Page 1 of Break Out

Chapter one

Aubrey

Five.

Four.

The small crowd around me shouts the countdown to the New Year as one voice, echoing across the backyard and the lake.

It’s an intimate party but they’re still loud. I guess that’s what happens when you party with a professional hockey team.

Brody and I have been friends since high school, but this is the first time I’ve gone to a team event with him. I was shocked when he asked me if I wanted to go to their New Year’s Eve masquerade party. I’ve met a few of his teammates over the years—the guys he’s played with his whole career—but that’s been it.

Now I can’t help but wonder why that is. Is Brody ashamed of me? Is that why he’s never introduced me to the rest of his team?

I saw the surprise on his teammates’ faces when he introduced me. Can’t say I blame them. They probably didn’t even know I existed before tonight.

Sighing, I turn and make eye contact with the guy standing next to me who I’m sure is one of Brody’s teammates. Which one, I can’t tell, thanks to these masks.

When did he walk up?

Have I been that lost in thought that I didn’t hear him approach?

I smile although I’m not sure he can see it, given how dark it is. He takes a step closer, and I nod to him before turning to scan the backyard. I don’t want the guy to think I’m rude but I’m running out of time to find Brody.

Three.

I peek over at the guy again and squint, trying to figure out who he is. I can’t see much because he’s still standing in the shadows of the trees, hidden from the small amount of light the twinkle lights strung around the backyard give off. Not that it matters. I don’t know most of Brody’s teammates well enough to be able to tell them apart in the daylight, how will I be able to tell in the dark?

Where the fuck is Brody?

I glance over my shoulder, trying to find my best friend who is wearing a red mask that matches mine, but I don’t see him.

My heart sinks. A tiny part of me had hoped that this was going to be the year that he finally kissed me on New Year’s Eve.

That I’d finally find out what his lips taste like.

I thought this was why he invited me to the party.

Two.

I turn my attention back to the guy standing next to me. I’m not superstitious. Not exactly. But I still think it’s bad luck not to get a kiss at midnight. Even if that kiss won’t be from Brody.

One.

I don’t know which one of us makes the first move, but the noise fades away as my lips connect with the mysterious hockey player’s. What starts off as a chaste kiss quickly deepens when his tongue darts out and swipes across my lips. I open for him with a groan that he swallows. His hand on my back where my dress dips down sends goosebumps across my skin. His other hand grips my hip. My hands fist his shirt, pulling him closer as I get lost in the kiss.

Fuck, I wish I knew who this was.

Shit.

Shit.

I’m kissing one of Brody’s teammates. I’m kissing one of my best friend’s coworkers. I push away and thankfully he lets me go.

I stumble back, my heels sinking into the grass.

I can’t do this.