Page 6 of Slapshot Baby

The truth is, I don’t usually bother with one-night stands anymore. Is casual sex fun? Sure. Does it fulfill me? Not really. But something tells me it’d be different with Ava. She’s an intriguing mix—forward and bold, yet keeping her true self held back. I can just tell.

And I want to be the one to unlock those parts of her. Make her unravel. Make her lose that cool, careful composure.

"Let’s get out of here," I say, stepping back into her personal space before she can rebuild her defenses.

She glances up, trapped between me and the bar again. Up close, I can smell her perfume—something warm and subtle, cutting right through the stale champagne in the room.

I watch her swallow hard, her dark eyes darting to my mouth. I can practically read the internal debate racing across her face as she tries to play it cool.

But I don’t want cool.

"I should probably not keep you from your evening," she says, though I don't miss the way her eyes linger on my collar.

"You're not," I say instantly. "The evening's basically over anyway. There's an open bar and people will be here until two, but nothing that requires my presence."

"You're the captain."

"I've already made an appearance," I say, leaning in until my lips brush the shell of her ear, my voice dropping to a low growl. "End of discussion. We’re leaving."

Like hell I'm letting this woman slip away from me tonight.

A slow, undeniable smile curves her lips, the lingering tension in her shoulders melting away.

I smirk, leaning back just enough to lock eyes with her. "You won't regret it, Ava. I'm a generous man."

"I’m counting on it," she whispers.

Before we reach the exit, Ava suddenly stops and crouches beside one of her junior staff members—a younger girl who looks ready to collapse in her heels. Ava shields her from the room with her own body, a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Take them off," I hear her say, her tone soft but firm. "Shove them under the drape table and grab your sneakers from the van. Nobody's looking at your feet. Your health comes first, Naomi. You did great tonight, by the way—the centerpiece placement was perfect."

Relief washes over the girl's face. "Thanks, Ava."

I hang back, watching Ava stand up and smooth down her dress. It’s a sharp contrast to the teasing, guarded woman who was bantering with me at the bar seconds ago. She cares about her people. She protects them. It’s an incredibly attractive trait—and a dangerous one for me to notice.

Maybe this won’t just be one night after all.

I step into her path, my gaze raking slowly down her body, taking in the curve of her waist and the persistent flush warming her chest. I'm done waiting.

“Ready?”

"My car is outside," she says, her dark eyes glittering. "I’ll follow you."

She pulls out her phone, her thumb flying across the screen as she texts someone—checking in on a dog, if the quick picture of a puppy that pops up on her screen is any indication.

Even now, her mind is moving a mile a minute, handling details, looking out for everyone else.

I wait until she finishes wrapping up with her team, then reach out and wrap my fingers around hers.

Her hand is small in mine, her skin warm. I lead her through the terrace doors, heading out toward the cool night air of the valet circle.

We barely make it past the heavy glass doors.

The second they slide shut behind us, cutting off the noise and the light of the gala, I pull her around to face me. I don't give her time to think, time to rationalize, or time to build another wall.

I frame her face with my hand, fingers digging into her hairline, and bring my mouth down hard on hers.

She lets out a soft, sharp gasp against my lips, but she doesn't pull away.