Page 23 of Puck Me Harder

“If you are then we both are— and I refuse to wake up. Come on, Ace. Time to unearth your clothes and go be adults.”

Dakota bites her bottom lip, squirming in my lap.

“Think we have time for a shower, first?” she asks huskily.

She squeals with laughter as I scoop her up and carry her into the shower.

* * *

Mike Dominican’s office is at the top of The Nest. It’s decorated in the man’s eclectic style — something we affectionately call ‘modern cowboy’. The desk is an old-school, rich mahogany roll top. The walls are all glass, the tinting shifting with the intensity of the sun. The overall effect is cozy, but professional.

Maybe someday, I’ll make this my office.

Mike is leaned back in his luxurious chair, feet up on the desk. His outfit matches his decor — urban cowboy. I’m surprised he doesn’t have LEDs on his spurs.

“Mita, you’re our best player. That’s the only reason I’m even entertaining this meeting. But I’m not about to cut this girl any slack just for being your girl, understand?”

I can’t help but grin at Mike. He really doesn’t know me at all, if he thinks that’s something I’d ever want.

“Don’t worry, boss.” I shake my head. “She would hate me if she felt like she was getting any special favors.”

“Alright. Bring her in. But whatever happens, you’re lacing up tonight. Got it?”

“As if you could keep me off the ice, boss. But I’m not worried about it. Trust me, she’s going to blow you away.”

I poke my head out the door and beckon Dakota into the office.

She’s cutting a professional figure today. We had to cut the shower short so she had time to get ready, but it was more than worth it. Her damp hair is up in a tight bun, the pencil skirt and blazer accentuating her curves beautifully. Her heels click on the hardwood of the manager’s office, beating to the rhythm of my heart.

I’m looking forward to getting her home and taking her outfit off one piece at a time. Except for the heels.

“Knock him dead, Ace” I whisper encouragingly as she brushes past me.

“Miss O’Connor,” Mike stands up to shake Dakota’s hand. “I read your article. It’s exceptionally written. Fantastic profile of the Snowhawks— insightful as hell.”

“Thank you, Mr. Dominican.” Dakota smiles, returning the handshake. “That means a lot. You’ve got quite the organization here.”

Dominican gestures to one of the plush arm chairs across from his desk before taking a seat.

“Please, call me Mike. Now, Kai tells me you’re the right fit to lead the Snowhawk’s PR team. I’m sure you understand— I have some reservations.” Mike fishes a pair of glasses out of the desk, scanning the copy of Dakota’s resume pulled up on his computer screen. “I see you played quite a few things in school— but there’s a big difference between girls leagues and the NHL. I prefer my staff have experience with the sport in question, and I’m not sure you’ve got what it takes.”

Mike leans back in his chair, spreading his hands wide. It takes everything in me not to call him out for being misogynistic, but it wouldn’t be doing Dakota any favors.

Besides, she can handle herself.

“Quiz me,” she says simply, settling down in the chair across from Mike with a grin.

Beneath her sweet smile, I can feel Dakota’s fangs starting to come out.

“I’m sorry, what?” Mike blinks, his forehead wrinkling in confusion.

“Quiz me,” she repeats. “If you’re worried there’s something I don’t know, ask.”

Dakota’s voice is as crisp as her suit.

“Miss O’Connor, I’m not sure that’s fair. Kai tells me you’ve only been covering this beat for a week —”

I raise a hand to interject.

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