Page 196 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

In a panic, I rush around the reception desk and curl my fingers around her wrist.

“Don’t,” she hisses, tugging her arm away, but she stops running.

I step right up behind her, letting her sweet vanilla scent flood my nose.

“We took Kodie out for a beer. He was pissed about Nash’s trade,” I explain. “Casey was at work, and he needed something. Really, we should have gone to the gym and let him work his frustration out there, but everyone was wiped, so we went to the Fractured Compass. A few of the others joined us, and then it turned into a night out.

“I never did anything with those women, Sienna. They’re just photos. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. Not when my head is so full of you.”

She spins around and stares up at me.

“I meant what I said to you, darlin’. You’re the only woman I’ve ever truly wanted. The only one I’ve ever been able to picture a future with. The only one I want a future with.”

Her expression remains hard, but her eyes soften.

“They were just bunnies who wanted content for their socials. I barely gave them the time of day.”

“If your head was so full of me, why didn’t you respond to my message? Why let me find those images online instead?”

“Because I’m a stupid asshole. I was all up in my head about this Nash bullshit. And I—I’m sorry. NO excuse is good enough.” I step closer to her, so close that her body heat seeps into me.

Goddamn, I missed her.

My hand lifts, cupping her jaw. I expect her to jolt away again, but to my surprise, this time, she leans into my touch.

My heart thumps as hope pumps through me.

I get to enjoy the moment for all of two seconds before she jumps away and demands I follow her.

Unable to do anything but what she says, my eyes shamelessly drop to her ass, and I follow her into the other room.

“Take a seat,” she says, pointing to the chair at the closest nail station.

I hesitate. I might have agreed to this, but I didn’t actually expect her to go through with it.

I’ve never had a manicure in my life, and I don’t really intend on starting now.

But if it means Sienna will have to touch me, I’ll do anything to make it happen.

She waits a moment, watching me closely, before she starts walking away.

“Wait, where are you going?”

She freezes and takes a deep breath.

“Getting everything prepared. Would you like a drink?”

“A glass of water would be great,” I say before she disappears.

I smirk when I hear her walk through the salon and to the front door. But she’s too late; I’ve already locked it, stopping us from being interrupted.

Her huff of a laugh floats through to me.

She really underestimates me.

I’m only alone for a few minutes before Sienna returns with a bowl of soapy water and a glass of water.

“Thanks,” I murmur, taking the glass before it can hit the table and downing it quickly. “I drank too much last night, and I’m still paying for it.”