The world tilts.For a second, it’s just him and me, and the air buzzes with something sharp and undeniable.My pulse kicks, my stomach flips, and I swear I forget how to breathe.
For the first time in my life, I understand why people become obsessed with the opposite sex.I thought something was broken in me because I never paid much attention to boys, but now I get it.
Is this fate?Love at first sight?I never believed in that stuff before, but now… there’s no other way to describe what I’m feeling.
It’s so strong that I’m sure that he must feel it too, and I smile.
He frowns, looking away first, dismissing me like I’m nothing.The burn of it lights something in me.
I swallow, blinking a few times and sitting up straighter in my chair.
“All right, let’s get this over with,” Coach says.
I clear my throat, raise my hand, and ask the first question I can think of.“Hi, I’m Elle Martin for the Maple Creek Gazette.Declan, what do you think the team needs to work on this season?”
Every head swivels toward me, and I realize I might have messed up the protocol on how to ask questions.I probably should have waited to see how it was done, but it’s too late for that now.
Declan’s gaze snaps to mine, pinning me where I sit, and for a heartbeat, I think he’s going to answer.Instead, he turns back toward the table, his lips pressing into a grim line.Silent.
The other reporters chuckle under their breath.Someone mutters, “Rookie mistake,” and my cheeks flame with a fierce blush.
Declan Hayes just made me look like a fool in front of everyone, and for some insane reason, that doesn’t make me want to back down.It makes me want to tear down whatever wall he’s hiding behind and prove I can handle him.To prove I can handle this job.
Underneath that ice-cold exterior, I can feel it.There’s something there, something dangerous, something I can’t stop wanting, even though I know I should.
If Declan Hayes thinks he can ignore me?
He has no idea who he’s dealing with.
Chapter Two
Declan
Reporters, I scoff.
I hate them.They circle like vultures, waiting for one misstep, one crack in the armor.They don’t care who you are or what you’ve been through.They want a headline.They want a story.They want blood.
That’s why I keep my head down.One-word answers.No personal details.Smile for the cameras when I have to, but never—ever—let them close.
It’s worked for me for years.
Until I see her.
I spot her as soon as I walk in.Not because she’s new here, but because everything in me says she’s mine.My gaze locks on her like a magnet, and for one stupid, reckless moment, I forget to breathe.But I know that if I pay too much attention to her, rumors will start to swirl.The last thing I need right now is for a room full of reporters to see me drooling over one of them.
But ignoring her is harder than I anticipated.She sits in the press room like she doesn’t belong here, all bright enthusiasm and wide eyes.Not the usual hard-edged, cynical type.She looks… soft.Innocent.Way too good to be thrown into this den of vultures.
I try to ignore her, forget all about her and the unexpected feelings she’s stirred in me… but then she opens her sweet mouth and asks me a question.
Her voice is clear and steady as she introduces herself.Brave, even.Elle Martin.Elle.The name suits her.Classy.Unforgettable, like her.It’s clear that she feels like a fish out of water, but she doesn’t let that stop her.Pride prickles inside me.
Still, her direct question rattles me.I don’t trust myself to talk to her, to let her in, so I ignore her.I shouldn’t, but I panic.
If I open my mouth, I’ll say something I can’t take back.Something honest.Something dangerous.Because the truth is, I want to answer her.I want to give her more than I’ve ever given anyone else in this room.
Instead, I shut her out.Watch her cheeks flush with embarrassment, watch the other reporters smirk at her inexperience, and something ugly twists in my gut.
Regret and jealousy.
