Page 106 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“He’d show his hand,” I eventually mutter, giving her the answer she’s expecting.

“Exactly, so show yours. Tell her how you feel, what you want, and trust her with it.”

And if she crushes the hope I have of this becoming anything? How the fuck am I meant to deal with that?

31

HAILEE

After the longest day of meetings and attempting to clear out my emails, I finally close my laptop, and with bleary eyes, I put myself in the shower before climbing into bed.

Thoughts of waking up here alone haven’t been far from my mind all day, but I’ve forced them aside. It’s pointless trying to piece together a chain of events I slept through. All I know is that at some point after falling asleep in Hayden’s arms on the couch, he had to have carried me in here. But as I roll over and press my face to the pillow I don’t use, I’m reminded that he didn’t get in with me.

My heart sinks a little at the thought of him cleaning up and leaving. Deep down, I know it was for the best—if I’d woken up in his arms with his hot and hard body against mine, well, I know exactly what I’d have wanted. Last time, I freaked out and ran away, but I get the feeling that if I’d woken and discovered the same thing this morning, something very, very different would have happened.

Heat rolls through me at the thought of having his hands on me. His lips against mine.

What he gave me on the couch last night was incredible, but if I’m being honest, it barely scratched the surface.

I haven’t had sex in…a long time. Every orgasm I’ve had in the past few years has been delivered by my fingers or a toy, and finally having a man involved…well, let’s just say, I fear that no toy in my drawer is going to cut it.

Trying not to get carried away with everything that man would probably do to me given the chance, I open Instagram and begin scrolling through, scanning through stories about rival teams and players that are trending. Thankfully, things are quiet with our guys right now. As much as I might hope it continues, it’s only a matter of time before I’m putting out fires left and right. I should enjoy the peace while I’ve got it.

Happy that nothing needs my immediate attention, I put my cell down and grab my book. I’m not going to read much, my eyes are already heavy as hell, but I’m hopeful I can get at least one chapter in.

I’ve barely read two pages before my cell dings with a message.

I’m tempted to ignore it, but my curiosity finally wins out, and I reach for it.

The second my eyes land on the notification, my heart jumps and I’m suddenly awake and alert.

I was surprised not to find anything waiting for me from Hayden when I woke this morning, and even more surprised that I’ve had nothing but radio silence all day.

I know he’s busy, but still. I was expecting something.

Swiping the screen, I wait for the picture to load, and the second it does, all the air comes rushing from my lungs.

“Holy hell,” I gasp, my eyes taking in every single detail before dropping the accompanying message.

Hayden: Really enjoying this series. Not sure how you coped with the cliffhangers, though. Brutal.

I look up again, needing more of him.

Just like me, he’s lying in bed with his book in hand, only he isn’t covered by the sheets or pajamas. Oh, no. He’s only wearing a tight pair of boxer briefs and a pair of thick-rimmed glasses; everything else is on show, aside from the bottom half of his face, which is covered by the book. His eyes…they’re peering over the top and staring right at me.

That look hits me right between the thighs where my heartbeat seems to take up residence.

Jesus.

I debate what to do for a few seconds, but in the end, I go with typing out a simple message. The thought of taking a similar photo and sending it back makes my heart race with desire and excitement.

Hailee: You flew through those first two books. Where are you at?

Hayden: When I want something, I set my mind to it and get it done. Just gone past the scene in the woods

Hailee: Oh yeah, I remember it well.

Hayden: I bet you do