58. Darcy

CHAPTER 58

DARCY

"I'm going to head upstairs," Erik, one of the other analysts, tells me in the lower concourse at the arena. He's referring to the private box for just the owner and the analysts, a quiet space where we can watch the game tonight, run real-time data, and coordinate with the coaches on the bench.

I give him a quick smile and gesture at the hallway to the dressing room. "I'll be up in a minute."

I haven't seen Hayden since this morning when I left for work. I'm wearing his jersey, and I want him to know that going into the game. That he always has someone cheering for him.

Erik gives me a wave before he disappears.

It's been less than a week since I started as an analyst with the Storm, but I already feel at home here. The other analysts—Erik, Craig, and Jerome—unexpectedly took me for lunch my first day to celebrate my arrival on the team, and we've spent the entire week either holed up in the conference room as I showed them the models, watching old game tape, or observing practices. They're all retired players, but with how eager they are to work with me to tackle problems, I feel like we're a team. I don't feel like an outsider at all .

It's been so freaking fun. I didn't even know work could be like this.

A young player walks past in his suit, heading to the dressing room, but his gaze snags on me and he stops.

Luca Walker arrived Monday morning and has been training with Alexei all week, learning the defensive plays.

I've only seen him on the ice, practicing, usually wearing a helmet, but up close, he looks so much younger. He's tall and broad like Hayden, but with wavy dark hair and delicate, impish features. A wash of healthy pink across his cheeks and sparkling gray eyes. He reminds me of a prince from one of my fantasy romance books—boyish, cocky, and unfairly beautiful.

His eyes go to my purple hair. "Darcy Andersen?" His dark brow arches, a playful grin pulling up on his mouth.

"That's me."

"So you're who I have to thank for being here tonight."

Warmth threads through me, and I chuckle. "Let's see how you play before you thank me."

He clutches his chest like he's wounded, eyes dancing with humor. "Alright, I see how it is. I love a challenge." Something flashes through his eyes, a sliver of vulnerability, and he slips his hands into his pockets. "I mean it, though. Thank you. Whatever you saw in me, I appreciate it. After that game earlier this year, I, uh." He glances away with a tight smile. "I thought it wasn't going to happen, you know?"

If there were any doubt in my mind that this job is where I'm supposed to be, it evaporates. What I do matters, and Luca is proof of that.

The risk is worth it. "You're welcome."

Interest sparks in his gaze, and he grins higher. "What are you doing after the game? Let's go out."

I want to say I'm taken, but I doubt that's how Hayden would categorize us. "You're a little young for me. "

His smile is pure seduction as he glances at my mouth. "Doesn't bother me if it doesn't bother you." He winks. "I've always had a thing for the smart girls."

He's amusing and adorable, but like a little brother would be.

"It bothers her," Hayden bites out, suddenly at my side, wearing his pregame suit. I didn't even hear him approach. Alexei's right beside him, glaring at Luca. "No hitting on the analysts."

My chest shakes with laughter. "Hi." I smile up at Hayden, who's looking deadly handsome.

"Hi." His gaze softens. "You look very cute in my jersey, Andersen."

"What did I say this morning?" Alexei snaps at Luca. "Focus on the game. Knock it off."

"Are you going to gripe at me like this for the rest of the season?" Luca asks as they head to the dressing room.

"Yes. You need a solid pregame routine that doesn't include chasing girls."

Luca sighs. "Jesus, you're obsessed with this pregame routine thing." He tilts a grin at Alexei, unfazed by his stern and abrupt demeanor. "Hey, did you realize that you're almost old enough to be my dad?"

Alexei grumbles something as they walk through the door of the dressing room, and Hayden stares after them with a tight jaw.

"Fucking cocky rookies."

"You were a cocky rookie once."

"I wasn't like that."

I cough out a laugh. "Uh, yes, you were. You were exactly like that."

A boyish grin flashes across his face. "I was better at it. More charming."

"I don't know." I sigh and gaze after Luca like I'm besotted. "He's pretty charming. And cute."

Hayden makes a noise low in his throat, and his hand comes to my back.

"Did you just growl?"

His grin is back, and we beam at each other. "Ready for tonight?"

"I think so." Nerves tumble in my stomach. "I'll be upstairs with the other analysts, watching." My nose scrunches. "I'm bummed that I can't sit in my usual spot with Hazel and Pippa."

It would never work—I need my laptop and a quiet area to concentrate so I can make real-time recommendations with the other analysts. Our data and decisions are confidential, too, so the room needs to be secure. I'd stick out like a sore thumb with my laptop in the front row.

"Don't tell me you're nervous, Darce."

"A little." It's my first game as an analyst, after all.

"Hey." He leans down until his mouth is inches from my ear. "You're going to be great. Okay?" He catches my gaze, eyes bright.

When he says it like that, I believe him. "Maybe tonight you'll finally let me have my wicked way with you."

We still haven't had sex. When we fool around, he gets so hard it must hurt, but he won't let me go any further than stroking him. I should appreciate how considerate he's being, but I also really, really want to fuck Hayden.

"Your wicked way?" He bites his lip, eyes going hot. "What did you have in mind? Cake sitting? Wizard role play? Sexy tickling?"

"Sexy tickling ?" I repeat in amused horror. "I was thinking more along the lines of pushing you onto your bed and riding your cock until we both come hard. "

He stares at me, speechless, and there's a tremor of self-consciousness through me. I don't say things like this. The old Darcy didn't say things like that, at least. My nose wrinkles in hesitation as I watch Hayden's stunned reaction.

" Fuck ." He rests his forehead against mine like he's in pain. "Please don't make me hard before I have to get changed in front of the guys."

He presses a kiss to my mouth, and I laugh, feeling lighter than air.

"Thought you said no hitting on the analysts," Luca calls from down the hall, and I dissolve into laughter against Hayden's chest. Hayden chuckles into my neck before pressing a series of quick, urgent kisses up my neck and jaw until he reaches my mouth.

"See you after," he murmurs against my lips.

"See you after."