2. Morgan

2

MORGAN

“Should we make him jealous?”

I tear my gaze off Dane’s retreating figure. Strobe lights flash to the beat of the new song booming through the club, illuminating Cam’s instigating grin. “Sorry?”

His lips twist with mischief. “Dane. Wanna make him jealous?”

Wariness flows through me. “Why would I want to do that?” Cam and Dane are teammates. From what little the press report on the Ranchers’ team dynamics, the two players get along well enough. They might even be friends off the ice. Why would Cam want to make him jealous?

And why in the world would Dane be jealous over me?

I’m objectively attractive, tall, and still pretty fit, even though it’s been years since my college volleyball days. But I’m not a model by any means.

“Because while I love the guy, Dane could use a slice of humble pie, as my mother would say.” Cam leans forward and says conspiratorially, “And I’m known as the team jokester.”

While I find his request odd, I don’t detect malicious intent behind it. I believe he really wants to mess with his teammate, but I don’t want to be involved.

“I’m not interested in being the butt of a joke.”

His smile falters. “My bad. I didn’t mean to make you feel awkward.”

I believe him.

“It’s fine.” I scan my surroundings for a glimpse of Lacy, but I don’t see her. I debate if I should try to search for my social friend or if I should just stay put.

“I just wanted to see a little life in Dane, is all,” Cam continues, looking genuinely remorseful to have made me uncomfortable.

His words pique my curiosity. “What do you mean?”

He shrugs. “Dane has had a tough go of it lately. I dragged him out to force him to have some fun, and you’re the first girl he showed interest in tonight.”

For a moment, I’m flattered. Then I register the words, the first girl.

Dane is a star athlete and hot. He won’t have an issue finding a woman if he chooses.

But why can’t that be you?

Because I’m not interested in reforming assholes. Not anymore.

I don’t know for sure if Dane is an asshole but past experience, unfortunately, has me assuming that’s the case until I’m proven wrong.

I lift a brow. “How would making him jealous help him through a tough time?”

“I don’t know.” A sheepish look crosses Cam’s features. “It was just a thought. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Forget I said anything.”

I observe Cam’s demeanor and analyze his remorseful expression. I’m reminded of a night not that many months ago when I dragged Carlee out on a double date.

Ike was one of the good guys I met on my recent stint on a dating app. He had a friend, Henry, who was looking for a nice girl to date. Knowing Carlee was hung up on Corey, though she denied it, I asked her to join me on the date.

I may have also encouraged Carlee to post a photo of us while on the date, knowing her nosy brother would likely see and share news of the date with Corey. But things worked out better than I had hoped.

When Corey and Carter crashed the double date, I knew Carlee and Corey were inevitable. They both just needed time to figure that out themselves. So while I don’t understand Cam’s thought process, I do understand the motivation to help out a friend through somewhat underhanded means.

That’s the only reason I can think of that explains the next words that come out of my mouth. “Okay, I’m game.”

His mouth falls open. “What?”

“Let’s do it.” I shrug. “If you think it’ll help, let’s make Dane jealous.” Though, I’m not convinced Dane will be jealous. It’s not like we spoke to each other and had an amazing connection.

Though, he did check me out pretty hard…

Cam blinks. “You sure?”

I nod. “Yup.”

His features color with embarrassment, giving him an almost boyish appearance. He inches closer and bends down to once again whisper in my ear. “I’m not sure it will take much. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he started talking to his friend.”

He hasn’t?

I bite my bottom lip and shove down the flattery trying to billow in my chest. “Should we dance?”

His hand moves to rest against my hip, a respectful distance from my ass. “I don’t think that’s necessary.” Amusement laces his tone.

I tilt my head back to see his expression and see him glance at something over my shoulder. “What do you mean?”

His eyes shine. “I’m pretty sure Dane is about to stomp over here and go all caveman over you.”

I find myself smiling in return. My inner seductress rises to the surface, appearing for the first time in a long, long time. “Should we raise the stakes?”

His eyebrows lift. His blush deepens. “What do you have in mind?”

For a handsome professional athlete, Cam seems a little shy. I should convince Lacy to give him a chance.

I rest my hand on his chest and move closer.

