Miles.
What the hell? Why is he calling me? I haven’t spoken to him since I dumped his sorry ass, and my stomach twists with anxiety at the thought of talking to him again.
No. Hell no.
I decline the call and set the phone back down. It immediately starts buzzing again and I pick it back up, grinding my teeth. I relax when I see that it’s Sutton calling this time, not that bastard Miles.
“Hey stranger,” I answer. “What’s going on?”
“Not much,” she replies in a cheery voice. “Just thought I’d check in and see how it’s going. Have you fallen in love with a hothunk and decided to move there permanently? Seems to be the trend lately.”
My stomach clenches and I release a nervous laugh. “What? That’s crazy. I wouldn’t do that… don’t be dumb!”
“Oooookay,” Sutton replies in a voice dripping with suspicion. “I totally believe you.”
“Whatever,” I grumble, closing my laptop and moving to shove it in my computer bag. “I just got here, so I haven’t had time for anything other than hanging out with the girlies.”
“Ugh, I’m jealous. I wish I could hang out with you all too.” She lets out a long sigh.
“Why don’t you fly out here for a weekend or something?”
“No can do,” she grumbles. “Work is crazy right now. We’re mid-construction on a new high rise and there’s no way my boss is going to let me go until it’s done.”
“That sucks. I’d love it if you could be here.”
“I know. It’s just not the same without my gorgeous self.”
I chuckle. “You got that right.” I sling my bag over my shoulder. “Listen, I gotta leave for the rink. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Have a good day at work, dear!”
“Thanks, honey!” I laugh as I hang up the phone and head out the door.
When I get to the rink, the guys are still practicing, so I take the opportunity to pull out my camera and get a few shots of them out on the ice. The way they move with such ease and skill is impressive and I catch a slap shot, Carson diving to block thepuck, a couple of guys slamming each other into the boards, and Jensen charging down the middle of the rink.
I can’t help myself as I scan the team for Zander and spot him almost immediately. I still can’t fucking believe he was chosen by the team as the “bachelor of the year” and the one I have to work with one-on-one.
I recognize his massive build, even if I can’t see his face. On my way over here, I realized how badly I need to confront him to get some closure about that night, as much as I really, really, really don’t want to. I think it’s the only way I’ll be able to put the fantasy of him, and the disappointment in the reality of him, behind me. Seeing him now, though, my trepidation melts away as I grow mesmerized by him. The way he moves… his big hands clutching his stick… damn it, why can’t I stop looking at him?
And why am I getting all hot and flustered?
It’s just… the memory of his head between my thighs creeps into my brain and I sink my teeth into my bottom lip as I watch him…
At the sound of someone clearing their throat right next to me, I jump and let out a surprised yelp. I look up to find Coach Sullivan gazing down at me with a brow arched in curiosity.
“Hey there, Rylee,” he greets me.
“Hey, Coach.” My voice squeaks and I wince. Fuck.
“I got your email with the schedule you put together,” he tells me, ignoring my awkwardness, thank God. “I’ll make sure the guys follow it. There’s a conference room down by the PT offices that you can use for the interviews and individual photos.”
“Great, thank you.” I grin up at him, then look back out over the ice. “I’ve been thinking and the team shot will be better in the rink with everyone in full gear.”
He nods. “Totally agree. We’ll make that happen too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, practice is about to wrap up. I’ll show you the conference room later.”
“Sounds good.”
Coach turns and blows his whistle, calling the guys in, and I move to the side to take a few more pictures. Again, my gaze zeroes in on Zander. He pulls off his helmet, shaking out his hair and I gulp, feeling hot in the icy space. Shaking my head, I pull myself out of my daze.
