Breakout (A Dallas Demons Hockey Romance) by Aven Ellis Read Free Book Online Page A

Greektown would end up here?” he says, continuing. “In the producer’s chair of a championship team? According to my parents, I was supposed to end up as a baker in their bakery. This was a stupid dream. I was told I was crazy to pursue it. But I made it. I actually made it, Lexi.”
    I hear the sense of wonder in his voice, and it touches me. Instead of being a cocky producer, Niko’s genuinely in awe that he was given this opportunity. And from the bit he dropped about his parents, it sounds like he had no support in making this dream come true.
    “Hey, Niko, I’ve got a question for you,” a crew member yells out from the other side of the truck.
    Niko steps back from me and clears his throat.
    “I’ll be right there,” Niko answers. Then he turns to me, an apologetic expression passing over his gorgeous face. “Sorry, I’ve got to go back to work.”
    “No, no, of course,” I say, shaking my head. “I understand.”
    We walk to the back of the truck. Niko pops open the door, and motions for me to go first. I head down the steps, and he follows behind me.
    Now we’re standing face to face in front of the truck. Niko rakes a hand through his hair again, and I feel my breath catch in my throat.
    “Thanks for stopping by tonight,” he says softly. “It was nice to see someone I know.”
    My heart leaps as Niko acknowledges me as that, not just an editor, but someone he knows in Dallas.
    Someone he wanted to see tonight, I think in amazement.
    “Thank you for inviting me,” I say. “And I’m counting on you. No mess ups in the second period. I’m recording this game at home so I’ll know if there are any, Niko Xenakis.”
    Niko tosses his head back and laughs, and, oh , I love the sound of his deep laughter.
    “All right, I’ll do my best,” he says, his eyes sparkling. “Only for you, of course.”
    I laugh. “Well of course, I wouldn’t expect you to try and achieve that out of any kind of professional desire, Niko. It’s all about me. ”
    We both laugh.
    “But we do have some things to celebrate tonight,” Niko says, his gaze holding mine. “First, a killer open provided by you, and if I can somehow get through two more periods without mistakes, that should be celebrated, too.”
    Where is he going with this?
    I try to force my anticipation down. After all, I’m usually wrong about these things, so I try to keep them low and if they end up higher, it’s like an awesome surprise.
    “Those feats sound worthy of a celebration,” I say, baiting the hook. “Anything in mind?”
    Niko brushes his hand over his five o’clock shadow, and I swear I feel my knees almost buckle at that simple move.
    “So what do you say about meeting after the game and going for a drink at the Demons Club in the arena?” Niko asks. “Would you do me the honor of having a drink with me tonight, Lexi?”

Chapter 8
    The One Online Dating Service Profile Question: A guy you’re interested in has just asked you to meet him for a drink. What do you wear? A smart cocktail dress? A mini skirt to flash some sexy leg? More casual?
    My write-in answer: Of course he asks me for a drink, and I’m dressed for a hockey game. While I love my gray mock wrap cable sweater with the shawl collar, dark wash skinny jeans, and black suede boots, I’m dying to be in something sexier right now . . .
    “Drinks after the game?” I repeat, smiling at him.
    Niko grins. “Yes. I’d love to buy you a drink as a thank you for creating the open.”
    And with those words, my bubble of happiness bursts.
    He doesn’t want to take me out for a drink to get to know me better.
    Niko wants to buy me a drink as a thank you.
    To his editor.
    I bite down on my lower lip, disappointment raging through me. Once again, another guy views me as Lexi Stewart, their buddy. The girl who can edit and talk sports with the best of them.
    Not Lexi Stewart, the girl they want to date.
    And even though I’ve been placed in this category so, so many