Page 108 of Offside Attraction

I force a tight smile, my teeth clenched. “Of course.”

Mom, oblivious to the tension simmering between us, claps her hands together. “Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m so glad you boys are working together. Hockey is all about teamwork, after all.”

“Yeah, teamwork,” I echo, my gaze locked on Hayes. “We’re really good at that.”

Hayes raises an eyebrow, his smirk never faltering. “We’re getting there,” he says, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. “Baby steps, right, Dakota?”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “Right.”

Mom beams at both of us like this is the best news she’s heard all day. “Well, I’m proud of you two. This is exactly what your father would have wanted, Dakota.”

Hayes smiles, standing up. “Thank you very much, Mrs. Turner, for your hospitality. I truly appreciate it.”

“That’s okay, Hayes. You’re free to drop by anytime you want.”

I scoff loudly, unable to hold it in as I glare at Hayes who’s already staring at me.

“That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Turner,” Hayes says, flashing my mom one of his irresistible smiles, as he turns to look at me. “Ready to go, Miller?”

I let out a slow breath, my hands balling into fists at my sides. “Yeah,” I mutter, walking toward the door without waiting for him to follow.

As we step outside, the cool air hits me like a slap, but it does little to cool the fire burning in my chest. Hayes falls into step beside me, the silence between us heavy with unspoken tension.

“Should I be scared you’re stalking me now, huh, Griffin?”

He laughs softly, unlocking his own car with a quick click of his keys. “Don’t flatter yourself, Miller. You’re not that interesting.”

“Right,” I scoff, slipping my hands into my pants pockets. “Care to tell me how you know where I live?”

“Nope,” Hayes says, opening the driver’s door as he climbs into his car, slamming the door shut.

He turns to look at me, igniting the engine of his car. “You gonna get in or do I have to beg you first?” He asks, raising his perfectly carved eyebrows.

“So we’re using your car?”

“Yeah. You got a problem with that?”

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. “Actually, I do. I don’t exactly trust you behind the wheel, Griffin.”

He smirks, leaning casually back in his seat. “Relax, Dakota. I’m an excellent driver. Besides, you’re the one who’s supposed to be impressing Coach, remember? This is all about teamwork.”

I let out an annoyed sigh, glancing at his car like it’s some kind of trap. “Fine,” I mutter, walking around to the passenger side and yanking the door open. “But if you drive like an idiot, I’m going to break your fucking limbs.”

Hayes laughs as I slide into the seat, slamming the door behind me. “Noted. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it slow and steady for you, princess.”

I shoot him a glare as he shifts the car into gear and pulls out of the lot. The silence between us is thick and uncomfortable, the tension from earlier still lingering. I stare out the window, determined not to let him get under my skin, but it’s impossible to ignore his presence beside me.

“So,” he says after a moment, his tone casual but with an edge of amusement. “Are you going to give me the silent treatment the whole way, or do I have to start singing to fill the void?”

I glance at him, unimpressed. “You sing, and I’m gonna fucking kill you.”

He grins, his eyes briefly flicking to me before returning to the road. “Suit yourself. But I’ve been told I have a killer voice.”

“Yeah, by who? Your fancy ass toys?” I shoot back, unable to resist.

Hayes chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Real funny, Miller.”

I roll my eyes, one arm on the open windowsill as I lean back in the seat. “Just drive.”