A chill from the ice washes over me, and I rub my bare arms, wishing I’d known to dress more appropriately. My dress might look great, but it’s doing nothing to protect me from the frigid air. One thing is for certain—it’s going to be a long, cold evening.

As I scan the rink again, my eyes land on Declan standing near the ice on the opposite side of the space with a woman I assume is his mom. The moment he spots me, his expression changes—something hungry and intense flashes across his face that makes my pulse quicken. He leans down to say something to the woman beside him before making his way in my direction. He casually greets my father and some of the other Aces as he passes, but his focus stays on me.

“Can I talk to you for a second?” Declan asks when he reaches me, his low voice sending a pleasant shiver through me. He gestures to a semi-secluded nook away from the ice rink, and I follow, conscious of putting some distance between us and prying eyes. Once we’re relatively alone, he reaches up and tugs his jersey off with one hand, then holds it out to me.

“Even from across the room, I could tell you were cold,” he says. “Here. This should help.”

My eyes dart from him to where my parents stand and back again, my heart racing. Being alone with him feels risky enough—wearing his jersey would be like announcing to everyone that there’s something between us. But the thought of being wrapped in something of his, something that carries his scent and name, is undeniably tempting.

“Come on, hummingbird,” Declan encourages, ducking his head a little. “You’re shivering. Just put it on. It doesn’t have to mean anything else.”

I bite my lip, torn between wanting to accept his offer and worrying about the consequences. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea. There are a lot of people here, and I don’t want to draw attention.”

Declan’s gaze travels slowly down my body and back up, leaving heat in its wake. “They’re already staring at you. And I can’t handle every guy in this place looking at you with that dress clinging to your curves.”

The possessiveness in his voice floods me with warmth that chases away the chill. For a moment, I forget we’re in a crowded arena. All I see is Declan and the intensity in his amber-flecked brown eyes. My fingers itch to reach for the jersey, but caution holds me back. “I don’t know…”

He moves a little closer, his body radiating heat as he narrows the space between us. His breath caresses the bare skin of my shoulders.