Playing in the Shadows
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- Parts 42
Amelia
Landing a position as lead photographer for the Griffins is a dream come true. Capturing every intense game, every unforgettable moment on the ice-this is everything I've worked for. After everything I've been through, this job is supposed to be my sanctuary, a place where I can keep a safe distance from anyone who might get too close. Besides, with the no-fraternization clause, there's no danger of crossing any lines...or there shouldn't be.
But then there's him-the star defenseman, with that easy smile and hopeless romantic heart. He doesn't know my past, and he can't understand why I can't risk letting him in. He's a complication I didn't ask for, a temptation I can't afford.
But part of me wonders what it might feel like to believe in someone again...if only I dared.
Logan
After getting burned once, I told myself I wouldn't go all in again. Love was supposed to come easy to me-the happy-go-lucky defenseman who can make friends with anyone. But the last time I let someone in, it ended with a bruise I'm still healing from.
So yeah, I told myself to keep things simple...until she showed up. She's standoffish, always keeping me at arm's length with this hard look that says, "Stay away." And yet, I catch glimpses of something softer, something she's trying so hard to hide. The more she pushes me away, the more I want to know her, to show her she doesn't have to stay guarded forever.
Maybe that's a risk worth taking...if only she'd give me the chance.
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When photography student, Willow Kennedy, gets offered an internship with her college's renowned ice hockey team, The Michigan Wolverines, she anticipates three things: 1) Her twin brother being an unbearable and over-protective nightmare. 2) Her photographs not making any real impact whatsoever. 3) The team completely shutting out the curly-haired girl pointing a camera in their faces. What Willow didn't take into account, however, was the Wolverine's team captain. Rumoured NHL first draft pick, dreamboat and total game changer- Tate Wilder. With his infectious dimpled smile, sparkling green eyes and addictive personality, Tate quickly turns Willow's internship into a life-changing and eye-opening experience- one filled with love, friendship and opportunities. Willow didn't meet the Michigan Wolverines looking for love, and funnily enough neither did Tate, but love soon found them. ********* "Pretty please?" Her lip juts out in an irresistible pout and you'd almost think she was a sweet innocent flower judging by the puppy dog eyes she's flashing me. But that image is little tarnished by the hand she has dipped into my boxers. I can feel my Adams apple bob as I reply. "O-okay. Fine, you win this time." The smile I get in response is absolutely blinding. A full, mega-watt grin with teeth, crinkled eyes and blush on the apples of her cheek. I'll let her win everything if I get that fucking smile in return.
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