Fire and Ice (Firemen do it Hotter Book 1) by Cheyenne McCray Page A

time.” He glanced at the ice, where his fellow league teammates were gathering. “I’d better go. Are you staying to watch?”
    “Of course.” She gently pushed him toward the arena. “Go on now. They’re waiting for their ringer.”
    He snorted. “I’ll see you after the game.” He eyed her. “You are waiting until I get out of the locker room, right?”
    “If you insist.” She pretended to be put out even as she wanted to say abso-freaking-lutey-yes.
    “Good.” He kissed her, swatted her on the ass, and headed for the ice.
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    I t was a grueling game , yet Grady didn’t think he’d ever felt so energized and invincible as he did tonight. He couldn’t miss. His team, the Ice Hawks, fought for each goal for the win. Somehow, when he had the shot, Grady took it and made it every time.
    Something about knowing Chelsey was in the arena, watching as he played, made him feel as if he could do anything. It wasn’t that he wanted to show her what a great hockey player he was. No, it was more about not wanting to let her down. If he could dedicate a game to someone in his life, like an author dedicated a book, this game would be for Chelsey.
    Grady’s teammates congratulated him on his performance. He insisted it was a team effort, which it had been. He couldn’t have made the goals if he hadn’t had a good team backing him up and creating opportunities.
    Sweat dripped down his face as he took off his helmet. He grabbed a water bottle and squeezed it over his face and hair before shaking it off, water droplets spraying around him.
    “Great game.” David Hanley stood a few feet away from Grady and sprayed water on his own face and hair. He shook his head. “Damn that feels good.”
    Grady chucked David on the shoulder. “You’re one hell of a goalie, David.”
    “I’m good for a league.” David shrugged. “But I was right about you, Grady. We have a ringer in you—you’re damn near a professional. Talk about unstoppable.”
    Grady snorted. “Go take your meds. You’re having delusions.”
    David grinned and shoved his fingers through his soaking hair. “Shower then food. Want to join us at Johnny’s Bar after?”
    Grady started stripping out of his gear. “I already made plans, but thanks for asking.”
    “Hot date, huh?” Mike asked with a laugh.
    “You betcha.” Grady rushed through taking a shower and getting dressed, hoping Chelsey had stayed like she said she would.
    As he was tying the laces on his athletic shoes, David walked up again. The man had showered and had dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. “See you at practice on Tuesday, Grady, unless you change your mind about Johnny’s tonight. In the meantime, enjoy the win, champ.”
    “Meds, David.” Grady waved him away as he shook his head.
    David laughed as he headed off.
    When Grady was ready, he grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder before walking out of the locker room. Most of the fans had left the skating arena by now.
    His heart thumped hard when he saw Chelsey leaning against the barrier and smiling as he walked toward her.
    When he reached her, he dropped his bag, then caught her by the waist and pulled her to him. “Hi, gorgeous.”
    She couldn’t catch her breath as she laughed and grabbed his shoulder for balance. “Aren’t you being a little familiar, Mr. Donovan?”
    He swooped down to give her a hard kiss. “Now that was familiar.”
    Her cheeks flushed. “Yes, it was. What am I supposed to do about that?”
    He lowered his head. “Kiss me again.”
    “I think I can do that.” She moved her mouth to his, her warm breath feathering across his lips.
    Her kiss was tentative and sweet as he let her set the pace. He kissed her with gentle nips and sucked her lower lip in between his teeth. She sighed with pleasure and their kiss grew in intensity until he was certain he was lost forever.
    She was the one to draw away, but he still kept his hand on her lower back so she couldn’t leave. She looked at him