Chapter Forty-One

Natalie got out of the shower and stared at the suit hanging in her closet. How the wardrobe department had something so perfect for her she didn’t know. But thank god they did because she wasn’t going to show up to watch her former team looking like a loser in a Wake Up, USA polo shirt.

By some miracle, the pants fit perfectly over her hockey thighs and ass. She ran her hand over the satin stripe down the side of the pants. She loved tuxedo pants but never had a reason to buy them. Until now.

She might not have picked it out for herself, but the deep blue tank top they gave her was perfect. Without the suit jacket, it showed off her shoulder muscles and complemented her eyes. It made her feel hot and powerful. What would Darcy say when she saw her?

She left the suit jacket on the hanger. She didn’t need to get her nervous sweat on her clothes before she even left the room. Having to watch her former team filled her stomach with something closer to bees than butterflies. It wasn’t like she thought she could go the entire Olympics without seeing them but she didn’t expect to have it sprung on her like this. Watching the game was one thing, she loved watching hockey, but having to be there to talk to a bunch of old dudes wasn’t her idea of a good time.

At least Darcy would be there with her.

Darcy. Who she kissed that morning. What on earth had she been thinking? They were coworkers now, that’s it. Regardless of all the foolish flirting for the people at home, Darcy was still the same woman who broke her stupid heart in college.

Natalie couldn’t give Darcy another chance to wreck her like that. It had taken a long time for Natalie to get over it the first time. Though, if she was honest with herself, she wasn’t over it.

But it was just a kiss. She’d been caught up in the moment and the feel of Darcy pressed against her. It wasn’t a big deal. It was nice. And hot. And she would gladly do it, and more, again if Darcy was up for something without strings. They were in a foreign country, doing a completely ridiculous job, why not add a few benefits to this rekindled friendship? It wasn’t permanent. Like this job, it was something to do until she figured out how she wanted to spend the rest of her post-hockey life.

She should really figure out what she wanted to do next but in the meantime she wouldn’t mind spending the rest of the trip making out with Darcy.

With that thought in her head, she walked into the bathroom to check her appearance. She wanted Darcy to lose her mind when she saw her. Even wearing the world’s most perfect tank top, she wasn’t sure she had that effect on Darcy anymore.

Natalie was still fiddling with her hair when Darcy knocked on the door. She gave it one last look in the mirror before opening the door. She stepped backward to let Darcy come in.

“Give me two seconds to put on my shoes,” Natalie said before stopping to stare at Darcy. Her hair was down, in soft waves around her shoulders. They’d given her a suit as well, but instead of a tank top, she had on a button-down, open at the neck to reveal her collarbones.

Holy shit.

“You look hot,” Natalie said, her mouth running way ahead of her brain.

Darcy smiled. “Thanks, you do, too.”

Natalie blushed. “I mean. You look nice. Sorry. I didn’t mean to be all gross.”

Darcy shook her head and laughed. “By all means objectify me. It’s been a while since anyone has.”

Natalie stepped into her shoes. “Bullshit. People have been thinking you’re hot, even if they haven’t told you about it.”

Darcy rolled her eyes, but her smile stayed. “You trying to get in my pants, Carpenter?”

Natalie straightened up and found Darcy’s eyes. “What if I was?”

Darcy’s mouth dropped open and Natalie raised one eyebrow. When Darcy didn’t say anything, Natalie reached past her to get her jacket off the hanger. “It’s no big deal. I thought that kiss earlier was pretty hot and figured we might be able to have some fun together while we’re here. No strings or whatever. Think about it.” She opened the door. “Shall we?”

Darcy looked dazed as she walked out the door ahead of Natalie. Natalie smiled to herself. Whatever happened tonight, she felt triumphant at short-circuiting Darcy’s brain.

Natalie made sure the door was closed before following Darcy down the hallway. It gave her an excuse to check out Darcy’s ass in her perfectly tailored suit pants.

At the elevator, she allowed herself another look at Darcy’s face, which was a little flushed. “Do we need to talk about the kiss?” Darcy asked, her voice low.

Natalie shrugged. “I liked it, if you’re wondering what I’m thinking.”

Darcy’s hands dug deeper into the pockets in her suit, which forced her shoulders to roll forward.

Natalie took a step closer. “I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable. I can stop,” she said, her eyes soft.

Darcy smiled. “It’s okay. I’m surprised, that’s all. A couple weeks ago you hated me and wanted to punish me for...everything that happened.” She took a shaky breath. “And now...” She shook her head, unable to finish the thought.

“I was mad,” Natalie explained. “But we spend all day flirting for the cameras, why not have a little fun, too?” She shrugged. “Only if you want to, of course.”

Darcy took a deep breath, her eyes traveling over Natalie’s face before breaking into a shy smile. “You really do look amazing.”

“Is that a yes?” Natalie asked. The elevator door dinged and popped open, revealing a family inside.

Darcy raised an eyebrow and gestured toward the elevator. “Let’s see where the night takes us.”