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Some guys would take that as a free pass to make a crude joke, and while I saw a few guys make suggestive faces, they all remained quiet.
Dad clapped his hands. “Alright. Everyone onto the ice. Big game this weekend.”
They all filed toward the end of the hallway where an open door gave me a view of the ice rink. The clatter of hockey sticks rang through the air to mix with the good-natured ribbing among the team.
I turned my back on the retreating team and stepped into my new office. It still smelled of paint and drywall dust, but I didn’t care. I had my very own office. A squeal of excitement tightened in my throat.
Footsteps sounded behind me and I whirled around. Justin stopped in the open doorway and leaned his shoulder on theframe. His heavy pads made him look bulky, but the slight grin teasing his lips drew my attention.
I licked my lips and he followed the action with a smoldering look that caused heat to pool low in my belly. “Can I help you?”
“Oh, I hope so.” He took a step into the room, coming close enough that I caught the flecks of gold in his blue eyes.
Holy hell the guy was hot enough to make me catch fire with nothing more than a look.
“Justin, right?” I forced my legs to move and walked over to the examination table. “What can I do for you?”
He followed behind me, his presence lifting the hairs on the back of my neck and sending jolts of awareness down my spine. “I think I pulled a muscle. Could you check it for me?”
2
LUCY
Bullshit. The word lingered on the edge of my tongue, and I bit my inner cheek to keep from saying it out loud. I couldn’t risk making a fool of myself on the first day, but something about the guy’s cocky smile told me that he had another muscle group in mind.
I was ninety percent certain he was full of shit, but I waved for him to come on in. “You’re going to have to remove your pads.”
He yanked off the outer layer of his uniform so fast he could have been a professional stripper. Oh, wait. They were all about the slow tease. So, what did that make this guy?
His blond hair stood up in short spikes that would be flattened once he wore his helmet for more than five minutes, but the jagged look suited him. As did the cocky demeanor radiating off him. He strolled over to the exam table, and I’ll be damned if he didn’t have a slight limp every time he moved his right leg.
“I need you to fill these out.” I grabbed a stack of forms and shoved the clipboard at him.
He smirked while writing. “I was going to stop by your dad’s office on my way out of practice and find out what I was supposed to do. Then he goes and brings you on board.” He lifted his head and gave me a long once over that for some reason didn’t feel as creepy as it should. If anything, it made my pulse beat faster. This one was trouble. “Must be my lucky day.”
I crossed my arms and leaned a hip against the cold countertop. My new digs were brighter than the mundane gray outside, but the beige walls and white countertops could still use some color. I’d see what I could do about bringing in some paintings to liven up the place. He handed the clipboard back to me. “I think it’s everyone’s lucky day, Justin.” I met his smirking grin with one of my own. I knew how to deal with guys like him. He’d flirt and maybe ask for my number. But he’d never take anything seriously. Guys like him never did.
I didn’t like judging him after a two-minute interaction, but everything about this guy screamedplayer.
“What’s the problem?” I rubbed my hands together to make sure they wouldn’t shock him with cold and narrowed my focus on his leg.
His smirking grin fell and he stretched out his leg. “Most likely a hamstring strain.” My eyebrows shot up and he laughed. “I’ve had them before, so I know what they feel like. There’s a tight sensation here.” He pinched the back of his leg, right over the hamstring.
“Scoot back onto the table and lift your leg.” I didn’t touch him yet. Wouldn’t if I could keep from it, but I had to once it came time to perform the range of motion test and to be able to properly document my findings.
Damn. He had fine muscle tone.
“Need me to take my pants off?” The smirk returned.
I lifted his leg and tested his range of motion. “Do you want to stay on the team?”
“Yes. What does that have to do with it?” His hiss of pain sliced the air.
I winced for him. “Sorry. But you heard my dad. No fraternizing.” I lowered his leg to the table and stepped back. “I’m happy to report you can keep your pants on.”
“You’re a smart ass.” He propped up on his elbows. “I like it.”
“Yeah, well, don’t think it makes you special. I’m a smart ass to everyone.” It wasn’t a complete lie. I usually tried to be more professional, but Justin made it easy to loosen up. “And you’re also right about the strain. You remember what to do?”
