Center Ice (Boston Rebels, #1)

by Julia Connors

But I can’t shake the sensation that even though I’m not what she wants, I might be exactly what she needs—and she might be what I need, too.

“Audrey, I want you so badly. But you have to know that I’m not in a place in my life where I can be in a relationship. Not because I don’t want that with you, but because hockey and my mom have to come first. And I need to prioritize getting to know Graham. I’ve thought about this a lot, actually.” He sighs. “And you deserve more than to be fourth in line for someone’s attention.”

Who knows, we might be the right people for each other, but it is most definitely the wrong time.

I need to pretend like this is just his hockey coach giving him his jersey—rather than what it really is: Drew claiming Graham as his own.

“I appreciate the thought, but the only name I wear on my back is my own.” He leans in so close his lips graze my earlobe and the sparks of desire shoot straight through me. “Don’t worry, baby, one day my last name will be yours.”

Pretty sure I’ve made it clear that you’re my future wife. But sure, you can call yourself my girlfriend if you need to put a label on this.

“It’s so cute listening to you guys argue about your ages,” Lauren teases as she walks up behind Jameson, circling her arms around his waist and squeezing. “I think it proves you’re all just the same level of immature, so your ages don’t really matter.”