Page 4 of My One & Goalie
“Jackson said he could help him out, as a favor to his agent. He seems nice enough. Probably needs to decompress, escape the pressure for a bit.”
“Hmm. It’s mid-season. Shouldn’t he be playing?”
Harper shrugs. “I think he’s suspended. Jackson didn’t say much, but I know he has a reputation for being aggressive on the ice.”
Wonderful.Just what I need my kid exposed to.
“He is pretty hot, though. All those muscles, that dark hair. He’s been in magazines and stuff. So if his hockey career crashes and burns, he could always model.”
“I hadn’t noticed,” I lie, keeping my tone flat.
I mean, obviously I noticed, judging by the flutters in my belly every time he skates by. The man is freaking gorgeous, even with the piss-poor attitude. Honestly, the angry scowl may be part of the appeal. And those eyes, ice blue with flecks of navy. A jaw that could cut glass.
But zero part of me is interested in the grumpy hockey god. I have a kid to raise, an ex to hold at bay, and I’m teetering on the brink of needing a second job to make ends meet. The absolute last thing I need is to get involved in any way with the bad boy of hockey.
Gazing out at the ice, I catch Kovac watching me. Licking my lips, my heart pounds hard. He holds my gaze for a solid five seconds and everything around me goes silent, save for the rush of blood roaring in my ears.
Nope.
Not getting involved with that one.
He’s got ‘big mistake’ written all over him.
A gorgeous, muscular mistake with the exact right amount of stubble and smolder.
But still a mistake.
CHAPTER 3
XANDER
It’s been less than twenty-four hours since Coach told me to stay out of trouble and here I am eye-fucking a mom. Sure, she’s one of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever seen. Those huge doe eyes, full pink lips, glossy golden waves spilling over her shoulders.
Not good, Kovac.
Tumbling into bed with a hot-as-fuck MILF is not on the rehab checklist, I’m pretty damn sure.
“Okay, guys. That’s it for today!” Jackson says, high-fiving a few of the players closest to him. “Great work. See you Wednesday!”
The kids scatter, skating off the ice to their parents, and I focus on helping Jackson gather the equipment. I can’t afford to peer up into the stands again and lock eyes with the MILF.
“Glad you could help out, Kovac,” Jackson says, taking the sticks from me. “We had a much bigger group than I thought we would, so this all worked out.”
“Yeah.” I shrug, although how this is working out for me is yet to be seen. “Thanks for the offer. And the rental.”
He and Harper rented one of their properties to me, which is a real lifesaver. He’s in the home renovation business now and luckily had a house available in town.
“Happy to help.” Jackson slaps me on the back and warmth spreads through my chest. He’s being genuine, not something I’m used to.
“If you need anything while you’re here, you have my number. Shoot me a text.”
“Thanks, bro. I owe you one.” I shoot him a two-finger salute as I sink onto the bench to unlace my skates.
“Hi honey.” Harper and the MILF glide over together, the two boys right behind them. I focus on my skates and stay quiet. Not engaging is the safest course of action here.
“Hey, Harps. You ready?” Jackson gives her a quick hug and I’m struck by how happy and content they seem.
“Yes. Boys—it’s time to go!” Harper takes her son by the hand and the MILF does the same. The five of them file out of the rink and I follow behind at a distance.