Killian (On the Line 1)

Our attraction was intense. Since kissing her, I’d had vivid dreams about her body. The sounds of desire she’d made when my mouth was on her still rang in my ears.

She’d wanted more, and she’d wanted it bad. But if we slept together, there wouldn’t be any more. She’d move on to some suit with a tiny dick and a huge bank account.

If that happened, I wouldn’t be able to see her every day and keep my sanity. I’d blown my shot at the big league, but I was still a professional hockey player, and I wasn’t giving that up. Not even for Sidney Stahl.Sidney

Excited chatter and a sea of blue filled the Flyers’ largest VIP suite. This idea Keri had come up with for a post-game meet and greet between the players and season ticket holders was genius.

Every player was chatting with the fans. I’d overheard several conversations about our winning streak. Some fans were using the time to get pucks and other merchandise autographed. And Shuck was having an animated back and forth with a fan about comic books. If that rang his bell, it worked for me.

Even Killian and Liam were doing their part. Killian wore a charcoal suit with a pale blue dress shirt that was a perfect match for his eyes. I pictured him in my bedroom, sliding off the jacket and hanging it over the back of a chair. I could see him loosening his tie and slowly pulling it off, his eyes fixed on me.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to engage in the group conversation I was having with the owners of a local car dealership.

Killian and I had been avoiding each other since he left me at the peak of sexual frustration in my office yesterday. We didn’t look at each other, which took a deliberate effort on my part. I knew my growing feelings for him would show on my face if I even glanced his way.

And what were we going to do now, anyway? Make small talk about games? It wasn’t like we’d kissed accidentally and made things awkward. He’d sucked and bit my nipples in my office and I’d been panting for more. I’d not only felt his arousal pressed between my legs—I’d dry humped it.

His words had been on replay in my head since yesterday. Exquisite. Rough. Someday.

“Sidney, are you feeling okay?” One of the business owners put a hand on my shoulder and gave me a look of concern. “You look flushed. I hope you aren’t coming down with something.”

I offered a reassuring smile, grateful she didn’t know what I’d come down with.

“You know, I was in meetings and conference calls all afternoon and I never had lunch,” I said. “I’m starting to feel light-headed, so I think I’ll go grab some food.”

“That’s a good idea.”

I went to the buffet line and stacked a plate with veggies, cheese and crackers. I’d eaten one bite when a burly man in a Flyers cap and sweater approached me.

“Sidney, I’m Stan Pemberton.” He extended his hand. “I’m the CEO of Elecsys in Indy. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.”

I hadn’t.

“Your name does sound familiar, Stan,” I said, nodding with feigned recognition. “I’m thrilled to see you in a Flyers jersey. How’d we manage to steal you away from the major league team in Indy? I’m sure you could as easily be a season ticket holder there.”

“That’s true, but Fenway’s my hometown. Lifelong Flyers fan right here.”

“Glad to hear it. Have you gotten a chance to meet some of the players?”

He nodded. “I’m more interested in talking to you, executive to executive.”

“Sure thing.”

He crossed his arms and gave me an all-business expression. “What’s your plan for your goal tender? Shuck might make a solid backup, but that’s about it. You’ve firmed up the second line well, but defense is important too, you know.”

“I agree. Bruce is our defensive coach, and I know he’s working extra with Shuck and his other guys. We’ve changed the philosophy of the team, and some people just need time to get on board.”

Of its own accord, my gaze wandered across the room to Killian. I was listening to Stan with half an ear as I watched a woman snuggle up to Killian’s chest, her arm in the air with her phone held high for a selfie.

“ . . . and trust me, clearing ’em all out is the way to go sometimes,” Stan said. I turned back to him and nodded my acknowledgement.

“I know what you’re saying,” I said.

“I was VP of Operations at a major manufacturing company for four years. Leadership involves making those tough calls and sticking to ’em.”

“It sure does.”

I glanced back at Killian. The fan, who barely looked eighteen, still had her arm around his waist. I located both of his hands. Neither one was on her. That was something, but I still felt a burning stab in my chest over knowing she was groping either his lower back or his ass beneath his suit jacket.