A Perfect Distraction(44)

Damn it. He wanted her attention focused on him. He strode across to interrupt the cozy little gathering.

“Not today, but thanks for the offer.”

What offer?

“Call me and we’ll arrange a time for you to try it out.” Prince gave her his card. “I’ll provide the gloves.”

“Great.” Maggie pocketed the card.

Irritation spiked. She’d barely given him the time of day because of his fighting, but Mr. I-Used-to-Beat-People-Up-for-a-Living was her new pal? “We should go.”

Keeping the goodbyes to a minimum, Jake rushed Maggie out of the gym.

“I’m glad that worked out,” she said as they walked back to his M-Class. “I’m looking forward to giving his program a try.”

Jake bit back a growl as he opened her door. “I thought you didn’t like fighting.”

“I don’t. But fitness boxing doesn’t involve hitting anyone.”

A snapshot of her in shorts and a tight top, her face moist with the exertion, her skin glowing, flashed through his head. Heat sparked in his groin.

He forced the image away and tried to concentrate on the drive back to the practice facility. Within minutes, though, he was brooding over the changes again.

First the clothes, now the boxing. What next? Why did she need to change?

On the other hand, the new Maggie was very easy on the eyes. His body sure approved of the new look. Did a few outward changes really matter? Instead of worrying about them, he should be figuring out how to win her over at the preseason game.

Now that was something he knew how to do. Jake glanced across at Maggie, who smiled at him. He grinned. He may be reformed, but he had to admit—even a good man needed a touch of bad boy to win.





CHAPTER NINE



“HURRY UP, Mummy. We’ll be late.” Emily hopped impatiently from foot to foot.

“Won’t be a minute.” Maggie smiled as she pulled on her ski jacket. Emily was as eager to see Jake’s parents again as she was to watch her first hockey game.

Maggie checked her lipstick in the rearview mirror, then closed the car door. She’d give that blonde a run for her money. It wasn’t a competition, but knowing she could hold her own gave Maggie a warm feeling inside.

Along with a fizz of anticipation at seeing Jake again.

Tracy locked the car, then they joined the throng swarming toward the steel-and-glass arena that was home to the Ice Cats. Maggie was thrilled to see so many fans wearing Badoletti jerseys.

Above the main entrance, a huge screen showed video clips of the players in action. They watched for several minutes.

“There’s Mr. Ike.” Emily cheered as the goaltender made an acrobatic save.

Maggie had to admit the game looked fast moving and energetic. Captivated by the action, she was caught unawares when Jake’s face appeared on the screen.

“Bad Boy has come home and he’s taking no prisoners,” the voice-over intoned as Jake’s picture faded to a video montage.

Around them, fans whooped as he sent players crashing into the boards. To her dismay, Emily joined in as he floored a player in an orange jersey with a single punch.

Maggie swallowed to clear the tightness in her throat. Clearly, neither the Ice Cats nor the fans expected Jake’s fighting to be a thing of the past.

Could she trust that the raw aggression wouldn’t spill over into normal life? He’d given her no reason to doubt him, but this video had her questioning whether she was being naive.

Jake’s face reappeared, his expression fierce and warriorlike. Every scar showed clearly. His ice-blue eyes were as piercing as lasers. Her pulse skipped as he gave his sexy half smile.

“Are you ready for Ice Cats hockey?” he growled. “Are you ready for me?”

The crowd roared in response.

They might be, but Maggie wasn’t sure she was.

Tracy laid a hand on her arm. “It’s all hype.”

She nodded, but uncertainty settled in her stomach like a stone.

Inside the arena, they spotted Jake’s parents, wearing Badoletti jerseys. After a quick tour of the arena, they led the way to the suite he’d reserved.

A large crowd was gathered outside. Jake stood in the middle, dashingly handsome in his dark suit, signing autographs. He chatted amiably with everyone and posed for numerous photographs with fans.

Maggie was surprised and pleased. Lee had always complained about the fans’ demands, behaving genially only when the media was there.

Jake grinned as he noticed them standing nearby. His gaze met hers—the unspoken promise in the blue depths made her toes curl.

She licked her lips nervously.

He made his excuses to the crowd and joined them. “Great. You’re here.”

Jake ushered them into the suite, his hand resting against the small of her back. The warmth penetrated her sweater, sensitizing every inch of her body.