Page 9 of Falling for the Orc All-Star

I tell myself it was not cute.

But it was pretty cute.

No! No, Ingrid. This handsome guy is just being charming. Charming because he’s a user, a jerk, and a jock who thinks he’ll toss the fat girl a smile and she’ll become putty in his hands. His big hands.

His fucking huge hands—the tablet looks like a fun-size candy bar in his palm.

Focus. I try to pretend he didn’t say something slick, like he was a fan ofme.

Yeah. Sure. A fan of what I can do for him.

So, why did I offer to help him after work?

Because you’re the queen of suckers, that’s why. You heard a little of his conversation and suddenly forgot that he’d just been a self-centered jerk, the kind who talks down to people and shouts at little old ladies.

Well, maybe notdirectlyat little old ladies.

How can this guy be a friend of Marina’s?

Maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, from the bit of his phone call I could overhear, it sounded like he had a concussion last night and all of his dreams have been crushed.

It's just cannoli and crutches, not condos and commitment.

Besides, you’re in a compassionate profession, and you pushed an injured man.

I sneak another glance.

An injured side of beef, more like. Or should that be beefcake?

With a hard swallow, I grab my sticker-encrusted water bottle and gulp down water, trying to subdue my suddenly rising temperature. I’m not one to go crazy over big muscles and good looks.

That only leads to hurt and heartache. The handsome ones want the beauty queens, and I’m more the cute friend who decides to go write in her notebook and crochet things instead of trying to flirt.

King tries to get to his feet and sways when he has to catch himself, large hand spread against the wall as he tries to get his crutches under him. “Here, I’ll take the tablet.” I rush over and reach out to steady him.

“I think I got all the right information. My coach had to send me some details, but it’s all in there now.” He looks down on me, eyes bright, grin bashful.

Oooh, this guy is a master. Most women wouldn’t resist that little show of vulnerability in a big, strapping hunk of man.

“Thank you. I’ll take your information. The doctor won’t be too long.” I keep my voice professional (too little too late, but there you have it) and whisk the tablet away, back to my desk.

Why the heck is it so hot in here?

She’s changed her tune.

Silverbow? Silver tongue.

She keeps looking at me while she’s working at her desk. She’s trying not to look over here, but the same Orc senses that make me an excellent hockey player are going to make me an attentive mate. I hear the rustle of her long caramel brown hair and catch the slightest movement of her head. And she’s sipping water, swallowing softly, but to me it sounds like someone gulping and guzzling.

I don’t mind. I haven’t felt like this outside of the ice, ever.

Maybe... Maybe I was just thinking about this wrong. Maybe I need to get the girl first in order to get to the major leagues? Don’t they say behind every great man is a great woman?

She stands up and does something with the files behind her desk.

Ooooh. I’d like to be behindthat.

But I probably couldn’t do anything remotely physical with her.