“Thank you. You can congratulate me anytime if that’s what it takes for you to hug me.” He grinned, but those eyes stayed that intense green.

“I thought you’d be long gone by now.”

“I wouldn’t leave without seeing you.” His words were from the heart, causing a surge of emotion in mine. Normally, I avoided such emotions and concealed my innermost feelings, but I was having a difficult time regaining control in this man’s presence.

“I’m sure you have a party or three to attend, and I need to get back to work, or I’ll be here all night.”

He didn’t move toward the door. Instead he dug in his jacket pocket and pulled out a puck. He held it toward me.

I took it from him and turned it over, expecting to see another cute note. There was nothing on it. “What is this?”

“It’s the game-winning puck. I want you to have it.”

I turned it over in my hands, realizing the significance of what he was gifting me. My eyes welled with tears. He was a rookie. This was the goal that launched us into the playoffs, and he scored it. Normally such a puck would have a place of prominence on his mantel, yet he wanted me to have it?

“I can’t take this. You should keep it.”

He shook his head and grinned. “I want you to have it.” He repeated the words, and I could tell he meant them. I was beyond flattered and a little disconcerted. “There is a price, though.”

Ah, a catch. Of course there was, and I knew exactly what that catch would be.

“We made the playoffs. That deserves a reward if you ask me.” His expression was as innocent as a little boy’s with his hand caught in the cookie jar.

“A reward?” I played dumb.

“Go to dinner with me. You pick the place.” He was a determined man moving in for the kill. He had me where he wanted me, and we both knew it.

“If I go out with you once, will you promise not to ask me again?” I sighed and contemplated my options. Did I dare? Yes, I was a strong woman. Just one date. Nothing more.

“One date with me will never be enough,” he said, reading my mind in that uncanny way of his.

I rolled my eyes, but he merely smirked, brimming once again with self-confidence in his masculine talents of persuasion and knowing he was good-looking.

Okay, I’d play but by my rules. He’d get a good dose of the real me behind the polos and khakis. I’d bet my Harley he wouldn’t like what he saw.

“Fine,” I said. “I’ll pick you up. Tomorrow night at five p.m. Dress warmly. We’ll be spending time outside.”

I laughed out loud at his puzzled expression, then strutted away from him, leaving him to wonder what I was up to.

Chapter 19—Date on a Harley

~~Axel~~

The next night, I stood on the curb in front of the condo as instructed by Geneva.