His nostrils flare, but he ducks his head down so I’m the only one who can see his friendly grin. “Careful, Morgan. Or I might fall for you and have to fight Larson for you.”

I giggle.

“Trying to steal my dance partner, Lehman?” Dane’s voice sounds from behind me, closer and angrier than I expected.

I step away from Cam and turn to see the center posted up less than a foot away. His lips are pressed in a hard line. He tries to look relaxed with his hands tucked into his front pockets, but he fails to conceal the glare he levels on his teammate.

“I was just keeping Morgan company.” Cam’s hand falls away. “Is that a problem?”

“Not unless you make it one.” Dane turns to me. The territorial gleam in his eye should be a turn-off. But damn it, it’s not.

It’s definitely not.

Dane holds out a hand. “Let’s dance.”

I stare at his palm.

A thrill I haven’t felt in a long time courses through my body.

When was the last time I felt so desired? Or felt so attracted to someone?

This could be a disaster.

In fact, that’s almost a guarantee.

But when my eyes slide up Dane’s muscular forearm, bicep, shoulder, and neck to land on his piercing blue eyes, I realize I don’t care. I’ll deal with the fallout later.

I place my hand in Dane’s and follow him to the dance floor, shooting a wink at Cam as I go, earning me two thumbs up.

The crowd parts like the Red Sea as Dane leads me to the center of the dancefloor. It’s funny—I don’t think anyone recognizes him as the NHL’s MVP runner-up two years ago, but they definitely take note of his imposing presence. Women eye him with interest. Men watch him with admiration.

My pulse pounds in time with the music, my nerves trying to overshadow the confidence that drove me to take Dane’s hand. I feel his callouses under my fingers. I imagine feeling them pressed against my skin in other places.

My cheeks heat.

This is what happens when you don’t have sex often enough. Something as simple as holding a hot guy’s hand can turn you on. My tight dress presses my thighs together, creating friction that, coupled with his touch, creates a pleasant sensation that makes me consider disappearing into the bathroom for relief.

Dane stops and spins around to face me, releasing my hand as he begins to dance.

For such a big guy, he moves effortlessly to the beat. I feel awkward as I sway to the music, looking around us to avoid meeting his penetrating gaze as I try to find my rhythm.

“What made you decide to go along with Cam’s antics?”

My gaze swings back to the tall Adonis in front of me. A bead of sweat runs down his temple, more likely caused by the body heat around us than exertion. He’s in too good of shape for a little dancing to make him break out in a sweat.

My mind falters with how to play the situation. When I see Dane’s amused grin, I decide there’s no point in lying.

“How did you know?” I shimmy my shoulders as the beat changes.

“Because I saw him checking out your friend before I walked up,” he reveals. “And then he asked about her. You don’t strike me as the kind of girl who would let a guy hit on her after he made it clear he was interested in her friend.”

He’s right. I wouldn’t.

“You don’t know me,” I challenge. “I could be interested in him after his incredible save against the New Mexico Bombers last week.”

“Ah hah.” Dane dips his chin. “So you are a hockey fan.”

I roll my eyes. “I follow the sport. But don’t get it twisted, I’m not a puck bunny.”

“No? That’s a shame.” His grin contradicts his words. He inches a bit closer. There’s still a respectable distance between us, but I sense his goal is to change that as soon as possible. “I bet you’d look good in my jersey.”

I bark a laugh. “Oh my god. Has that line ever worked for you before?”

“All that matters is if it’s working now.” His eyes shine under the strobe lights. “So… is it?”

“No.” I laugh. “Not at all.”

“Then why go along with Cam’s antics?” A competitive gleam enters his eye—it’s a look I recognize. Anyone who’s competed in sports would.

I decide to be honest. “Because he asked me to.”

Dane blinks. “That’s it?”

“That’s it.” My hips sway to the beat.

Dane’s pupils dilate as his eyes dip down. I send up a silent thanks to fate that I chose to wear this crimson dress. The color flatters my skin tone, but more importantly, it makes my athletic body appear to have feminine curves men are known to admire. And Dane isn’t shy about doing just that.

“My eyes are up here,” I tease, feeling more confident with every passing second Dane makes it clear he finds me attractive.

“I know.” He looks up. “And they’re beautiful eyes.”

