“Most of the time they’re to inject energy or change momentum. If the team needs a spark, the enforcer will challenge the other team’s goon to a fight.”
“And the rest of the time?”
“You make a dirty play, you pay the piper. It’s part of The Code.”
“The Code? Is that like honor among thieves?
“It’s an unwritten set of rules. Helps us keep the game clean and fair.”
“You sound like Wyatt Earp.” She grinned. “Do the good guys wear white hats?”
“Very funny.” Jake’s voice was tight.
“I’m sorry.” Her grin faded. She’d offended him.
“Forget it. Doesn’t matter. Shall we go inside?”
Her pulse jolted nervously at his dismissive tone. “Really, I didn’t mean anything by it.”
As she studied him more closely, she realized he was sulking. Instantly, her worry eased.
“How long are you going to pout?” She exaggerated a glance at her watch.
“Hockey players don’t pout.” The tightness vanished.
“Especially not enforcers.”
“I’m not an enforcer.”
“I’ve seen the videos of your fights.”
“You looked me up on YouTube?” The cocky grin was back.
“Client research,” she countered primly.
“Uh-huh.” His look said he’d let that slide for now. “Those clips are old. I don’t fight anymore, but I still throw clean, hard checks.” Jake touched her arm, sending a fizz through her blood. “Why don’t you come to a game with me? I can explain everything while we watch.”
He wanted to take her out? She stumbled over her words as she tried not to sound too eager. “Won’t you be playing?”
“Not much during preseason. The coach wants to check out the kids, not us old-timers.”
“I’m not supposed to date clients.” It was a token resistance.
Amusement sparkled in his eyes. “After today, I won’t be a client.”
“Our contract is with the Ice Cats—technically, you’ll still be a client.”
“In that case, technically, it won’t be a date.”
Her pulse skittered. “What will it be?”
“Consider it...research.” Jake leaned closer. His clean, masculine scent teased her nose. “Who better to teach you about hockey than a player?”
Her stomach churned with nerves, even as her foolish heart danced with anticipation.
“I’ll reserve a suite at the arena.” Jake’s voice broke into her thoughts. “You can bring Tracy and Emily, and I’ll get my folks there, too.”
Why not? Her lips tingled with the memory of their kiss; desire stirred within, reminding her of what she could gain. “Thank you. That would be nice.”
His grin was jubilant. “Great.”
“Then shall we check out this gym?”
As she got out of the car, she hid a smile. Looked like Jake Badoletti was a temptation she couldn’t resist, after all.
* * *
JAKE WANTED TO strut like a proud rooster.
How could he make the game special? His mind buzzed as he and Maggie checked out the admittedly top-notch facilities.
“Jake?”
He turned to see a smiling, well-built man come toward him, wiping his face with a towel. A pair of worn boxing gloves hung around his neck and a sheen of sweat covered his dark skin.
“Prince?” The two men slapped each other on the back. “What are you doing here?”
“I run the fitness boxing program.”
“No kidding.” He introduced his friend to Maggie. “This guy showed me how boxing can help maintain the high level of fitness needed for a long season. He also taught me how to fight.” He grinned. “I keep telling him, it’s a lot harder throwing punches on skates.”
Prince laughed. “A broken nose is a broken nose, Bad Boy. Even if you ice dance first.”
“Nice to meet you.” Maggie smiled politely.
“Can I interest you in fitness boxing, too?”
“Me?” Her expression was half horrified, half terrified.
“Lots of my clients are women. It’s a great way to get in shape.”
“But I don’t want to hit people.”
“You don’t have to.” Prince told Jake to continue looking around while he took Maggie to meet one of his clients—a petite woman pounding the hell out of a heavy bag.
Jake wandered through the large, airy space filled with equipment. As he pretended to check out the machines, he couldn’t take his eyes off Maggie. The way her red suit clung to her curves. The glimpse of scarlet nail polish visible through her peep toes. The way she bit her full lower lip as she listed intently to what Prince said.