Swarmed by excited fans, Reid patiently signed autographs, posed for selfies and offered words of encouragement to the young hockey players in the crowd, boys who idolized him and aspired to be like him.
As Nadia watched, she couldn’t help admiring the natural ease with which Reid interacted with his fans. It was clear that he genuinely appreciated them, and they in turn adored him.
Emily sidled closer to Nadia and whispered in her ear, “He is so fucking hot. I can’t believe he came here to see you.”
Nadia made a face. “Gee, thanks.”
Emily laughed. “You know what I meant. I’ve heard that he’s, like, a total manwhore. He sleeps around a lot. But…well, you’re not his usual type.”
“Tell me something I don’t know,” Nadia muttered.
When the crowd showed no sign of dispersing, the university’s event coordinator came to Reid’s rescue. Accompanied by a campus security guard, she good-naturedly reminded everyone that they were there to learn more about the colleges and universities represented at the fair.
After wishing Reid good luck on the new season and promising to watch every game, the fans moved on with their autographs, grinning ecstatically.
Reid chatted with the event coordinator and security guard for a few minutes. When they left, he returned his attention to Nadia with unerring focus.
“Have dinner with me.”
She stared at him. Say what? “Dinner?”
“Yeah. Dinner.”
“I can’t,” she blurted. “I mean, I can’t leave. I’m working.”
“What time does the fair end?”
“Not until nine. Then I have to stay and help break down the booth.”
Reid glanced down at the TAG Heuer watch encircling his thick wrist. “I’ll wait.”
Nadia shook her head. “I don’t think—”
“You can go,” Emily interjected.
“What?” Nadia swiveled her head around to stare at her. “No, I can’t.”
“Why not? It’s been a slow ass night. No one will notice if you take off early.”
“That’s not the point. I shouldn’t just up and leave you.”
Emily waved off her concern. “It’s no big deal. Karl’s meeting me here so we can go out for drinks. He’ll help me break down the booth.”
Reid grinned at Nadia. “See? Problem solved.”
Frowning, she motioned for him to follow her behind the booth.
Instantly she realized her mistake. The booth backed to a long wall, and the space between both was very narrow and tight. Too tight.
Her heart thumped against her ribs as Reid stood over her, practically cornering her against the wall. He was so big, so brawny and masculine. Her senses were flooded with his intoxicating scent, heat and pure man.
She stared up at him, breathless. “Why are you here?”
“I came to see you.” His deep voice brushed over her like heated silk, touching her everywhere, slipping into every part of her.
She had to swallow before she could speak again. “What do you want?”
“I want to have dinner with you.”
“Why?”
He smiled. “Because I think you’re beautiful, and I’d like to get to know you.”
Her heart rate skyrocketed. She nervously licked her lips and then lifted her chin. “I’m not one of your puck bunnies.”
“I know.” He looked her up and down, the pleasure in his eyes unmistakable. “I wouldn’t be here if you were.”
Her pulse quickened, her lips parting to accommodate faster breaths. As the air between them sizzled with pure sexual awareness, it was all she could do to keep from lifting her hips toward him, into him. She’d never been so massively turned on in her life.
“Reid—”
“Dinner, Nadia. That’s all I ask.”
Her eyes traced the dark stubble on his jaw and then lowered to his wide chest while she wrestled with herself, hormones warring with common sense.
Finally she lifted her gaze to his and nodded, surrendering against her better judgment. “I’ll have coffee with you.”
His eyes glinted. “Not dinner?”
“No.” Her voice was firm. “Just coffee.”
He searched her face a moment longer, lips twitching. “Coffee it is, then.”
She nodded, trying to be brisk and businesslike. “I know a place nearby. We can walk there.”
A slow, sexy smile curved his mouth. “Let’s go.”
She took him to a café around the corner from the university. She’d gone there several times for the excellent chai latte and free Wi-Fi. The pumpkin chocolate chip bread wasn’t bad either.
Reid held the door open for her, then followed her inside. Her face heated as heads turned in their direction and eyes widened in recognition. Several people pointed to Reid and whispered excitedly to their companions.
Reid seemed oblivious to the minor commotion caused by his arrival. He leaned close to Nadia, his hand brushing the small of her back. The light touch made her shiver as he said, “Why don’t you grab a table while I get our coffee?”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“What would you like?”
She hadn’t eaten since noon, and she was hungry. But she wasn’t about to order food. Having a meal with Reid would qualify as a date. And this wasn’t a date. Not in any way, shape or form.
“I’ll just have a chai latte,” she told him.
He nodded. “Want anything else?”
“No, thanks.” She’d eat leftover pizza when she got home, assuming her brother left her any.
As she started away to find a table, Reid caught her lightly by the waist. The unexpected contact sent a small shock through her, causing her to gasp.
His eyes glinted down at her. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.” He pointed across the café. “That booth by the window looks good.”
She swallowed and gave a jerky nod, then headed in the direction he’d indicated. Curious gazes followed her all the way to the empty booth. As she slid into the seat, the plush leather upholstery felt cool against the back of her thighs. She set her purse down beside her and tugged her dress back into place, then crossed her legs and forced herself to glance around as casually as if she went out with hockey superstars all the time.
