Page 82 of Risking the Pucking Defense

I’m really kissing Hailee fucking Caldwell.

Her arms wrap around my shoulders, and I utterly lose myself in her.

I’m not sure when it happens, but at some point, I spin us around, pressing her back against the wall, deepening the kiss.

The light goes out again with our limited movement, and it only heightens my need for this woman.

“Fuck, Hails,” I pant as I continue to keep my lips against hers, nowhere close to being ready to end it.

She blinks, her amber eyes dark and glittering with even more gold flecks than usual.

“Y-you need to get back out⁠—”

Suddenly, light erupts around us. I wince as it burns my eyes, but that’s nothing compared to the voice that hits my ears.

“Well, well, well,” Rett sings. “What do we have here?”

24

HAILEE

Ice floods through my veins, replacing the fire that was racing through them only moments ago.

“Shit,” Hayden curses, lowering his forehead to mine.

“Bro, we’ve got a game to go play. Coach is freaking out, and you’re in here making out with someone. We thought something was seriously wrong.”

“Something is seriously wrong,” Hayden mutters. “I…I had a bit of a panic attack of sorts. My parents are out there, and Rylee isn’t. It just…it hit me out of nowhere.”

“Shit. Fuck. I’m sorry, man. That’s…yeah, that’s a lot. But⁠—”

“Please, can you shut the door and walk away? Give us a moment. I’ll be right there.”

Suddenly, it occurs to me as to why Hayden hasn’t moved. He’s hiding me. Protecting me.

“It’s okay,” I whisper so only he can hear.

He shakes his head. “No, it’s not.”

“Uh…yeah, sure,” Rett agrees. “Before I go, though, I just gotta say, if there’s anyone out there who can ensure this doesn’t become front-page news at some point, it’s the woman you’re trying to hide from me.”

Silence.

“Proud of you, Caldwell. Didn’t think you had a reckless bone in your body. Two minutes, Monroe, and not a second more.”

“Got it.”

The door falls closed, and Hayden slams his closed fist against the wall above my head, making me shriek.

“Fuck. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“No, you didn’t. Just startled me.”

“I’m so sorry, I⁠—”

“Hayden,” she says softly. “You didn’t make me follow you in here. And you didn’t make the first move. I’m the one who should be apologizing.”

“What? No. Never. Not for that. Don’t ever⁠—”