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“I saw Noah today. We talked about my future career. My time as a professional player is over, so I need to figure out what comes next.”
She nods in understanding. News of my impending “retirement” was leaked to the media yesterday, making national news. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that their “source” was Coach Larch. Asshole.
Jess looks thoughtful. “What about coaching or starting a program for kids who want to play?”
I shake my head with a chuckle. This woman has the ability to read my mind.
“What’s so funny?” she asks with a frown.
“You, reading my mind. Funnily enough, coaching was one of the options I discussed with Noah. The Rangers are looking for an assistant coach. I know Bill Hamble well. He was a great player, and he’s done good things with the team. Plus, I get to stay in New York.”
Jessica grins. “What’s not to like? Sounds ideal.”
“Yeah. It’s gonna take some adjustment. I’ve been playing hockey for half my life. But things seem to be sliding into place.” I look down at her. “Like meeting you. How the hell has no one snapped you up before now?”
Jessica’s expression clouds over, and she shrugs. “There was a guy I was seeing a few years ago. We went on a few dates, and he thought that entitled him to sex. He tried to force me, but I got away.” She grimaces. “I decided to forget about dating and focus on work after that.”
I’m stunned by her revelation. Anger surges to the surface. I need more, like a name and address so I can beat the living shit out of him.“What the hell, Jess? Tell me Mack wiped the floor with him.”
Jessica presses her lips together. “Mack doesn’t know. I never told him because I knew he’d kill him. You’re the first person I’ve told.”
My heart clenches. “Jesus, Jess, you should’ve—”
“I know, Harrison,” she says, placing her hand over mine. “Believe me, I know I should’ve told someone, but I willingly went back to his apartment with him. It would’ve been my word against his. I was lucky. He kissed me, and he got a bit rough. I told him to stop, but he wouldn’t, so I kneed him in the balls and punched him in the face. Then I left, and I didn’t look back. My hand was sore for a week, though,” she says wryly, glancing down at our entwined hands.
Knowing she trusted me with her body, her pleasure after that kind of experience humbles me. I pull her close, wanting to comfort her. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that alone.”
She snuggles in, wrapping her arms around me. “I’m not alone now. Am I?” She lifts questioning eyes to mine.
I rub my thumb over her bottom lip. “No, angel. You’re not.”
I shift her so she’s straddling my lap, and my mouth finds hers in a blaze of need, kissing her deeply, thoroughly. I force myself to pull away, needing to tell her something before this goes any further.
“You’re the first woman I’ve kissed in three years,” I confess, smoothing her hair away from her flushed cheeks.
Her eyes widen. “You mean . . . haven’t been with anyone in that time?”
“No. I was in a relationship, and it went . . . bad. I decided after her I was better off alone. Promised myself I’d remain celibate until I found a woman who wanted me for me, not for money or status. Then you came barreling around the corner that evening at the arena, and I knew.”
“Knew what?” she whispers.
“That you were it for me. One look. That’s all it took, Jess.”
She blows out a shaky breath. “It was the same for me. All I could think about was seeing you again, being near you.”
“Are you sure I’m what you want?” I ask gruffly.
She cups my face in her hands, and our eyes connect. “I’m sure, Harrison. Take me to bed. Please.”
I surge to my feet, and Jessica’s legs wrap around my waist. I find her mouth again as I head down the hallway to my bedroom.
“Fuck, Jessica. Need you, angel,” I groan between frantic kisses and gasps of air.
I lay her on the bed and follow her down, kissing her like a man starved. Jessica fists her hands in my hair as I take what I need from her sweet lips, licking inside her mouth with a passion that has her whimpering beneath me.
I pull away, nibbling my way along her jaw, and she gasps when I suckle on the sensitive spot below her ear.
“You have no idea how much I need you, Jess,” I growl, nipping her earlobe.
