Wicked Games (Denver Rebels) by Maureen Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

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.
    Their 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.