual. "Your sister came after me."
Wrong thing to say. Ace's face goes red. "If you think I'm going to let you use Kennedy as another one of your—"
"Gentlemen." Coach Evans appears between us, expression mild but tone sharp. "Something we need to discuss?"
"No, Coach," Ace grits out, but his glare promises this isn't over.
"Good. Because I'd hate for personal drama to affect team dynamics." Coach's eyes fix on me. "Especially with scouts watching practice today."
That gets my attention. Wilson's been riding my ass about cleanup up my image. Maybe Kennedy's little coffee shop performance could work in my favor after all.
But first I have to survive practice without her brother taking my head off.
Two hours later, I'm proved right on both counts. Wilson catches me as I'm leaving the ice.
"Thompson." He falls into step beside me. "Interesting photos circulating today."
I tense, but his tone is approving.
