Page 71 of Hard to Get

“That’s what I need. It’s what the whole team needs.”

“Are your coaches talking to you about any of this?”

“Yeah, but more at the team level. I think they have a good grasp of the numbers.”

“They have access to our platforms,” I say. “That’s part of our deal with the NHL.”

“Is this… a conflict of interest?”

Her eyes widen. “No. The league is a client. I’m not giving you anything they don’t already have. And we’re available for consultations. I’ve done it for other teams.”

“Okay. What about you and me?”

Her lips purse. “I don’t think there’s a conflict there, either. You’re not a stakeholder we do business with. You don’t make decisions for the team. Although you’re a very important part of the team,” she adds with a cheeky smile.

“Yes, I am.” I kiss her again, this time a longer kiss, stroking inside her mouth with my tongue. Tasting her. Feasting on her. In the far recesses of my brain, reason prods and I reluctantly draw back. “Well, I guess I should go. Game day tomorrow.”

She lifts her eyelids like there are ten-pound weights attached to them. “Uh. Right. Okay. When will you be back from your road trip?”

“Tuesday next week.”

“A whole week.”

I hesitate. “Turns out we don’t fly to St. Louis till Thursday morning. We could get together Wednesday.”

“Hmmm.” She grabs her phone and scrolls, nibbling at her bottom lip. “Damn. I have a hair appointment.”

I blink. “Oh. Maybe after?”

She looks up, making a face. “Highlights. The whole works. It takes hours.”

“I couldn’t convince you to reschedule it? I could bribe you with… chips.”

She laughs. Like I was joking.

I wasn’t joking. I sigh inwardly. “Your hair looks nice.”

“Aw. Thanks.” She leans over and smooches my lips. “It’ll look better after I get freshened up.”

“Okay. I’ll text you.”

She walks me downstairs and to her door. When I pick up Frank’s leash, he bolts up from where he was sleeping and dashes over. Betty lifts her head and watches.

With my free hand, I pull Stella in for another kiss. I want more of those sweet, filthy kisses, but I’m afraid if I do that, I’ll end up taking her back upstairs and tossing her on her bed.

When I draw back, she remains there, face tilted up, eyes closed. “Mmmm.”

“Yeah.” I brush fingertips over her soft cheek. “I’ll be thinking dirty thoughts about you while I’m gone.”

Her lips curve upward. “Me, too.”

“I like that.” One more kiss. Just one. Then… “G’night.”

Her eyes flutter open. “Night, Jayden. Bye, Frank.”

I force myself to leave. Christ, being responsible sucks.

When I get home, I take out the papers she gave me and set them on the kitchen counter. I’ll bring them on the road trip when I’ll have time to read them and think about them.