Sometimes. But only when you’re being an asshole.
This makes me laugh.
Addison
Which is always. Anyway, we should get together soon and catch up. Maybe after your away games?
Patterson
I’d like that.
I toss my phone on the nightstand and stare at the ceiling for hours.
The next morning, I’m heading toward the rink for early practice when I hear footsteps behind me. Before I turn around, I know it’s her because I’ve developed some kind of radar for Kendall Hart’s presence that I can’t seem to shut off.
“We need to talk.” Her voice is rough.
I keep walking. “Do we?”
She grabs my arm and yanks me into an empty hallway, shoving me against the wall with more force than I’d expect from someone her size. Her eyes are blazing, and her chest is heaving. She looks pissed at me, which shouldn’t turn me on as much as it does.
“Do you plan to keep me celibate until the end of time?” She’s close enough that I can smell her vanilla perfume and see the gold flecks in those furious brown eyes. “Because that’s what this feels like. Punishment.”
“You could’ve reached out at any time,” I tell her.
“So could you.”
“Yeah, butyouproposed this arrangement.” My heart is racing. “You come to me when you want it. That’s how this works.”
“That’s not?—”
“I won’t contact you first.” I push off the wall, crowding her now, reversing our positions until her back hits the opposite wall. “You wanted this, remember? You got on your knees for me and set the terms.” I brace my forearm above her head and watch her pupils blow wide. “So, if you’re frustrated, that’s ayouproblem, babe. Don’t be too proud to text me.”
Her breath catches, and I watch her thighs press together involuntarily. She’s pissed off and turned on and trying desperately to hide both.
“You’re unbelievable.” She’s seething.
“So what? You’re desperate.” I let my gaze drag down her body, taking my time. “Over a week without my hands on you, and now you’re cornering me in hallways, shoving me against walls like a rabid animal.” I lean in closer, my lips brushing the shell of her ear. “Pathetic, Ken Doll.”
A small sound escapes her throat before she catches herself. “I saw the headlines, Pattycakes. Four dates last week. Been busy.”
“Jealous?”
“Please.” She scoffs, but her voice is breathier than before. “I don’t give a shit who you’re with.”
“Sure you don’t.” I drag my knuckles down her arm, light enough to make her shiver. “That’s why you’re trembling right now. That’s why you hunted me down first thing in the morning. Because you don’t give a shit.”
“I’m shaking because I’m pissed off.”
“Liar.” I press my thigh between hers, just barely, and watch her eyes flutter. “You’re shaking because you haven’t come, and you’re losing your mind, thinking about me every free second you have. Please tell me I’m wrong.”
“Fuck you.”
“That’s the idea.” I grind my thigh up against her, and she bites her lip hard enough to leave marks. “But you have to ask nicely.”
“I really hate you,” she says.
I don’t step back. I don’t give her an inch. If anything, her words only make me harder.
