Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 105679 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105679 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Stefan tilts his face and locks eyes with me, holding my gaze. “I’m calling your bluff,” he says in a smoky voice that makes my insides melt a little.
I fight back against these feelings, sitting up straighter, trying to keep my cool. “Fine. What do you think I like to do?”
But Stefan doesn’t answer. He looks around me at Hayes, tipping his forehead to his teammate. “What do you think?”
With a soft hum, Hayes tilts his face toward me, studying my expression. He takes his time roaming those soulful brown eyes over me, like he’s undressing me, body and mind. It’s sexual and also…knowing. Like he’s both looking at me and wanting me. It’s unnerving, but in an exciting way. Warmth flows through my veins. My chest swoops with each second his eyes linger on me. And everything feels a little fizzy, a little…hazy. Like I’m caught in a mirage between two men.
“I bet she’d like a show,” Hayes says, as if he knows my secrets.
And really, he does.
But only some of them.
I have other secrets now. Like this one—I’m attracted to two men at the same time, and I don’t think either one of them is bothered by that.
Especially when Stefan says, “Is that so, Ivy? Would you like that?”
My shoulders rise and fall. My breath comes faster. What are they doing to me? Is this on purpose? Are they flirting with me? Toying with me? Is this just how they are? Are they just the type of guys who exude sensuality like it’s their cologne?
Suddenly, this middle seat feels smaller than it was before. One shoulder brushes against Hayes; the other is pressed against Stefan. I’m sandwiched between them—and something sparks in my chest, the start of a sizzle.
I swallow, look to Stefan, turn to Hayes, then at last answer them with a shot of courage. “I guess you’ll have to find out.”
I close my eyes as if I have the upper hand when really, I’m just treading water, trying to get control of my heart that’s beating far too fast.
Normally, the team flies in and out quickly to nearby cities, but since they’re doing a charity breakfast tomorrow morning for a youth hockey organization the Avengers and the Sabers both support, everyone is staying overnight. I don’t have to go to the breakfast, but I still get to stay since I’m traveling on the team jet. Which means I get time to myself in the morning. Translation: I’ll wake up early and work on content and chasing freelance gigs.
After I check into The Extravagant hotel later that morning, I cruise through the casino on the way to the elevator, rolling my bag behind me, running through the PR stunt the Vegas team wants me to pull off tonight. It’s not hard, and I’ll have time to practice it, but I’m a little lost in my head when a pretty voice hits my ears with its Texas drawl.
“If it isn’t the Scrappy Little Fashionista?”
The team owner knows my handle? I stop and turn around to say hello to the towering and powerful Jessie Rose. “Hi, Ms. Rose.”
“Good to see you, Ivy,” she says, then, wincing, she gestures to her red-soled shoes. “Personally, my Louboutins make me feel strong, but boy, do these suckers hurt. But what’s a gal to do when she needs some power pumps?”
“Actually, I have some ideas,” I say as a Star Trek slot machine next to us disappoints a man in a Hawaiian shirt.
Her deep brown eyes sparkle with interest. “Do tell.”
“Lily Greer,” I whisper, passing on the name like it’s a secret. “She makes seriously comfy alternatives that look just as good.”
Jessie looks like I just gave her the Holy Grail. “Where do I find these ruby slippers?”
“Online. I’ll send you some links.”
“Today, please,” she says, a clear order. Then, she gives me a quick appraisal, eyes landing on my leopard print top. “Hmm. Leopards? Do I want leopards as a possible team name?”
“Leopards are pretty amazing hunters. Very stealthy,” I say. “Plus, it’d be a cute mascot costume.”
“That is true,” she says, humming thoughtfully as if she’ll consider it. But before she goes, she lifts a finger, like she’s just remembered something. “By the way, your brother and his partners are coming to my golf event in a few weeks. They’ll be seated at my table. I’ve just loved watching their love story unfold.”
That warms my heart. “Thanks for letting me know and being so supportive.”
“Of course,” Jessie says, like there’s no other way to be.
When I’m up in my room a few minutes later, I send the team owner—the freaking team owner!—shoe suggestions.
With that done, I sit on the bed, grab my laptop, and use the next hour I have free to write for my newsletter about the best alternatives for established brands.