Shut Out (Bayard Hockey #1)(27)

Chapter 10


Jacob


When Buck and I arrive at the party after the game, I immediately spot Skylar from across the room as she looks around with a hesitant smile, searching out…me, maybe? Or maybe anyone she knows. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear in a gesture becoming familiar, one that makes my chest feel weird. I head toward her.

I noticed her in the stands at the game. I was focused on the game, but knowing she was there made every goal and assist that much sweeter. I wanted to impress her, because so far she’s been decidedly unimpressed with me. I’m not used to that.

Our eyes meet and her smile widens. It doesn’t feel like we’re acting. When I reach her, I slide my hand around the back of her neck and kiss her forehead. “Hey, you’re here.”

“We just got here.” She gestures to Ella behind her.

“Hi, Jacob.” Ella smiles at me.

“Hey, Ella. Come on in. Let’s get you ladies a drink.”

“We brought Moscato.” Ella holds up a bottle.

I lead the way to the kitchen, where there’s a bar set up on an island. I open one of their bottles and pour generous portions into red cups. “Sorry, there doesn’t appear to be fancy wine glasses here.”

“No worries.” Skylar takes a cup and gives me a smile.

I introduce Ella to Buck, and both of them to some of the other guys. Soupy and Rocket arrive and a bunch more people.

“So?” I peer into Skylar’s eyes. “Did you enjoy the game?”

She sinks her white teeth into her bottom lip and nods. “Um, yeah. More than I expected.”

Why does she look guilty?

“Yeah? Good.”

“It’s super fast,” she adds. “And…violent.”

I laugh. “It’s physical, yeah. But there weren’t even any fights tonight.”

She eyes me as she sips her wine. “Do you fight?”

“Sure.” I shrug. “I don’t look for fights, but there are times you just have to drop the gloves.”

She gives a tiny shudder.

I nudge her with my body. “You’re worried about me, right?”

She rolls her eyes, but her lips tick up at the corners. “Sure.”

“I got two goals.”

I instantly feel like a dummy for saying that. Like I’m fishing for compliments.

But she beams at me, eyes glowing. “I know! It was so exciting. And two assists.” She hesitates. “Not that your ego needs any boosting, but you’re really good, Jacob.”

My chest tightens, but I keep my expression easy, a little cocky. “Yeah, I am.”

She swats my chest, but she’s laughing. I catch her hand and slide my fingers between hers.

“It felt great,” I say honestly. “I love playing hockey.”

“I can see that.”

Our eyes meet and we share a moment of…something. She understands. This is my passion.

Skylar seems kind of buzzed and she hasn’t even finished one drink. She’s almost vibrating and tense, and her eyes are hot.

Okay, wait…she’s turned on.

My dick takes notice of this. My dick always takes notice of Skylar, but knowing she’s hot for me because of watching me play hockey is even more arousing. The eye contact shifts as Skylar’s gaze drops to my mouth. Blood rushes south. I want to kiss her so badly, it’s like I’m starving. Heat explodes around us. “Whoa, baby,” I murmur, reaching to stroke some hair back off her face. “Keep looking at me like that I might have to get you alone and screw you silly.”

She inhales sharply and her lips part even more.

“Do you want that, baby?” I pet her hair more. I love how silky it is. And how long.

“Okay, yes,” she whispers. “But sex wasn’t part of the deal. And we’re supposed to take it slow.”

“Maybe we could just make out for a while and see how it goes.”

She chokes on a little laugh, which is good because I was trying to be funny. Sort of.

Okay, I do want to make out with her. A lot.

“How’re you feeling, baby?” I shift closer so our bodies are touching. “Are you aching?”

Her eyes go dark gold and her lashes droop. She swallows. “Oh God. Yes.”

“Me too.”

What am I doing? Damn, she gets me all hot and twisted up inside. Why is that? I have puck bunnies coming on to me all the time. Yeah, they like it that I play hockey. I like it that they like that. But for some reason, Skylar liking it is a whole different hockey game.

Lust punches through my stomach, heat rushing through me.

“For Chrissakes, would you two get a room?”

Buck’s amused voice cuts through the fog of lust surrounding us. I exchange a wry glance with Skylar, whose cheeks go adorably bright pink, then shoot Buck a scowl. He’s grinning.

“Great idea,” I say.

“We’re putting on a good act,” Skylar whispers in my ear.

I laugh at that and slide my arm around her waist to pull her up against me. She feels slight and delicate and I like that because I want to protect her. “Baby.” I nuzzle her ear. “This is no act.”

“Okay, true.” She tilts her head and gives me a sleepy-eyed look. “We’re physically attracted to each other. But we’re not really a couple.”