Penalty Shot: A Seattle Sockeyes Hockey Romance

My relationship with Juniper is all fun and games until my heart enters the equation.

I'm a rookie pro hockey center who's touted to be a future star in the league. I have a rep to uphold as a player on and off the field. Along comes Junie. She's six years older than me, and there's something to be said about older being better. She's unlike any other woman I've dated, but therein lies the problem. I'm not relationship material. When my battered heart becomes involved, I cut and run. Call me a coward, and you'd probably be right. Caring about someone gives them power to do irreparable damage, and I vow to never again allow anyone that kind of control.

JUNIPER:

Ever since the divorce from my abusive husband I've been playing the field - and loving it. I'm not interested in a relationship, only a good time. Levi and I have a casual arrangement that suits us both until out of the blue Levi ends it. I've always been able to bounce back and move on, but this time, I can't stop thinking about him and how good we were together. Regardless, he did me a favor. I'm starting a new career as the team chef. I can't afford distractions and he's a huge one. Now I'm forced to see him every day. When he suggests we get back together, I resist on the surface, but deep-down I want him so badly I can't think straight. Still, I have other problems to tackle. Someone's sabotaging my position with the Sockeyes, and I'm certain I know who it is.

Despite my convictions to steer clear of Levi, I'm too weak, and we're barreling toward our fate at light speed. I'm not sure we'll survive the crash.