Page 7 of Nick: The Billionaire Star of NHL

I don’t know if I make any noise or move or breathe too loudly, but suddenly everybody turns to look at me.

Sierra’s eyes snap to mine, and I see her blushing in that moment.

Hmm. Interesting.

“Please don’t interrupt this lovely conversation at my expense,” I say, walking in casually. “I see you’re all eager to convince me to marry the baby of this group.”

I can’t say why I feel the need to annoy her. Maybe because I’ve always loved her sass.

Sierra rolls her eyes and storms past me, heading toward the garden.

Before anyone can say a word, I take a glance in Liam’s direction, nod at him, then turn around and go after her.

I find her on the terrace, arms crossed, staring out at the endless expanse of the garden.

I’m not moving, frozen in the open doorway, captivated again by her curves, her posture, her presence.

Jesus, this woman is from another world.

I take a deep breath and run a hand through my hair.

“Sierra Thomas. No longer a baby, I see.”

Smirking, I close the door behind me and I allow myself to approach her. She falters, her shoulders going stiff.

Good. I like to know I affect her in any way.

Because, looking at her now, I’m starting to realize something dangerous.

I’m completely and utterly fucked.

“Nickolas Hardy,” she purrs my name, and that sound alone makes my dick stir again, “the same arrogant asshole, I see.” She says it while biting her lower lip—and I’m gone.

I throw my head back and laugh.

This. This is us.

This is how our every interaction used to be.