Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 137326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
All the time.
Everywhere.
Anywhere.
He’s the magnetic field people find themselves pulled toward.
I’m the people. People are me.
With a sharp exhale, I slowly stand. My knees burn and my legs feel numb. In a swift movement, I remove my baseball cap and pat my hair into submission until the long, wavy brown strands smoothly settle beneath my breasts.
My sister Violet told me first impressions matter the most, and I hate that I’m not dolled up for the meeting I’ve been planning for weeks. But I did put some makeup on earlier tonight and I’m wearing flattering jeans that mold to my curves and a beige top that contrasts nicely against my deep olive-toned skin.
Sure, I could look better, but I can also work with this.
This will either make or break my plan.
After sucking in a deep breath, I look down, and I’d almost forgotten how effortlessly gorgeous Kane is.
Almost.
He leans against the boards, arms crossed, stick hanging from his hand, looking both unsettling and nonchalant. The opposing impressions he gives off are jarring and force goosebumps to surface on my skin.
The dark-blue hockey gear adds a sense of foreboding to his already intimidating physique. Despite a few rows of seats separating us and my average height of 5’6”, he still looks intimidatingly tall.
A slight smile touches his full lips. “There you are. That wasn’t so hard, now, was it?”
“Hi.”
Shit.
I don’t sound weak. Ever. What on earth is wrong with me? Calm down, for God’s sake.
“Hello.” His smile remains the same, exuding politeness. It’s even welcoming. “May I ask what you’re doing here at this hour?”
“I stayed behind after the game.”
“I could tell. Why?”
“I…I’m a fan!” I blurt the first thing that jumps into my head.
Why the hell didn’t I think of that before? Actually, I did. Fleetingly. But I figured the Vipers already had too many fans throwing themselves at the team members at every opportunity. So that wouldn’t have made me stand out from the crowd.
But now that we’re alone, it might.
“I see.” The two words are followed by intense eye contact that’s strangely devoid of warmth. I’m being scrutinized, but there’s no sense of connection.
The glacial pale color of his eyes is similar to sinking into the Arctic Ocean as layers of ice form on the surface at an alarming speed.
This must be what it feels like to be iced alive.
I shake the image from my head. This is Kane, not Preston, or God forbid, the wild card Jude. He’s my best—and only—option.
“Yeah,” I continue in a more confident tone. “I’m a new fan. I didn’t know much about hockey before, but I’m learning more because of the team. Go Vipers!”
“I’m happy we could lure you into the game.” His words sound calm. Like an undisturbed ocean.
Right.
That’s the vibe Kane has always given. Deep, controlled, and reliable. An ocean in all its glory.
“You did me the greatest favor.” I smile wide. I’ve always heard I have a beautiful smile and I don’t mind using it to my advantage. Beggars can’t be choosers, and I’m definitely a beggar in this situation.
“Who’s your favorite player on the team?”
“You,” I say with no hesitation.
“Are you sure you’re not saying that just because I’m here? If Callahan shows up, you’ll switch, won’t you?”
“Callahan is too aggressive and violent in his play. I don’t find that entertaining.”
“Most hockey fans do.”
“Not me. I prefer your tactical prowess and your seamless ability to lead both in offense and defense.”
“I’m flattered. Thank you.” His voice remains the same. Unaffected, cool. He certainly doesn’t sound flattered, or maybe he’s been praised so many times before that his responses have become mechanical.
“No, thank you for taking the time to talk to me. It’s hard to run into you on campus, so this means so much to me.”
Gag. I’m not used to praising strangers this extensively. I’m starting to cringe.
“Anything for a fan. If you want an autograph, all you have to do is come closer. I truly don’t bite.”
That’s when I realize I’m still nestled behind the row of plastic seats, gripping one of them so tightly that my fingers hurt. I release it and slowly take the steps down.
The entire way, Kane’s gaze is pinned on me.
It’s not threatening per se, but it’s intense, like when he’s reading his opponents on the ice. That should feel like a compliment, but I’ve watched this man crush so many of his rivals, the attention shoots a wave of unease through me.
I stop in front of him, and he stands to his full height. I’m not sure whether the gesture is meant to intimidate me, but I might have underestimated how tall he actually is. Add the skates and he’s downright towering over me.
Up close, his jaw is sharper, his skin smooth except for some stubble. And his eyes are paler, much colder. Slightly disturbing, even.