Once Upon a Power Play
coffers with donations by year-end. Although she was excited about the opportunity, there was no denying the crushing weight that had settled on her shoulders as a result. The foundation was counting on her, and the last thing she wanted to do was let the kids down. Whatever it took, she had to make the campaign a success. After all, wasn’t that what she’d promised herself? That she’d put her love life on the back burner and focus on something worthwhile for a change?
    Problem was, she was still trying to piece herself back together from those mind-blowing orgasms Ryan had given her Friday night. Thank God it was a one shot deal. No way could she handle more than one night of hot sex with that man. And didn’t it just figure that the most infuriating man she’d met in all her life was actually a sex god in disguise? She was pretty sure he’d ruined her for any other man with that pleasure-giving body of his. He’d marked her for life, leaving her with memories no other man could live up to. Hell, she was getting turned on just thinking about him. Which was exactly why she needed to forget about their night together and focus on her job. She scanned the arena, spotting Cole on the far side of the rink. Common sense told her he was there to meet the Rangers, not check up on her work, but seeing him onsite was all the motivation she needed to clear her head. The man might be her friend Olivia’s knight in shining armor, but from eight to five, he was also the boss.
    Squaring her shoulders, she went to work.
    The next fifteen minutes were spent sharing her vision for the shoot with the photographers. The real trick would be getting the kids, who currently looked as if they’d been mainlining Pixy Stix, settled enough to do their testimonials. That was why she’d convinced the photographers it was best to let them skate for a while and then meet the players. If she was lucky, they’d burn off some energy before transitioning into the serious stuff.
    Halfway through her review of the cue cards, the kids started going wild, screaming and howling. Unable to concentrate, she glanced up to see the Rangers filing out of the players tunnel and joining the kids on the ice. Their excitement was contagious, and she found herself smiling right along with them. An experience like this would leave a lasting impression on these kids, hopefully changing some of their lives for the better. The Rangers did a quick lap around the rink, moving at breakneck speed, which only made the kids scream louder, shouting the names of their favorite players, vying for their attention and cheering them to victory in the impromptu race. As the players came full circle and skated to center ice to meet their pintsized fans, one face stood out among the rest.
    Son. Of. A. Bitch!
    No way. No freaking way.
    This could not be happening. She blinked, hoping her eyes were playing a dirty trick on her. But no, there he was. Clean shaven. Hot. And wearing a Rangers jersey.
    Ryan.
    Ryan Douglas, apparently.
    There was a very real possibility she was going to die of embarrassment. Or melt into a puddle of goo right there on the damn rug. Much as she hated to admit it, he looked even better than she remembered, gliding across the ice in all his perfect male glory. Lust pooled in her belly. It didn’t help that she knew exactly how lickable his sinewy body was underneath that uniform. Strong arms, muscular chest, and her personal favorite, V-cut abs. What wasn’t to like? The man was ripped. His shaggy hair brushed the collar of his jersey, and his crooked nose suddenly seemed even sexier, if that was possible. How had he broken it? Stray puck? Elbow? Fight? No, wait. That was so not the point.
    What the hell? They weren’t supposed to see each other again. Ever. There was only one logical explanation. Clearly the universe hated her. She was being punished for breaking her no sex rule five seconds after swearing off men.
    Stop! Don’t freak out, she coached

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