Page 20 of Power Play Daddies

“Got it,” I say, sliding the last bag into place, making sure it’s secured properly. I shut the trunk, dusting my hands off.

She smiles at me, this slow, knowing grin that makes me pause for a second. “Thank you. My photographer was supposed to help with this, but he got food poisoning,” she explains, shaking her head. “I’m on my own today.”

“No problem, I’m glad. Not about your guy, though,” I say with a shrug.

We both laugh a little, and I offer my hand. “I’m Mason.”

She takes it, her handshake firm. “Daisy Love,” she says, her name rolling off her tongue. She holds my hand a little longer than necessary, and I’m not complaining.

I’m about to let go when her eyes widen, and she blinks a few times, like she’s processing something. “Wait… I know you,” she says. There’s a pause, and then, “You play for the Miami Icemen.”

Shit.

The word “puck bunny” flashes through my mind.

Puck bunnies are the kind of fans who love the game but love the players more. They’re the groupies who hang around the locker room, the ones who’ll throw themselves at anyone with a stick and a jersey.

I don’t know if Daisy’s one of them, but I sure as hell don’t want to deal with that today.

I force a smile, trying to keep things light. “Yeah, that’s me,” I say, hoping my tone doesn’t sound too tight.

She looks at me, kind of studying me, like she’s got a theory brewing. “I’m actually headed to the arena,” she adds.

“Yeah?” I say, raising an eyebrow, trying to mask the tension creeping up. “For what?”

She pulls out a lanyard from her cleavage. “I’m not a stalker,” she says, catching my glance. “Just a fan. And a sports journalist.”

I let out a breath. “Oh, shit. I had no idea,” I admit, scratching the back of my neck.

“I’m supposed to start interviews today,” she says, shifting her weight to one side, clearly comfortable in her skin. “You and some of the other players.”

I nod, eyeing her camera again. “Ah. So what’re you doing here, then?”

She points to the camera. “Getting this.”

“Got it,” I say. “I was coming for my matcha, but now I’m headed to the arena, so…” I trail off, letting her fill in the blanks.

She nods. “Okay.”

I’m about to get in my car, but something clicks in my brain.

“Hey, you could follow me. I’ll help you unload when we get there,” I offer. My words sound casual enough, but honestly? I just want to see more of her.

She looks surprised for a second, but then gives me a grateful smile. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

I slide back into my car, feeling a little giddy. Daisy’s a damn bombshell, and I’m not exactly in any rush to get away from her. As I pull out of the lot, I see another woman approach my car.

“Hey, Mason,” she says, flashing a flirty smile. I don’t have time for any random hookups today, not when I’ve got this journalist in tow.

“Hey,” I reply, keeping it short, hoping Daisy doesn’t catch on.

Daisy’s still in her SUV, waiting, so I exchange pleasantries with the other woman for a minute, then we drive to the arena. As Daisy is stepping out of her car, I feel the need to explain. “That was Avery Park back there. She’s with the team. Our physical therapist.”

Daisy just nods, eyes sharp. “You two… kind of dated?”

I smirk, not really wanting to get into it, but I’m not one to lie. “Yeah, we did. Nothing serious, though.”

Daisy looks intrigued. “Really? Is it… messy working with someone you dated?”