Page 43 of Shootout
Jessie was different. I wanted to know more about her, talk to her, spend time with her. The sex was only one component. I wasn’t planning on being a real boyfriend and girlfriend, but since we were forced to spend time together, we might as well enjoy each other while it lasted.
“Don’t go,” I pleaded. Inwardly I cringed at how desperate I sounded.
She wouldn’t look me in the eye. “I don’t want Jason to have a fit.”
“You’re a little old to be answering to your brother,” I reminded her, even while knowing that exacting revenge for Jason’s attempts to control her was exactly what got us into this mess. I’d have to thank him at some point for forcing us together. I secretly laughed at such a thought. Talk about a death wish.
“I’m not worried about me. It’s you I’m worried about.”
I snorted, letting her know I’d handle Jason. She frowned, and doubt crossed her pretty face.
“No regrets, Jessie. None.” I placed my finger under her chin and lifted her head so she had to look at me.
She frowned, took a moment to consider my words, and a ghost of a smile crossed her pretty face. “Okay, no regrets. I’d do it over again.”
“Even on the Zamboni?” I asked.
“Well, that part I could do without. Good thing we’re both flexible.”
“Good thing. I want to see you again,” I blurted.
“Of course.” Her tone was noncommittal, and I sensed her drawing away and wrapping herself in a layer of protection.
“Jessie, please, don’t run away from me.”
“I can’t since we’re supposedly madly in love.”
I smirked at her words. “Good, then you’ll be at my game tomorrow night?”
“I don’t know. I hadn’t thought about it.”
“You’re a WAG, and you have to be there. Most of the WAGs have a private box that Ethan Parker provides. I’ll make sure you have the ticket and pass.”
She frowned, and I held my breath, expecting her to turn me down.
“Okay.”
I blew out the breath I’d been holding and smiled. “And Saturday night? We have back-to-back home games.”
Nodding, she extracted herself from my arms, and I let her go. I’d gotten a promise to attend my next two games.
“Good night, Banks.” She didn’t wait but hurried out a side door with her skates slung over her shoulders and was gone before I could respond.
I stood rooted to the spot for several minutes, recalling the events of the night. I wanted her. That moment on the Zamboni wouldn’t be the end but the beginning of some pretty damn exciting sex in my future. My powers of persuasion would win her over. She wouldn’t be able to resist me, I’d see to that.
I jumped when I heard the clomping of skates in the hallway. Stepping back onto the ice, I began to skate around the rink as if that’s where I’d been all night rather than fucking my fake girlfriend on a Zamboni, not the most comfortable of positions, but the sex had been epic.
Axel emerged and stopped fast enough to spray ice when he saw me. “I didn’t know anyone was out here.”
I studied his face in the dim light, trying to ascertain if he was being disingenuous or truly didn’t know I’d been there.
“I like to skate when it’s quiet. Clears my mind.”
“Me too.” He matched strides with me as we made a slow, lazy circuit. “I just saw Jessie in the hallway carrying her skates.”
“She skated with me for a while.”
His sideways glance piqued my suspicions, but he didn’t comment and damned if I was elaborating. We were quiet for several seconds before he cocked his head and smiled.
