She swallowed and then nodded. "Special, even."
The bartender arrived and Kelsey ordered a shot. She downed it like a pro but her hand faltered when she returned the glass to the bar.
He didn't like that tremor or the slight tension in her shoulders. Watching her eyes, he bent down and rested his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I know I said I'd wait for your decision."
With a slight shake of her head, she leaned into his touch. "It's not that. For tomorrow's outdoor game, I thought I would be doing my usual Kelsey's Corner interviews. But I just found out on the way here that one of the regular commentators can't make it tomorrow, so they're adding my segments to the national TV broadcast."
"That's great." But he frowned. Why wasn't she smiling?
"It is great. Ever since I started doing the media spots, I've been hoping for a chance like this. I just want a little time to prepare. I don't want to mess up. It's not just me; it's the Fraser name. I've worked twice as hard on everything I've ever done for the Bedlam, wanting to prove I got my promotions and achievements despite my name, not because of it."
He pushed his need to the back burner. Soothing nerves was something he could do. "I could tell you not to worry and that everything is going to be fine. But while I do believe that because you're amazing at what you do, I'm extending an offer to help if things go wrong."
A tiny line formed between her brows. "Help how?"
"If you do mess up tomorrow, just throw in a reminder about me and why I'm on the team. Or, I'm sure I can convince Rod to check me into the boards for you. He and I could stage another fight on the ice, too. A goalie fighting is always a big deal. Add in that it's two teammates brawling, and you've got yourself a story."
Finally, her smile bloomed. "I'll let you know. Thanks."
Soft fingers brushed against his. Unable to resist the contact, he linked their fingers, binding them together. "Anything for you."
When she smiled, the urge to kiss her was overwhelming. He cleared his throat and forced himself to take a step back. "We can go back to the table and work on a strategy now. Dylan and Rod and the other guys can help."
Her soft lips pressed together and she closed the distance between them. "Tonight is about celebrating Dylan's return. I'll tell my brothers about my broadcast news tomorrow morning. Before we head back to the table, come with me."
He followed her through the crush of bodies and into a darkened alcove. Rays of light filtered in from the main area, enough that he could see her features in the shadows.
She tugged on their joined hands until he stood only a step away. "I've been thinking a lot about you and me. I don't see that hit anymore when I look at you. I just see you. And I want more. With you. I can't deny that we share a connection. It's too strong to ignore."
It was time to lay his cards on the table. "All my life, if I've wanted something, I've gone after it. So I'll be honest. I'm thirty-six. Too old to be playing games. There's something about you, something that I haven't felt before. It's magnetic. I don't want to ignore this."
"I'm twenty-seven, and I've never played games. This isn't a game, Leo. I don't know what this is." Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. "But I think we should explore it."
Relief, excitement, and desire swelled to overwhelm him and the expanse of warmth radiated from his chest to every atom in his body. He shifted closer and she sucked in a tiny breath. Gaze locked on hers, he cupped her jaw with his free hand. "I'm going to kiss you."
Kelsey mirrored his movements. "You better."
They moved together. His heart slammed in his chest. All the moments spent thinking about her soft and giving like this, all the time trying to ignore his attraction, all of it pressed upon him. He angled his head, studying her face, how her lips parted and her eyes fluttered closed. Adrenaline and anticipation coursed through his veins. His lips closed over hers and something deep within him shifted.
Her scent and touch overwhelmed him and he couldn't get close enough. Unlinking their fingers, he wrapped his arm around her waist and tightened his hold.
Kelsey's fingers slid into his hair and her other hand grabbed at his shirt.
His hands itched to streak down and claim all of her as quickly as possible but he held back, content to savor the moment now that he finally had her in his arms. On a sigh, she pulled him in tighter and her breasts teased against his chest. Leo clamped a hand on her hip and tugged until they were flush. He backed her up until they met the wall and then used that for leverage.
Her tongue stroked against his, deep and seeking and spiking his blood. He needed more. He needed all.
Kelsey.
Warm.
Sexy.
Here.
From somewhere over his shoulder, a heavy tread of footsteps was followed by the sound of a throat clearing. Reluctantly, Leo eased his head away from Kelsey and glanced behind him.
The bartender motioned to the darkened space. "Sorry, I need to get into the storeroom, and the door is behind you."
"Oh, sorry." Leo shifted away from Kelsey. Smoothing his shirt, he stepped to the side while Kelsey did the same, brushing at her hair and sweater.
Pink blushed into her cheeks as she smiled at the bartender. "We should get back to the table."
Leo slid his arm around her shoulder, dissatisfied that they'd been interrupted, but still high on the fact that she was willing to give them a chance.
Dylan met them as they rounded the bar. He held a fresh pitcher of beer and a plate of wings. "Where'd you guys go?"
