“So you flew out here for a client who makes your blood pressure spike?” He asks, amused, dimples framing his mouth.
“I came to observe, remember?”
He takes a step closer, subtle, yet intentional. “Yeah, did I pass your up-close observation?”
With flying freakingcolors.
Matt calls his name, breaking the spell he’s put me under.
“I slipped a keycard in your purse before I left this morning. After the game we’ll go back to the hotel to get luggage. Since you’re not flying with the team, I thought you might want to get your bag. But if you want to have a session… I’m up for it.”
He jogs back to the team, spins and says, “Don’t leave.”
When the game is over, I rush back to the hotel, so I won’t run into Sutton or the rest of his family. I grab my bag and head to the airport, but I do send him a text before take-off.
Me: Great game. You did it. Not me or anyone else. Keep your mind clear. Since you seem to think you’re fixed, I’ll cancel your Monday session.
When I land in Austin, his response is waiting on me.
Parker: I need a session tonight. I’m sure you have my address.
A girlish grin tickles my lips.
Me: Thanks, but I’m good.
Parker loves the chase. All guys do.
He loves sprinting after balls, launching himself into the air, trusting his body to do what his mind tries to ruin. He thrives in the moment of split-second decisions where everything is instinct, risk and reward.
So I make him chase me and I’ll figure out if it’s real or if he peters out.
Because I need to know. Was last night just another moment for him? Another high? Another win?
Or, was it something more. It feels like something more. I stare out my window as I pull into the driveway. The engine ticks as it cools.
The quiet of my house greets me.
Controlled.
Quiet.
Safe from my feelings.
I had sex with Parker.
I can’t recall a time when I was so unprofessional.
Not in hockey growing up—I was always the first one on the ice and the last one off.
Not in college.
Dean’s list. Focused.
Not at the pizza parlor.
Reliable. Friendly and invisible when needed.
Not in my professional career.
