Her manicured fingers pull a torn piece of paper with a phone number and her name scribbled on it from her back pocket, and she holds it out to me. I stare at it, my eyes going wide.

“Uh, sorry,” I blurt out, holding up my hands. “But I’m not interested. I’m already taken.”

“Oh.” Jessica’s smile falters. “I… didn’t know that. This is so embarrassing, I’m sorry. Excuse me.” She quickly gathers her son before hurrying away, tucking the rejected number into her pocket as she leaves.

I exhale slowly, puffing out my cheeks as I watch her go. As I turn to see who might be next in line, I spot Hannah striding across the ice directly toward me, her eyes locked on mine. My heart lurches as it hits me in a rush that she might’ve overheard at least part of that exchange.

“I should’ve known some people would use a charity event as an excuse to hit on the players,” she says when she reaches me, cocking an eyebrow.

I grimace. “I guess I should’ve seen it coming too. But I didn’t take her number, hummingbird.”

“I know.” She gives me a look I can’t quite interpret, although I wish like hell that I could. “Because you’re already taken.”

My heart thumbs against my ribs. So she did hear that part. “Listen, I wasn’t trying to pressure you or put a label on anything you’re not ready for, I just⁠—”

“It’s okay.” Hannah cuts me off, shaking her head. There’s something soft in her expression that catches me off guard. She leans closer, her lips curving upward into a small smile. “I’m glad you didn’t take her number. I would’ve hated for a fight to break out on the ice—although I’m pretty sure I could’ve taken her.”

Her smile blooms into a full-on smirk, and I chuckle.

“Is that why you came over here so fast? In case you had to fight her off.”

She shrugs, two spots of pink appearing high on her cheeks. “No…”

I bark out a laugh, giving her a heated look. “Too late to deny it now, hummingbird. But you know what? I like it when you stake your claim. It’s hot as hell.” My voice drops, turning a little rough as I add, “I wish I could kiss you right now.”

She swallows hard, her eyes shining. “I wish you could too.”

Raw, primal hunger rumbles deep inside me. If we were alone, I’d tear my jersey off her and have my way with her right here and now. Just push her up against the boards and fuck her against them.