Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

DARIO

Shadows from outside swirl across the ceiling above me. I try to sleep. My body aches, and not just from tonight's game. It's frustrated and wants a release that isn't possible. Not in the way I want. Not so long ago, I would go home with any willing woman. That hasn't been the case since I first noticed Gemma Michaels, the new assistant travel coordinator. I thought she was my age or younger; instead, she is five years older than my twenty-one years. Not that it matters.

A no-fraternization policy has been in place for only a few years. The boss got tired of the players flirting with the female employees, so he put an end to it. According to the scenario I heard, a new player had been very demanding with an employee. The player had stayed for a few months, and the employee had left town and returned home. So, yes, the new policy prevents me from asking Gemma out. For the first time since high school prom, I want to go on a date, but it's impossible with the woman I want.

So, it's no surprise that I find myself alone in my room with only my thoughts for company. Madden is supposed to share, but who knows where he went. He will most likely spend the night doing things I used to enjoy before a curvy woman demanded my full attention.

The intensity of my thoughts about the woman causes a throbbing erection. As I consider going to the bathroom to give myself a release, the sound of the door unlocking causes me to roll over onto my stomach. I curse silently at the pressure and force it to subside by thinking about game statistics. It helps a little.

"What's wrong with you?" Madden asks, turning on the light.

I curse, and he quickly turns it off, opting for a lamp instead.

"Nothing's wrong with me. I was trying to sleep until you came in and started stomping around."

He snorts. "You weren't asleep." He drops to the edge of his bed and kicks off his shoes. He gives me a sideways glance. "Gemma was out tonight."

My ears perk up. "She was." I clear my throat. "Why are you telling me this?"

He laughs. "No reason in particular."

I curse as he closes the bathroom door behind him. When the shower starts, I get out of bed and change into a t-shirt and sweatpants. I grab my key card and leave the room. I take the elevator to the lobby and decide to go to the pool area. It's dark and chilly outside, so I doubt I'll find anyone here.

The hotel seems to be like others, which makes it tempting for travelers. As I step outside, the lawn around the pool is illuminated with multicolored lights. The warm glow of the lights creates a vivid reflection on the water. I take a few steps toward a lounge chair and stop when I hear a gasp. I look around and take a second look when I notice Gemma lying on one of the chairs. I swallow hard as I see her in the soft light.

Without lowering my eyes, I move to the chair next to hers and sit down. I can only hope that the dim light hides my reaction to her. "Madden, he said you were out with them tonight."

Heat rushes through me as her eyes sweep over my face like a gentle caress before she looks across the water. "I was at the restaurant. I wasn't with them."

I grimace as I sense an undercurrent in her speech. Is she sad? I lie back on the lounge chair and turn to face her. "Why weren't you with Davy?"

"We work together. Our free time is ours."

"So, you ate alone?"

Gemma glares, obviously frustrated. "Why are you pushing this? Yes, I ate alone. I'm used to it," she snaps. "I'm fine."

I think there's more to Gemma's reaction than she's letting on, but I decide not to dig any deeper. Instead, I grin and change the subject to something lighter, trying to ease the tension between us. "I saw you at the game tonight, but I didn't see you in a Vikings jersey." I smile, but it has the opposite effect.

She sits up and swings her legs over the edge as if ready to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"To my room. I'll enjoy more peace and quiet there."

"Why so prickly?" I ask.

She rubs her forehead. "Davy gave me a shirt to wear. Two sizes too small." Her cheekbones flush. "I just didn't have time to buy my own."

"I have a spare one. I'll wash it and bring it to you." I wink. "It has my number."

She gives me a cautious look. "I'm not sure wearing a specific player's number is a good idea, but I appreciate the thought."

"I'll bring it to you anyway." I lower my voice. "I like the idea of you wearing my shirt." The sight of her wearing only my shirt makes my body react in ways I try to control.

"Please don't go. Stay and talk to me."

The silence between us lasts until she lies back down. I smile, glad she's staying. "What do you want to talk about?" she asks.

"Anything."

"Well, that's helpful."

I snort with laughter. "I'm afraid to ask something that will make you run away."

"I'm not the most extroverted person. In fact, I consider myself socially awkward. I know I'm not one of the boys, and I'm okay with that. I'm used to it. And if you'd bothered to interact with me before, you'd probably already know all of this."

My frown deepens as she continues because I don't agree with what she's saying. She is part of the team. I mean, I understand that she doesn't play on the ice, but she's still an important member of the team. Davy is more than willing to go along with it. Besides, "I suppose it's more awkward for you, considering the whole team is made up of men."

"Men don't notice." She shrugs.

I burst out laughing, causing her head to snap in my direction. I watch her blink away the tears that form on her eyelids. That makes me cold. She swings her legs over the chair and quickly moves away from me. I run after her and grab her arm. She stops and I move carefully in front of her. "Gemma, believe me when I say that men notice you. That's why I was laughing. I'm distracted with you. I can't think straight half the time."

Her mouth falls open. I chuckle and gently push her chin up. Feeling bold, I admit, "If it wasn't for the no-fraternization policy, I would have asked you out already."

"Really?"

I smile softly. "Yes, really." We stand close together and all I can think about is having her lips under mine.

"Dario, what are we doing?" She asks as our bodies strain closer.

I clear my throat and step away. "I'm not sure." I wet my lips and with one last look of longing, I head inside the hotel.