Lakes Hockey

She's back. We were kids the last time I saw her, but my innocent crush from childhood is full-grown now. And it's not so innocent anymore. She's a breath of fresh air from the series of one-night stands since being drafted into the NHL. I've only got one shot with her, and I'm not taking it for granted. I may give her the passion she's been craving, but she's the intimacy I've waited for my whole life.

Hockey comes first. Always has, always will. I've got a one-year contract, 365 days to prove to them I'm worth the investment—which is why I need to stay far away from the woman across the hall. We know each other quite well, but she thinks we're strangers. I need to keep it that way. The problem is she's everywhere. Across the hall, on my laptop, bartending where my team hangs out. Micky is like a loose thread that I can't stop tugging. Then, one night, she steps in to do me a favor, and all my defenses get shot to hell. Now, I'm showing her the real me, but it might not be enough for her.

Growing up, the ice was my safe space. I excelled at playing hockey. However, these days, it's hockey players who provide sanctuary—one bed at a time. We have an arrangement. I offer them a night of pleasure, and in return, they grant me all the temporary, artificial love I can get my hands on—a chance to feel whole. Happily ever after doesn't exist where I come from, but I crave it just the same. It was a foolproof system. Until Barrett. One night with him was all it took to tear down walls and crack the facade I worked so hard to build.

I live my life head over heart and never rock the boat, which is how I wound up engaged to Bryan Davenport—the biggest mistake I ever made. We were a power couple, but no one knew how cruel he could be behind closed doors. When I decide to leave, my fiancé shows just how ruthless he can be and sends me running to the last person I expect: his best man.