The café boasted an inviting atmosphere with cozy booths, couches, small tables and a wood-burning fireplace. The works of local artists were showcased on the exposed-brick walls. The rich scent of coffee filled the air, and Otis Redding could be heard through the speakers.
Nadia’s gaze drifted toward the counter where Reid was placing their order. She stared at him, admiring the way his jeans hugged his firm, round ass. He had the nicest ass she’d ever seen on any guy, white or black.
The girl behind the counter was flirting shamelessly with him, batting her eyelashes and smiling so hard her gums showed. Reid seemed unfazed by the attention. Women probably came on to him all the time, so he was used to it.
While he was waiting for his order, a young couple approached him for an autograph, which emboldened three other fans to come forward. Nadia wondered if that ever got old.
When their order was ready, the barista handed the drinks to Reid and said something that made him laugh. His teeth were strong and white, leading Nadia to speculate if they were all his. She knew that hockey players routinely got their teeth knocked out during fights on the ice. Since she’d spent a few summers helping out at her father’s dental office, she should be able to tell if Reid’s killer smile was fake. If it was, then maybe, just maybe, she’d find him a whole lot less sexy.
She could only hope.
As he turned from the counter, she quickly averted her gaze, pretending to stare out the window at pedestrians bustling down the street.
Reid brought two cups of coffee to the table, then slid into the booth across from her. His legs were so long that his knees brushed against hers. She sucked in a breath as a tingling sensation ran through her.
T
heir eyes met across the table.
After a long charged moment, Nadia dropped her gaze to the steaming cup he’d placed in front of her. “Thanks for the latte.”
“Thanks for your company,” he murmured.
She nodded, wrapping her hands around her cup. Her body felt so hot and flushed, she probably should have requested an iced coffee instead.
Get a grip, Nadia.
As she took a sip of her drink, she could feel the openly curious stares of other customers. It made her feel even more nervous and self-conscious than she already did.
She set her cup down on the table. “Okay. This is weird.”
Reid met her gaze. “What?”
“This. Being here with you.” She lowered her voice. “People are staring at us. Everyone obviously recognizes you.”
Reid leaned toward her, dropping his tone to match hers. “You think so?”
“Well, ye—” She broke off, narrowing her eyes. “Are you making fun of me?”
“I wouldn’t dare.” But his eyes were twinkling.
He was so close she could count his eyelashes, could see every strand of rough stubble that darkened his jaw. And unless she was mistaken, those beautiful pearly whites were all his.
Damn.
She leaned back in the booth, her skin tingling from his proximity. From his sheer hotness.
The corners of his mouth twitched. “If the staring is making you uncomfortable, maybe we should go somewhere more private.”
The thought of being alone with him struck terror in her heart. “No,” she said quickly. “This is fine.”
He laughed, a low, sexy laugh that caused a feathery quiver to flutter through her body.
She tried to steer the conversation back into safe territory. “Do you ever get used to it?”
“What?”
“Being mobbed by adoring fans everywhere you go. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by it all?”
“Nah. Not really.”
“Seriously? Never? C’mon, be honest.”
“I am,” he insisted with a chuckle. “I mean, are there times I don’t feel like signing autographs or answering a ton of questions? Sure. I’m human. But I appreciate Rebels fans. They really show up for us. When we’re out there on the ice listening to the roar of the crowd, we feed off their energy and excitement. There’s nothing like it.”
“I’ll bet.” Nadia smiled. “I’ve never been to an NHL game. I’ve heard it’s quite an experience.”
“It is. Definitely.” Reid winked. “You’ll see for yourself tomorrow night.”
Nadia hesitated, debating whether to tell him that she wouldn’t be at the game. Just because she’d agreed to have coffee with him didn’t mean she was open to more than that.
“About tomorrow—” She was interrupted by the sound of a phone buzzing. It was Reid’s.
“Excuse me.” He took the phone out of his back pocket, glanced at the screen and frowned a little.
As he typed out a message, Nadia stared at his broad shoulders and bent head. His hair was so thick and dark. Her fingers itched to slide through the unruly locks to see if they felt as luxurious as they looked.
Reid sent off the text, then put the phone away and returned his attention to her. “Sorry about that.”
“No problem.” She took a sip of her latte. “So…”
“So…?”
“I heard you don’t like reporters.”
“Not particularly.”
“Do you make a habit of picking up their female companions?”
“No.” Reid’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “I’ve never had to.”
Nadia raised an eyebrow. “Cocky much?”
He chuckled. “Just being honest.”
“Of course,” she said dryly. “A stud like you doesn’t have to pick up women, not when they’re constantly throwing themselves at you. Which I’m sure you don’t mind.”
He eyed her humorously. “You don’t approve.”
She shrugged. “Makes no difference to me. You’re not my boyfriend.”
His eyes roamed her face, lingering on each feature. “Do you have one?”
“What?”
“A boyfriend.”
