Face Off (D.C. Stars, #1)

by Chelsea Curto

“That includes Maverick Miller. He doesn’t believe in rules. He’s got a girl in every city, and he’s been pictured with models and actresses every other week.

Something is touching my ass. Which is weird, because I thought I went to bed alone last night.

“It’s a shame it’s only going to be ninety-nine percent effective now. The only thing I want to do with you, pretty boy, is kick your ass on the ice,” she whispers. I swallow and try to get my bearings. She’s so close, and I fucking love it. “You think I’m pretty?” “You would only hear that part, wouldn’t you?”

“Someone really needs to knock you down a few pegs, pretty boy.” I elbow his stomach and give his shoulder a light shove as I push past him. He stumbles on his feet and falls onto his ass. I look down at him with an innocent smile. “Oops. I tripped.”

“Be smart and don’t do anything that’s not consensual. You know the drill.”

Stfu

“Uncle Mav!” June, Dallas’s daughter, shrieks as she runs down the hall. I lift her in my arms and spin her around. “I’m so glad you’re here. Can I paint your fingernails? Mommy got me a new polish.”

Okayyyyyy what is this??? Copy of mile high

Dallas is the kicker for the NFL team in town, a Super Bowl champion

Again.. What is this? Mile high

He almost gave up his career when he became a single dad six years ago, but he found a woman who loves him and his daughter equally. He’s

What is happening rn.. Kai rhodes is that you

Piper braids my long hair into two pigtails and adds a tiny ribbon to each side.

Huh

ever seen—pulls at her lips, and I’m the proudest motherfucker in the world. I want to set off a confetti cannon. Hang a banner from the rafters of the Civic Center that says I MADE EMERSON HARTWELL SMILE. Put it on a T-shirt and wear it around town.

You’re hurting my ego by outshining me, Red.” That earns me another half smile from her, and I want to collect them all. Shove them in my pocket and keep them for myself.

“Says the guy who follows people around like a lost dog.” “I’m just looking for an owner I guess.”

“Well, well, well. Are you reading up on me, Hartwell? Writing my name in your diary?”

“Who’s Lexi?” Emerson asks. “Our head athletic trainer. You’ll meet her soon,”

Kenny??

“Besides, I don’t think Hartwell is just anyone.” “Watch it, Cap. Don’t go falling in love with her.”

“My fiancé, Dallas, is the kicker for the DC Titans.” “She was his nanny,” Lexi whispers

Bruh.

“A couple Halloweens ago, we dressed up like the characters from Frozen because June was obsessed.

Im losibg my shit.

“Yeah. Like your godfather,” Lexi adds. “A silver fox. Aging like fine wine.” “I’m missing some context,” I say. Piper scoots closer to me. “Maven’s godfather, Shawn, is the head coach for the Titans. He’s ridiculously attractive.”

BRUUUUUUHHH THIS IS INSANE

“Miller is…” I hum and trace the rim of my glass with my fingers.

“You gonna finish that sentence, Red, or just leave me hanging?” a deep voice asks. I whip my head to the right. There’s Maverick Miller, holding three beers in one of his hands and grinning at me.

Half the arena is women, which isn’t anything new. What’s different are the signs and jerseys they’re holding. None of them are for me or the boys. They’re all for Emerson. “Wicked, isn’t it?” Ethan grins. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“Do you think we should⁠—” “Do it again?” Maverick finishes for me. “It could be considered research.”

“Take me to church, Emmy,” he murmurs. His hands run up my thighs and squeeze my hips. “Please.” “I didn’t think you were a religious guy,” I whisper, and I sink down on him in a bleary fog.

“I’m not.” Maverick bites the soft skin near my shoulder as I take him another inch deeper, and my breath catches in my throat. “But I imagine you’re what heaven feels like, so I’m a converted man.”

“A limo? How did you pull that off?” “I didn’t. Maverick did.” Piper’s smile is sly. “Is there something you need to share, Emmy? A reason why the notorious playboy and star right winger hasn’t been spotted with a woman in months and is sending fancy cars to the apartment?”

EG- I hope you’re the one who finds this. If not, I’ll deny any involvement. Don’t tell the others, but you’re my favorite. Can’t wait to see you tonight. I really hope you’re not wearing any underwear. -PB

Maverick flashes the camera to his thighs and the joggers that hug his muscles. I salivate a little,

I would shred this book to peices if it wasnt on my kindle.

“If he comes within four feet of the goal, I’ll shove my stick down his throat,” Liam says, and from him, it’s the equivalent of a love poem.

“When Emmy told us all of that…” He trails off and shakes his head. He’s always been sensitive, a guy with the utmost respect for women. I saw the horror in his eyes when he heard about her past, and it looked like he was going to be sick. “I don’t know what I want to do.”

Bruh is not that deep

Five minutes of game time, and this dude’s been brutalized ten times.

Wait a second. I used to be Puck Daddy. What happened to that nickname? Hudson No one called you that besides yourself.

“Holy shit,” I whisper. “I love her. I fucking love her.”

This book is so stupid