Pucking Wild (Jacksonville Rays, #2)

by Emily Rath

“Jeez, she’s kind of a capital B bitch, huh?” My gaze lingers on the window as I watch Tess climb into the passenger seat of Ilmari’s big silver truck. “No,” I hear myself say. “She’s just going through some tough shit right now—and no, I won’t elaborate,” I add, giving her a glare. The corner of Shelby’s mouth twitches with a smile. “You like her.” “I don’t know her,” I admit, and fuck if that’s not the truth. Tess hasn’t told me a damn thing about what’s happening to her and why. “Be careful with that one, Ryan” Shelby warns. “Why?” I hear myself say. “Because she’s not a bunny,” Shelby replies. “You think I don’t know that? Women like Tess don’t end up with guys like me.” Shelby tips her head to the side, appraising me. “Why do you say that?” I go still, not realizing I said that out loud. “Come on,” I say, forcing a laugh. “Tess Owens is a total ten. She’s gorgeous and so fucking smart. She’s a high-powered corporate lawyer, Shelbs. She runs non-profits and saves endangered animals, and I’m…me,” I finish with a shrug. Now Shelby is laughing. “Yeah, and you’re just an NHL superstar. You’re smart and funny and handsome as heck. Oh, and in your free time, don’t you volunteer to coach youth hockey?”