Page 72 of Risking the Pucking Defense

I glance over and raise a brow.

She’s serious for two seconds, and then a smile breaks through and laughter explodes. It’s a little manic, and I’m not sure what to think about it, but I can’t help joining in. And that’s exactly how four members of hotel staff, two elevator technicians, Reese, Fletch, Harlow, Rett, and Bea find us a few minutes later when the doors open and we finally spill out.

It wasn’t the kind of seven minutes in heaven I thought I wanted with Hailee.

It was even better.

21

HAYDEN

“What the hell happened?” Rett demands as I push through the small crowd and beeline for the bar.

I need…

I don’t know what I need.

Yes, I do. I need to be back inside that elevator with my lips on Hailee’s. Or preferably, in one of the hotel rooms above us. Just the two of us with the door locked and zero distractions.

As discreetly as I can, I reach between my legs and adjust myself, praying no one notices the fact that I’m rock fucking hard for the woman I just walked away from.

Was that the right thing to do? I have no idea. But I couldn’t stand there and forget everything that just happened while everyone asked us a million questions.

“The elevator broke down,” I shoot over my shoulder as I make eye contact with the bartender and order three fingers of whiskey. It won’t be anywhere near enough to settle the riot that’s happening inside me, but it’s a start.

“Well, yeah, we got that.”

“We tried calling for help, but the alarm wasn’t working. Thought we were going to be in there all night.”

“Nah, we missed you, man.”

His words make a smile twitch on my lips.

“Thought you were going to miss dinner.”

I’m not one to pass up food, but fuck if I wouldn’t have rather spent the night trapped in the elevator with Hailee than I would have sitting out here eating a three-course meal with her at a different table.

The moment my drink is placed in front of me, I lift it to my lips and swallow it all down.

“Shit. Are you claustrophobic or something?” Rett asks, Bea stepping up beside him and looping her arm through his.

“Or something,” I mutter before catching her eye. “Excuse me, I need the bathroom.”

They both watch me go with concern filling their eyes, but thankfully, they don’t follow me. Instead, I get the few minutes of peace I need to pull myself together.

I stand in front of the sinks and look myself dead in the eyes.

Darkness and pain still fill them, but there’s something a little lighter beginning to edge its way in.

Getting back to work and being with the guys is a big part of that.

But so is Hailee.

When I’m with her, everything quiets down.

My hand slips into my pocket for my cell, but I stop myself before I pull it free when I remember that I don’t have anyone to message about all this.

The temptation to turn left out of the bathroom and leave is strong, but knowing that it’ll only make everyone worry about me, I force myself to return to the main room, right as everyone is taking their seats for dinner.