Heart Trick (East Coast, #1)

by Kristen Granata

To all the girlies in their hockey romance era.

“Don’t judge me, girl. You murdered your own brother. I don’t want to hear it.”

“Dude, I can literally hear your vagina crying.”

“Look around. I’m living in the same apartment as you. I’m a strong independent woman who don’t need no man. And if I was that hard up for money, I’d just sell feet pics on the internet like everyone else.”

“You ready for this, Neighbor Man?” “Are you going to keep calling me that?” “I’ll call you whatever I want. You’re my boyfriend now, shnookums.”

“Fights?” Celeste nods. “They’re allowed to fight every now and then in hockey. You’ll see.” “Sports are so weird.” She laughs. “You’re going to learn so much, my little grasshopper.”

“Now the real question is: Do you have the size to back it up, or do you rely on the motion of your ocean?” He eyes my wine glass and his lips curve into a smirk. “Feeling flirty, are we?” I hike a nonchalant shoulder. “I’m just saying, you look like you’ve got skills.” He leans down and his lips brush against my ear. “Cassidy Quinn, you have no idea.”

Jesus Christ. This woman is every one of my fantasies come to life. Voluptuous and sexy as hell while still leaving things to the imagination. And I have a good fucking imagination.

“Do you think anyone saw us?” “To be honest, I don’t really care.” “And why’s that?” “I didn’t kiss you for them.” “Then why did you?” “Because I couldn’t wait one more second to find out what you taste like.”

Wait until you see me in your jersey later *wink emoji* Neighbor Man: I’m looking forward to it. Me: I’m looking forward to watching you hump the ice again. Neighbor Man: Pervert. Me: You like it. Neighbor Man: I do.

His eyes widen. “You watch porn?” I hike a shoulder. “Don’t you?” “Sure, but you watch it for writing purposes?” “Hell yeah. Not for the plot or anything, but for positions and stuff. Sometimes I need a little inspiration. My sex life hasn’t been anything like the books I write.” A grin spreads across his face. “That’s about to change.”

“You’re a very sexy woman, Cassidy Quinn. Brains and beauty.” She sighs. “Sounds like the total package to me.” “If only you could sing.”

Red is officially my new favorite color. And you’re my new favorite flavor. —Neighbor Man

before he brushes his nose against mine. “You were worried about me, baby?” “Of course I was worried.” “Come to think of it, I’m in a bit of pain right now.” His hands slide down my back and grip my ass, dragging me over his growing bulge. “You think you can make me feel better?” I rock my hips, my fingers threading through his hair. “I can make you feel amazing.”

“Fuck, baby. You look so good gagging on my cock. What a good girl you are.”

For the record, you can’t have any of my teammates. Cassidy: For the record, I don’t want any of them. Cassidy: Your ex was a fool for letting you go.

“You’re not here for post-orgasm snuggles.” “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow, beautiful.” Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.

“I’m here because...because I want to see you. Because I need to be near you. Because I missed you while I was gone, and all I could think about when I wasn’t playing hockey was you.” My eyes bounce between hers. “We only have sex if you’re in the mood to have sex. And if you’re not, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to spend time with you.”

“You’re more than just sex, Cassidy Quinn. You’re the total package, remember?” She leans forward and presses her soft lips to mine. “I really missed you.” I really fucking did too.

“I believe in love.” His dark eyes meet mine and hold my gaze for a moment before he answers. “I believe in caring about someone so much that you’d do anything for them. I believe in putting someone’s happiness over your own. I believe in showing them every single day how much they mean to you, even if it’s in little ways to let them know you’re thinking of them. So, whether romance means flowers and jewelry, or taking a lavish trip to Greece, or simply showing up when they need you, I think the right person will do those things for you when he loves you. And if it’s real, no one and nothing could take that love away.”

“You’re ruining me, Cassidy Quinn.” I smile at that. “Good.” Because you’ve already ruined me.

“I love everything about you.” “Even my singing?” “Even your God-awful singing.”

Next time someone makes a comment about me, don’t fight them, okay? It’s not worth it.” He lifts my chin. “You’re worth everything.”

“It’s not pity you’re seeing when you look in my eyes.” I arch a brow. “Oh, no? What is it then?” “It’s the same thing I saw in your eyes last night when I took Petroski’s stick to the face.” He leans down and presses his lips to my forehead. “It’s the kind of loyalty you feel when someone hurts the person you love. The kind where you’ll do anything in your power to protect them.” He brings his lips to mine. “It’s loving someone so fiercely and hoping it’s enough to glue together all the broken pieces of their past.” My bottom lip trembles. “I don’t care about the past. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is what we have right now. And right now, I have you.”