Page 160 of Hat Trick
“What makes you think I won’t let you win?”
“Because I’d be furious with you if you did.”
“I know you would be.” Riley tugs on my wrist, and I step close to him. “You’re in charge, Lex. You’re calling the shots, and I’m entirely at your mercy.”
I’ve never had power likethisbefore, and it makes me feel like I’m on top of the world. I give his shoulder a light shove, rolling my eyes when he lets out a laugh, then I pat the table.
“If that’s the case, get on your stomach, Mitchell. You have work to do, and you shouldn’t be flirting with the training staff. That goes against NATA’s Code of Ethics.”
“What the hell does that acronym mean?”
“It’s the National Athletic Trainers Association. I, um, did some research when we started sleeping together regularly,” I admit. “I wanted to cover my bases in case someone found out about us and tried to get me in trouble for spending time with you outside the arena.”
“And?” Riley presses. “What did you find out?”
“It’s all kind of vague. We’re not supposed to engage in conduct that could be construed as a conflict of interest. We’re also conduct ourselves in manner that doesn’t compromise professional responsibilities.”
“Wow.” He blinks. “It’s like you just threw a rulebook at me.”
“I know. Sorry. I obviously didn’t…” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I didn’t see us getting this far because Ineverget this far with a guy, but after you took care of me when I was sick, I was curious.Technicallyyou’re not on the team, sotechnicallyI’m not breaking any rules. And nothing we’re doing jeopardizes my credibility as an athletic trainer.”
“Does that mean we’re in the clear?”
“For now. If—when—you rejoin the team down the road, we’re probably going to have to have a conversation with management, but we can tackle that as it comes.”
“Darn. It would’ve been kind of fun to break the rules,” Riley says.
“Please. You’re not a rule breaker.”
“I could be.” The grin he flashes me is mischievous, bold. “For you.”
I bite back my own laughter, not wanting him to see how much he affects me. Not wanting him to know how light I feel when he’s around, how easy everything is when he smiles at me.
It feels like I’ve been flying for months now, and I’m terrified of finding out what happens when I land.
FORTY-THREE
RILEY
Me
I’m taking you on a date tonight, Lexi baby.
Lexi
I need a nickname for you. RiRi?
Me
That makes me sound like a dog.
Lexi
Well. You did crawl. Could I get you to bark too?
Me
Way to be a smart-ass. Guess the ropes will be getting some use tonight.
