The Pucking Wrong Rookie (Pucking Wrong #5)

by C.R. Jane

I mentally added a “King” to the front of Lincoln’s name. Not that I was ever going to tell a single soul that I did that. Wouldn’t want to be labeled “a simp.” The team already had one too many of those. *Cough* Walker Davis *Cough*.

Okay then. So she had really bad taste in men. I’d just have to fix that for her.

The rough edge of his jawline, sharp enough to cut through ice. The mess of blond hair, damp with sweat, falling haphazardly around his forehead. His eyes—bright, intense, dark green, like the forest at dusk, dangerous and consuming. Even from my seat, I could feel the intensity behind them, like he saw through everything and everyone. Like he could see me.

Logan York. He was standing in front of me, blocking my path. His skates dug into the ice with a casualness that felt deliberate, but it wasn’t his stance that stopped me. It was the look on his face. Yearning. That was the only word that came to mind. Like I was something he’d been searching for and finally found.

One second, he was standing there, staring at me like I was the answer to every question he’d never asked. The next, his hands were on my waist, strong and sure, pulling me forward. I stumbled, my heels slipping again, but his grip steadied me. And then his lips were on mine.

It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t hesitant. It was a claim, bold and unapologetic, like he’d been waiting his whole life for this moment and wasn’t about to waste it. His hands tightened slightly, anchoring me against him, and for a heartbeat, I forgot to be shocked. I forgot everything.

“Are your pickup lines always this bad?” “Not always,” I said, shrugging. “But I figured I’d start slow. Give you time to fall in love with me.”

If she wouldn’t date me, I would hire her. I’d pay whatever it took to make sure she didn’t have time for any other clients. For as long as it took… Until she fell in love with me.

“I hired you because you wouldn’t go out with me. And the thought of anyone else touching you made me want to kill someone. This is my solution.” His voice softened, but the intensity was still there. “But make no mistake, sweetheart, the last thing I think of you is that you’re a whore. I’ll get you flowers every week for the rest of our lives, just so you know who you are.”

“I meant what I said…the fact that money is involved is only to make sure that no one else touches you while I make you fall in love with me.” He let my neck go before taking my hand and leading me toward the door like he’d simply complimented my dress. I pulled on his hand, and we came to a stop at the door as he looked back at me questioningly. “You’re not actually serious about all this, right? This can’t go on forever…and there will be other clients.” He didn’t blink. “If another man touches you, I’ll kill him.”

“Well, I can’t wait to see something you’ve painted. We can hang them all over our house.”

I stared at him, trying to reconcile the big, intense guy who just moments ago was smirking like he ruled the world with the one now babbling about tacos like a golden retriever desperate to please.

I think no matter how awful your parents are, every child carries that dream of who they wish their parents could be. Sometimes missing them…actually means missing that dream.

“Hi, Calloway,” I murmured as I brushed a kiss against her mouth. “You in love with me yet?”

“Then I’ll love what’s left of you.” I watched as the words sank into her skin. “I’ll love whatever you can give me, and it will be enough. Because, Sloane,” I murmured, pushing a piece of her hair behind her ear. “Even a single piece of you is worth more than anything anyone else could give me.”

“I want you,” he said roughly. “I want you more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. I want you more than hockey, more than money…more than fucking air. Tell me I can finally have you, Sloane.” He took a deep breath. “Tell me that you’re mine.”

“It’s because we were made for each other. Twin souls, Red. I think I’ve been looking for you my whole life, and it’s like I can breathe now, because you’re finally here.”