Page 17 of Pucking Wild

“Ah, but you don’t believe in love at first sight,” I tease.

She glances up sharply, her hand going stiff in mine. “What makes you think that?”

“Youdo,” I reply, giving her hip a squeeze. “You may go around naked in other people’s houses, kissing strangers and hugging Al Pacino like an old friend, but you’re way too guarded to go falling for someone at a glance. This pretty package piqued your interest,” I add, gesturing confidently to myself. “But we’re a long way off from you confessing your undying love.”

“Oh, but you think we’re on the path?” she teases, trying to match my casual tone. “You think you’re gonna get me down the aisle, Ryan? Future Mrs. Hockey Boy?”

“Hey, you said it, not me.”

“I suppose you don’t believe in love at first sight either?”

I shrug again. “I believe people see what they want to see.” My gaze drifts left to where Compton is slow dancing with Doc. “Compton believes in love at first sight,” I say, nodding his way. “I think he took one look at Doc and just knew.”

She follows my gaze. “Yeah…I think he did too.”

“But Sanford doesn’t believe in diving in after one glance. You heard his vows. He tortured himself for years before he could admit how he feels.”

She nods, her gaze still locked on her best friend.

“They all found their way to each other in the end,” I go on. “It’s messy, but it’s real. Gotta appreciate that.”

“Messy…but real.”

We’re both quiet for a minute, taking another slow half-turn.

“Maybe you can come to another game soon,” I say, ready to shoot my shot.

She lets out a soft laugh. “I didn’t think the NHL did many matchups in Cincinnati.”

“We don’t. But Chicago is kinda close, right? Or you could always come down to Jax again. And tickets are no problem,” I add, knowing I’m probably sounding desperate. But I don’t care. I want to see her again. “So, what do you think?”

“I think…I’d like that,” she admits, leaning into me as I do another little half-turn.

I smile.

Her hand brushes down to my elbow as she leans away. “But…”

Fuck.

My hand tightens against her back. “No buts. Come on, live a little, Tess.”

Her gaze softens as she glances up at me. There’s an apology in her look, and I fucking hate it. “Ryan—”

“I know I’ve been teasing and coming on strong, but I like you, Tess. I just want to get to know you better.”

“You don’t know me at all,” she says. “You just like what you see.”

“Well, you’re fucking gorgeous, and you know it. I’d be the biggest liar in the world if I said I didn’t want you wrapped around me like naked bark on a tree.”

That earns me a laugh. The sound warms my chest, making me smile.

“But if you think your beauty isallI see, you’re wrong,” I add.

Her smile falls as she gazes up at me, those green eyes wide. “What do you see?”

“I seeyou,” I reply. “I see a woman who’s bold and fearless. A woman who loves to laugh. You’ve got a great laugh, Tess.”

She sucks in a breath, a flash of something sparking in her eyes. It’s there, then it’s gone, and then she’s looking down. “What else?”

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