Lowering her lashes, she took another sip of her coffee and murmured, “Not at the moment.”
“Good.”
She met his gaze. “Good?”
He nodded, lifting his cup to his mouth. “I don’t want the competition.”
Her pulse stuttered at his words.
Before she could respond, the barista suddenly appeared and deposited two steaming bowls of soup on the table. Nadia shot a confused look at Reid.
“I think you have the wrong table,” she told the girl. “We didn’t order—”
“He did.” The barista smiled and winked at Reid before sashaying away.
Nadia gave him an accusing look. “I thought we were only having coffee.”
“We were,” he drawled, putting his cup down. “But she talked me into ordering the chicken tortilla soup. Said it was the best in Denver.”
“I bet she did,” Nadia muttered.
Grinning, Reid picked up his spoon, sampled the steaming broth and grunted in appreciation. “She wasn’t exaggerating. It’s delicious.”
Nadia frowned. The fragrant aroma of the soup was making her mouth water, and she feared that her stomach would growl at any moment.
“You shouldn’t have ordered it,” she grumbled. “All I wanted was coffee.”
Reid gave her a look of amused indulgence. “Just try the soup.”
She hesitated another moment, then set her coffee down and spooned up some broth.
It was delicious. Damn it.
Reid watched her expectantly. “Well?”
“It’s good,” she grudgingly admitted. “I wouldn’t say it’s the best in town. But…it’s good.”
He gave her a knowing grin, then nodded at her bowl. “Have some more.”
“Yes, sir.”
His eyes gleamed with amused satisfaction as he watched her take another spoonful of soup. The chicken was tender and the broth was savory. Scrumptious.
They ate in silence for a few minutes, staring at each other across the table.
Reid was the first to speak. “So tell me about yourself, Nadia. Are you from Denver?”
She nodded. “Born and raised.”
“Yeah? So you’ve never lived anywhere else?”
“Only when I went away to college.”
“And where was that?”
“Northwestern,” she replied, wiping her mouth with her napkin. “They have one of the top journalism schools, which appealed to Nelson and me.”
“You wanted to be a journalist too?”
“I thought I did,” she said with a smile. “I love to read, had always done well in English and wrote for the school newspaper. Journalism seemed like a natural fit.”
“But it wasn’t,” Reid surmised.
“No. It wasn’t.”
Reid nodded, leaning back in the booth. He looked relaxed and totally interested in hearing all about her life. It was new for her, having a hot guy hanging on her every word. Even the sensitive intellectual types she dated had a tendency to be self-absorbed, which meant she spent more time asking questions than answering them.
“So what happened?” Reid prompted. “What made you get out of journalism?”
“During my sophomore year,” she explained, “I worked part time in the admissions office and gave campus tours to prospective students. I really enjoyed meeting them and counseling them about college. So that’s when I decided to make a career out of it and become a recruiter.”
Reid smiled softly, watching her face. “Sounds like you heeded your calling.”
She smiled. “I’d like to think so. It’s been fulfilling, for the most part.”
“That’s good,” Reid said warmly. As he draped one arm over the back of the booth, thick muscles shifted beneath his pullover. His skin was nicely tanned, and his blue eyes looked ev
en more striking in contrast with his white shirt. He was so ridiculously handsome. It was distracting.
She gave him a whimsical smile. “So what about you, Mr. Holden? Did you always want to be a hockey player?”
“Yup. Always.” He grinned crookedly. “My mother likes to tell people that I learned to skate before I could walk.”
Nadia chuckled. “How is that even possible?”
“When I was a baby, my parents used to take me down to the local ice rink. They’d hold my hands between them and show me how to move my feet on the ice. I caught on pretty quick and started playing hockey when I was four.”
“Four? Wow. Are you Canadian?”
He laughed. “Nah, baby. Born and bred in the USA. Straight outta Detroit, Michigan.”
“Detroit, huh?” Nadia smiled. “I’ve never met anyone from Detroit.”
He winked. “That’s because you were waiting for me.”
“Oh, is that why?” she teased.
“It is. I was meant to be your first.” His eyes glinted. “Detroiter, that is.”
“Uh-huh.” She shook her head, lips twitching even as her cheeks warmed at his wicked innuendo. “By the way, when you asked Nelson about me after practice, how did you know I wasn’t his girlfriend?”
Reid gave her a lazy smile. “I could tell you were related.”
“How? We look nothing alike.”
He chuckled. “Of course you do. You’re twins.”
“Fraternal.”
“Doesn’t matter. There’s definitely a resemblance.”
Nadia smiled. “Most people don’t think so.”
“No? Well, I’m not most people.”
You can say that again.
“I figured you had to be cousins, at least,” he continued. “But I knew you weren’t his girlfriend. I could tell by your body language.”
“My body language?” Her eyes narrowed. “Were you watching me during practice?”
One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Maybe.”
She felt a thrill of pleasure at the thought of him watching her when he was supposed to be practicing.
“The regular season starts tomorrow,” he said. “I need to be focused on the game. I can’t afford any distractions.”
Wicked Games (Denver Rebels) Page 5