Page 107 of Risking the Pucking Defense

Hailee: Getting chased through the woods in real life is my literal idea of hell, but in a book, I’m down.

I know I shouldn’t be engaging in a conversation like this, but I can’t help myself.

Hayden: I’ll let you chase me anywhere you want, baby

Hailee: I’m not really a runner. Crawling, I can get on board with.

Hayden: Oh yeah? You want me on my hands and knees for you, huh?

The pulsating between my legs only gets stronger as I picture him before me, gazing up with those heated eyes as he begs for more orders.

Fucking hell, he’d do it without question as well. If anything, that thought makes the whole thing even hotter.

Hayden: What would you make me do while I’m down there?

Hailee: Well…my floors could do with a good clean.

As I hit send, I hear his bark of laughter as clearly as if he’s sitting next to me.

Hayden: Are you as dirty as your floors, goddess?

Hailee: That’s for me to know…

Hayden: And for me to find out?

Hayden: What are you doing?

Hailee: Exactly the same as you.

Hayden: Lying in your underwear, wishing you had more company than fictional characters?

Hailee: When you put it like that, maybe we’re not doing the same things…

Hayden: Go on…

Hailee: I’m wearing pjs.

Hayden: I can work with that. What about the company?

Hailee: I’ve put the fictional characters aside.

Hayden: I’m honored. How was your day?

Hailee: Long. Yours?

Hayden: It was good. Breakfast with my parents was good. They’re planning on coming to more games this year, and despite the obvious, they looked happier than I was expecting. I think they’re going to be okay. Training was brutal, as was the ice bath Corey forced me into after my session with him. And then I got interrogated by Rett and Bea.

My heart jumps into my throat at the reminder that Rett walked in on us last night. That he’ll have told Bea almost immediately what he saw. But will they tell anyone else? I like to think I can trust him. We have a weird kind of mutual respect thing going on. He pretends to hate me, and I give him even more shit to try and make him hate me for real. It’s entertaining as hell, and secretly, I think he’s a great guy—all the drama he causes aside, obviously.

Hailee: What did they say?

Hayden: That they’re proud of me

Hailee: Typical Rett.

Hayden: Seriously, though, they’re happy for me and rooting for us.

Us.