A small part of me swoons. Dane is a smooth talker, just like I suspected.

“It’s nice that Cam cares about you.” At Dane’s confused look, I explain, “He said you’ve been having a hard time lately, and he brought you here to lift your spirits.”

“Ah.” Dane nods. “Yeah… I guess.”

I wait for his flirty demeanor to resurface, but I fear I’ve effectively killed it by mentioning his troubles.

Why in the world did I think that was a good idea?

The song begins to fade. In a few seconds, the DJ will transition to the next one. I take a step back, about to save both of us from the growing awkwardness by saying I’m going to search for Lacy, when Dane reaches out and snags my hand, pulling me close.

My other hand lands on his chest to keep from crashing into his muscular torso. His heart beats steadily under my fingers.

“Let’s dance again.”

Is he for real?

I tilt my head to the side. A shadow still hovers in his crystal-blue eyes, but it’s slowly receding as he meets my gaze. His lips curl into an enticing grin that makes my stomach swoop.

Still, I can’t make it easy.

“How about you ask me first before man-handling me?” I shoot a pointed look at his fingers wrapped around my hand. He makes me look tiny, which is unexpectedly arousing.

He chuckles. “Sorry. Will you dance with me again, Morgan Caldwell?”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say yes when I pause. “Wait.” My eyes narrow. “How do you know my last name?”

Instead of looking guilty, his smile grows. “Come on. Did you really think I didn’t recognize you from Carter’s party?”

Shock ripples through me, and I suck in a sharp breath. Of all the things I expected him to say, it wasn’t that.

Get it together, Morgan!

“But we didn’t even talk to each other,” I say on an exhale.

“Not for lack of trying,” he delivers another shocking blow. A new song booms through the speakers. Dane starts to move to the music, still holding my hand. I move with him because it’s less awkward than staying still when I’m practically pressed up against him.

“But Mr. Jones kept me busy most of the day, and you were busy with Abby and Andy,” he continues, naming Carter’s dad and his children. “By the time I had the chance to introduce myself, you’d already left.”

I don’t know what to think.

I try to remember what I was wearing that day. I’m pretty sure it was nothing special—just shorts and a T-shirt. I can’t imagine what would’ve caught Dane Larson’s attention. But I won’t lie… I’m starting to have trouble ignoring the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

“So you asked Carter about me, and he told you my last name?” I’ve known the professional football player since we were pre-teens, and he likes to act like the fourth older brother I don’t need. I’m already planning a text to chastise him for not telling me that Dane Larson asked about me at his party.

Dane’s next words get Carter off the hook. “Well… not exactly.”

I wait for him to elaborate. When he doesn’t, I prompt, “What does that mean?”

“I found his sister on social media,” Dane admits with a casual shrug. I’m impressed by his lack of embarrassment. “And I saw you tagged on one of her posts.”

“Social media stalking, Larson?” I shake my head in fake disappointment. “I’ve got to say, it seems beneath you.”

“What can I say? I saw something I liked. You felt worth pursuing.”

Oh, Mylanta…

Did the AC stop working in here? Because I am feeling hot . And bothered.

The crowd around us has grown in size with dancers stepping onto the floor to dance to the popular song. Someone nudges my back, forcing me to abandon the last inch of space between me and Dane.

His breath tickles my ear when he lowers his head, sending a shiver down my spine. “Does it really bother you?”

I’m too distracted by the sensations assaulting my senses to know what he means. “Does what bother me?”

His hand trails down my arm to rest on my waist. I feel the heat of his palm through my dress. “The fact I found out your name online.”

Considering that’s how I arrange most of my dates these days, I say, “No. But I wish you had talked to me in person.”

“Me, too.” He leans back. His eyes meet mine before dipping down to rest on my lips. “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to see you again for another chance to introduce myself. Looks like fate is on my side tonight.”

Oh, he’s good. Almost too good.

There’s no way Dane Larson pined over me, a woman he didn’t know, after just seeing me once. Life is not a romance movie. He’s a professional athlete, attractive, and rich. In no world does he have trouble finding a partner when he wants one.

He’s buttering me up, and I’m only a little embarrassed to admit it’s working.

