Page 4 of Puck Me Harder

“First, call me Kai,” I give her a cocky smirk. “Second, you can’t afford my price, ace.”

Then again, trouble is what I do best.

“Try me, big guy.” Her smile curves up. “Tough boys don’t scare me.”

She’s clearly used to dealing with men like me. Not just dealing with us. It’s obvious Dakota plays to win.

Easier said than done in the world of pro sports. A pretty face and a killer body are a dime a dozen at our level. It takes a lot more than that to make a hockey player fall.

Something tells me Dakota O’Connor is the definition of a lot more.

“Alright, ace. You want to ask questions?” I raise an eyebrow at her, knowing I’m pressing into her personal space. “I want a kiss.”

Normally not my style, but then again, Dakota is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m not the kind of guy to push things. But there’s something about this girl. She’s dangerous. Lethal.

I need to get her out of here, and there’s no way she’ll agree to something so—

“Deal.” Dakota nods her head once, already reaching for the slim voice recorder. “One kiss, and I set all the rules. Then you give me an exclusive. Real answers, too. None of that puff piece crap.”

She’s a firecracker— headstrong and stubborn. I wish that weren’t so damn sexy.

I shake my head, looking her up and down. Behind the emerald fire in her eyes, there’s a glimmer of something else. Hesitation? Anticipation?

Dakota’s mouth is writing checks her body can’t cash.

“That’s a steep price, ace,” I take a step closer. “An exclusive? You saying your kiss is worth that much?”

We’re only a few inches apart now. I’m drowning in her eyes, the deep green of them pulling me under. I need her more than air, more than hockey, more than anything.

“My first kiss should be worth more, right?” Dakota’s voice is breathy, quieter than it has been.

Some of the bravado wavers now. Biting her bottom lip, she fidgets in place but doesn’t look away from my face.

First kiss?

That makes me ache in a whole new way. My cock is throbbing in time with my rapid pulse. Just being near this girl is sweet torture.

“First kiss, huh? Hard to believe, beautiful,” I lean in closer, reaching for her hips.

Her hands strike out, lightning fast, to grab my wrists before I reach her.

“No hands. No touching. My rules, remember?” She whispers, her breath tickling mine. “You said one kiss, big shot. Show me what you got.”

I lean down, bringing my lips close enough to feel the warmth of hers.

Almost.

I’m a breath away from claiming Dakota’s first kiss. She doesn’t blink, doesn’t break. I thought we were playing chicken, but she’s calling my bluff.

With a sigh, I pull back.

“Damn, ace. Respect your commitment.” I shake my head. “Alright, you’ve got your question. Ask away.”

Dakota’s eyes go wide, her face flushing even harder. She’s cute when she blushes. It makes her freckles stand out. Suddenly, the hard-nosed reporter is gone, replaced by a flash of something vulnerable.

“Why didn’t you kiss me?” she blurts out.

I study her face.

---