Page 9 of Breaking the Pucking Rules

I was already a wreck just being here, but the second I collided with Kodie…I’m pretty sure my entire nervous system shattered all over the expensive carpet beneath my feet.

Sure, I’ve spoken to him before. But I’m just his coach’s daughter. There’s a line that’s been drawn between us.

Tonight is different.

I’m no longer off-limits.

Instead, I’m the brunette in the green dress who made him do a double take.

That was an accident, of course.

Of course, I totally didn’t see him coming, distracted by his own thoughts, and just…kept going in the hope we’d crash. Nope. Not at all.

Sucking in a deep breath, I step into the main room where all the tables are arranged for tonight’s meal.

Almost everyone has found their seats already. There are just a handful of vacant chairs. One of which is mine.

And guess who it’s next to…

Also not entirely a coincidence. Not that I’d ever confess to it.

My stomach flutters wildly and I force myself to put one foot in front of the other.

Everyone around the table is locked in conversation. All but one person.

I can’t say I’m surprised. He’s not known for his friendly, chatty nature.

He seemed to be a lot more lighthearted when he was in college. But over the last few years, he’s become more closed-off, more pensive. I can understand why, after everything he’s been through.

I might not have all the details, or even all of the correct ones, but they’re enough to know that the events of the past have changed him.

Mustering as much courage and confidence as I can, I reach for the back of the empty chair and pull it out. “Is this seat taken?” I ask lightly, knowing full well that it isn’t, and slowly lower myself down.

It takes him a moment to look over, but the second he does, recognition sparks in his eyes.

“Hello,” he rasps, a small, endearing grin pulling at the corners of his lips.

He’s pleased to see you.

I fight my smile, not wanting to scare him off only seconds after I’ve taken my seat.

“We meet again,” I say coyly.

“So it seems,” he muses, glancing toward where my name tag should be.

Yeah, I’m smarter than sitting at a place setting with my father’s name on it. I removed that baby long ago.

“So, are you enjoying your evening?” I ask in an attempt to avoid any awkward conversation about our names.

His eyes bounce between mine for a few seconds, forcing me to wait for whatever it is he wants to say.

“Honestly?” he finally asks.

“Stranger to stranger? Sure. Be as honest as you like.”

His brows lift. I’m not sure if it’s in surprise or shock, but he leans forward a little, allowing his masculine scent to flood my nose and make my attraction hit all-new heights.

He smells really fucking good.