I haven’t had sex in ages. Ike was the last guy I felt remotely interested in, but not even the suave businessman made it into my bed. I’m not a casual sex kind of girl, and I’ve managed to find something wrong with the guys I’ve seen as of late, ending things before we reach that level in our relationship.

But the way Dane’s eyes devour me tells me he wants me—bad. And I want him just as bad.

This doesn’t have to be a big deal.

I can enjoy a night with a man whose body rivals the marble statues that decorate museums without complicating things. I’m flattered Dane remembered me from Carter’s barbeque. He could be using lines on me, but damn if he doesn’t have me hooked.

I move the hand pressed against his chest up and curl my fingers along the back of his neck.

His nostrils flare as I rise on my toes. “Kiss me.”

His lips curve into a sensual smile. The hand on my waist flexes before he draws me closer. My breasts press against his pecs. Heat curls in my chest. “I thought you’d never ask.”

His lips press against mine more gently than I expect. That quickly changes as my tongue runs over his lips before sliding inside. He growls, and whatever held him back snaps.

Dane devours me.

Our tongues dance. Our teeth clash. The rest of the club fades away as all my focus rests on the man I’m falling into. He holds me upright easily. His hands move to my ass and squeeze, lifting me off my toes and pressing me more firmly into his hard length.

I moan. He swallows up the sound with his mouth.

I haven’t been this turned on since… well… ever.

“Morgan! There you are.”

I’m ripped out of my lustful haze, and reality crashes back into me as the sounds of the club penetrate my mind.

Dane growls in his throat, sending a jolt of heat to my core.

I pull away. The breath catches in my throat as I take in Dane’s heated expression. His eyes flick down to my lips. He looks like he wants to consume me whole. And I want to let him.

“Ahem?”

I force my gaze away and find Lacy staring at me with a Cheshire cat grin. Her eyes bounce between me and the sexy hockey player holding my waist. “How’s it going?”

I blush. “Fine.” I drop my hands from Dane’s neck and fall back on my heels, turning to face my friend.

She laughs and winks. “It looks better than fine.”

Dane’s torso brushes my back as he steps forward and extends a hand. “Hi, I’m Dane.”

“Lacy.” Her eyes glitter with amusement as they bounce between me and the Adonis behind me. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

“I was just going to head out.” Lacy hikes a thumb over her shoulder. “The airline called, and they need me on a flight at noon tomorrow.”

“What?” I frown. “Can they do that?”

She shrugs, trying but failing to hide her disappointment. “I don’t know, but they have. I need to get some sleep before I’m due to report.”

“I’ll go with you.”

Lacy was looking forward to this weekend off. I know her well enough to know she likely needs to talk through this situation. She loves her job, but it’s become more and more demanding. It may not be the best fit for her anymore.

I step toward her but immediately remember the tall drink of water standing behind me.

Damn.

I whirl around, an apology already forming on my lips for my impending departure, but Dane speaks first. “Can I get your number?” he smirks. So we can pick up on this another time?”

I press my lips together but can’t hide my smile. “Sure.” I rattle off my number and then almost swoon when Dane captures my cheek with his hand and leans down for one last toe-curling kiss.

“We’ll talk soon.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” I’m really, really looking forward to it.

Lacy grabs my hand and waves at Dane as she drags my lust-drunk self through the crowded dance floor and the exit. She praises me for making out with Dane on the dance floor and tells me I better not ghost him until I do a favor for all of womankind and ride him like a pogo-stick.

I laugh at her ridiculous analogy and try to play it cool, but I stay glued to my phone the rest of the night.

I listen to Lacy lament her lack of personal life, my phone at max volume, so I’ll hear a text notification as I drive her back to her hotel. I stare at the screen while brushing my teeth, talking myself out of searching for Dane on social media and following his account. And I fall asleep with the device next to my pillow.

The next morning, I wake and excitedly look at my phone to see if Dane finally reached out.

He didn’t.

That remains the case the entire day.

I get ready for my interview with the Ranchers, knock it out of the park, and then go to my parents’ house for our weekly dinner. In all that time, I never receive a message.

He ghosted me.

Looks like my assumptions were correct… Dane Larson is an asshole. And I’m the fool who let herself get played… again.