Hard Hit (IceCats 3)
“Hey, Jaylin. These guys giving you trouble?”
The way the guys act, it’s as if Kirby is their principal. “Not at all.”
“I just bought her a drink!”
“She talked to us.”
“Guys, relax,” he says, rolling his eyes. “Go get us a table.”
D’Artagnan holds up his water, and I tap my cider to his. “Let me know when you want to broaden that age-group notion.”
I scoff, but Kirby gives him a look that basically says he’s currently pissing on my leg, and he backs off.
It turns me on in a way I can’t even explain.
“Don’t hold your breath. I wasn’t kidding when I said she is way too classy for you guys.”
“Fine, Lit, fine. Jeez,” he mutters as the twins wave to me, and they head off to get a table.
Kirby looks over at me, and I smile. “Boneheads.”
“Are you babysitting three more?”
He grins. “Kinda. I’m the guy to guide them along the road to the IceCats. Two of them will make it. One will go back to the AHL.”
“AHL?”
“The American Hockey League. It’s one step down from the National Hockey League.”
I nod. I knew that, but I really don’t want him to stop talking. “Oh neat. Which ones do you think will make it?”
He hesitates. It’s obvious he likes the guys. “The twins, probably. Their dad is Shea Adler.”
I blink. “Okay?”
“Great hockey player. I really need to educate you.”
Yes. God please. Naked. Yes, naked.
I laugh off my horniness. “Aw, but I like D’Artagnan.”
He gives me a blank look. “Like?”
“Yeah, he’s adorable.”
“Like, you want to date him?”
I snort. “Jealous?”
His eyes narrow. “You aren’t allowed to date any of my teammates.”
I gawk at him, pressing my hand to my chest. “Excuse me? You’re telling me who I can and can’t date?”
He has a teasing grin, one I’ve missed. It’s so beautiful, and I love how bright his eyes get. “I am.”
I scoff. “You’re lucky you’re cute, or I’d tell you about yourself. But please, enlighten me. Why can’t I date your teammates?”
“Because.”
“Because?”
“Because I said.”
“No shit, Sherlock. Tell me why.”
He takes a step closer, licking his bottom lip, and yup, I won’t date anyone if he asks me not to. His eye bore into mine, and his chest rises with a deep breath as heat creeps up his neck. “Because I want—”
“Jay, babe. Sorry I’m late.”
Because I want…what?
Talk about taking an imaginary puck to the puss. I gawk at him, my heart pounding in my chest just as Allen’s lips press into my cheek. But even if I could look away, my eyes don’t leave Kirby’s. I don’t know what he was about to say, but the disappointment guts me. Fucking hell. “Oh, hey,” I say, recovering quickly since Allen is looking at me.
“Hey.” He grins, and then his eyes move to Kirby. “Hey, man. Allen Lissome.”
“Nice to meet you. Kirby Litman.”
Allen arches a brow. “Defensemen for the IceCats.”
Kirby smiles proudly. “That’s me.”
“Wow, it’s awesome to meet you. Cute baby.”
Kirby nods, kissing Celeste’s head. “Thanks.”
“Are you a client of Jay’s?”
Before he can answer, I blurt out, “Of the firm, yes. But personal, no. We’re friends.”
Oh, I can feel the heat of Kirby’s eyes on mine. Why did I say that? “That’s cool—”
“Sorry, my friends are waiting for me.” I can hear annoyance in Kirby’s voice, and it bothers me. I don’t know what he has to be angry about—he knows my number; he can call me anytime and tell me exactly what he was about to say.
Because I want what?
“It was good to see you, Jaylin.”
I meet his gaze, and heat runs through me like lava. “You too,” I squeak out, and instantly, I’m embarrassed.
Our eyes linger a bit longer than they should, and then I watch as he walks away toward the table where the Three Musketeers are waiting for him. Allen moves beside me, sitting down, but I can’t stop watching Kirby.
Because I want what?
What the hell does he want?
Chapter Eight
Jaylin
* * *
I wish they had seated us outside, but with it being god-awful hot out, they seated us four tables over from Kirby, Celeste, and his adopted children. Yes, I counted the tables. And yes, I can’t keep my eyes off Kirby. It’s as if he is a pair of Jimmy Choos and I just got paid. I’m drawn to him. He is just unbelievably gorgeous, and watching him as a dad makes my ovaries explode, cry, and wiggle with want. It’s almost unfair how beautiful he is. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen my fair share of beautiful men, slept with some of them, but there is just something about Kirby.
I don’t know if it’s the dimple in his chin, or maybe the ones that come out when he smiles. It’s so cute. Makes him look boyish, but he’s not a boy because he’s caring for a small human. His small human. I’ve never found a man with a baby attractive, but now…now, I’m drooling, it’s so hot. Kirby cares for Celeste, he loves her, he would die for her. To know he has that capacity, to know I can be on the receiving end…it’s a turn-on. I want it. I crave it. It scares me how badly I want it. It’s weird. It’s not who I am, who I have been.