Page 1 of The Charmer
ONE
REESE
The stomp of combat boots makes me freeze. My eyes close and I palm the office door I just opened, waiting for the scent of her perfume, edgy and unique, just like her, to hit me.
She grows closer and I let out an exhale. All other noise—the laughter of guys on my team, the hushed conversation between Hawks owner Scott Reland and his receptionist Peggy, Joe whistling as he mops the floor nearby—it’s all blocked out.
I only hear her footfalls, heavy, confident, Jayde DuPree.
Nearly one year ago, I spent an evening sitting next to Jayde at Taps. The team had won a big game; I was running on adrenaline and excitement. We were all taking shots of tequila and celebrating, reminiscing, laughing. It was loud and chaotic but slowly, the team trickled out, went home with their women or back to their families.
Jayde and I stayed behind. We slid onto worn leather barstools and asked the bartender Pete to keep the tequila coming. The loud chaos gave way to genuine conversation. It was serious, heartfelt, and the most real connection I’ve shared with a woman.
Jayde, with her golden-brown eyes and glittering nose ring, opened up. Whenever I’d see her around the arena, she’d giveoff this clipped, no-nonsense demeanor. It’s well known that she drives her boss, Scott Reland, nuts with her attitude. But under that tough exterior is a beautiful, soulful, brilliant girl I fell in love with.
Slowly at first, through side glances and casual greetings. And then, that night, in a rush. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the shape of her mouth, rosebud lips that pursed thoughtfully or quirked with sarcasm. I leaned in, catching all her words, about her awful breakup with a Muay Thai fighter, about her uncertainty over her future, about how much she loved working for Scott but wasn’t sure what came next. I listened, I absorbed, and I fell in love.
When we were both drunk on tequila and high on conversation, Jayde slid into me, her knees captured between mine, and her palms gripped my shoulders. She was heavy lidded, her gaze dark, intense on my mouth. I remember the way my breathing went haywire, my entire body desperate to lean into her touch while my mind screamed at me not to kiss her.
Not when she’s drunk. Not when she’s hung up on another man. Not when she’s…sad.
So, I gently stopped her advances, closed out our tab, and tucked her into an Uber, riding beside her until I could safely deliver her home. I did the right thing; I was the good guy.
But Jayde never sought me out again after that night. Instead, my side glances were met with unease and casual greetings became forced. She was embarrassed, I was naive, and as a result, I’ve spent the past year longing for her from afar. Wanting to make things right, wanting to show her how good thingscouldbe between us, now that she’s not drunk, or hung up on an ex, or heartbreakingly sad.
“You coming or going?” Her voice is throaty when she stops beside me.
I look up and bite the corner of my mouth to stop my smile. God, she’s beautiful. Her makeup is a work of art, the purple streaks in her hair are now blue, and her eyes are dark with feigned frustration.
“Coming,” I quip and her eyes flare. I hold open the door to the main office. “After you.”
She holds my gaze for a long beat, trying to school her features. But I catch the little swipe of her tongue as it hits the center of her bottom lip. I feel the natural chemistry that always sparks between our bodies. One she tries to ignore, and I try to ignite.
With a huff, she moves past me, into the main office. I grin as I follow, tossing a wink at Peggy, the team’s adopted grandmother.
“Hey, Keller,” Scott greets me.
Jayde stands still, refusing to glance my way.
“Hi, Scott.”
“Coach told me you’re skipping our first team skate this weekend. Of course, it’s not mandatory, but I’m hoping most of the guys will show.”
“I wish I could be there, Scott. I’m supposed to head out of town tomorrow. One of my best buddies from college is tying the knot,” I say. “That’s why I’m popping in. I wanted to double check it’s not a problem before I RSVP that I’m definitely attending.”
“No problem. Where’s the wedding?” Scott asks.
Jayde stands still, pretending to study something in the folder she’s holding. But she cocks her head in my direction and I know she’s listening.
“Turks and Caicos.”
Scott whistles. “Have a great time. You had one helluva season. We’ll see you for a skate when you get back.”
“Thanks, Scott. See you around, Jayde,” I say.
Jayde straightens, her neck snapping in my direction. Her eyes meet mine and for a second, I can’t inhale. Because her irises, a deep golden chestnut, are brimming with emotion. With swirling curiosity and a hint of…longing.
I clear my throat, she nods, and I slip out of the office, barely waving to Peggy as I escape back into the hallway. Keeping my head down, I leave The Meadows and head to my car.
