Page 46 of Rise Above

Davis dragged me to the entrance of the locker area.

Several fans had gathered to get autographs and pictures. There were so many little kids waiting to meet their idols; it was cute. All the players exited dressed in their suits and quickly worked the crowd. It was nice to see that despite how tired they were that they were still willing to meet their fans. I loved seeing players not forgetting the people that made them famous.

TJ was the last to exit the lockers, and I couldn’t

help the gasp that escaped my throat. He was wearing this dark red, almost russet colored suit. It popped against his black shirt and hair. He had the shirt unbuttoned by two buttons, just enough to show off his chest hair. No tie. The material molded to his legs, the muscles in his thighs visible as he walked. TJ was mouth-watering, almost literally. I could practically feel the drool forming. Shaking my head, I reminded myself we were just friends.

“I feel like you two are ignoring my advice on

staying away from each other.” Davis nudged my shoulder. “I know you guys hung out today.”

“Even you can’t deny he’s attractive, Davis.” I

smiled at him. “We are just friends.”

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“I know you two are adults and can make your own

decisions…” He trailed off. ‘I don’t want to see either of you get hurt. That’s all I’m saying. Remember I know you both better than you know each other.”

I turned to study him. Davis was a calculating man,

and he always thought about the pros and cons of any situation. “Well, same goes for you and Nat.”

“Shit.” He turned red and rubbed the back of his

neck. I knew he was crushing on her. “Fair enough, Aife. Can everyone tell I like her?”

I was glad the topic was off me and my developing

crush. “Everyone but her. Nat’s extremely oblivious. If you like her, you should go for it. Ask her out, Davis.” I tapped his back in reassurance, making sure to keep my face soft and open.

He coughed. “Back to you and TJ.”

“Oh no, you aren’t weaseling your way out of this

conversation.” Laughter bubbled out of me. “You can’t avoid this topic!”

“Shut up,” he said with a laugh. “Seriously, we can

talk about it another time. Here comes our boy anyway.” He pointed at the handsome giant headed toward us. Again, I felt drool forming in my mouth. TJ truly was something amazing to look at. He was the very definition of dreamy. That combined with his intelligence, and I was basically a goner. I understood the undeniable attraction, but I didn’t necessarily like it. I didn’t have time for a relationship.

TJ worked the crowd, smiling and laughing and

signing autographs. He bent down to talk to the kids, his back muscles stretching as he did. My heart rate picked up

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watching him. I couldn’t fully understand why the attraction was hitting me now. I’d spent all day with him, but he was just amazing to watch. TJ cared. The passion he had for hockey was so evident because he cared so deeply for his fans. Seeing him in his element was probably the most attractive thing. He was at ease, his smiles free and happy.

High-fiving one of the kids, he stood back up. He

shook a few more hands before turning to Davis and me. His thighs strained against the material of his pants. When did thighs become so attractive to me? No matter how often I told myself to not stare, I did. They were just so massive.