When the gloves come off, she’s worth the penalty...

Physical therapist Annie Davidson is great at her job but unlucky when it comes to love. She’s just out of a bad relationship. A really bad relationship. All she can do is focus on work...that is until she runs into professional hockey player Alec O’Meara. She’s a touch insecure and doesn’t understand why he’s interested in her.

Despite being one of the biggest players on the team, right winger Alec O'Meara prefers finesse over force. After the tragic death of his wife, he likes to keep things loose on and off the ice. But the red-headed Annie challenges his beliefs and makes him think about taking their relationship to the net.

The passion and fun they share is addicting and makes them long for more. But her insecurities that she's not good enough, and his anxiety over a long-term commitment will keep them apart, unless they can find a way to break through the defenses they've built around their hearts.

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Excerpt:

“The first one to reach twenty points wins.” “What’s the prize?” His eyes heated. “The winner gets to decide.” A stab of awareness lanced through her. She grabbed a ball, dribbled down the court, and executed a perfect lay-up. Alec jogged to her side. “Nice moves.” He ran a fingertip down the side of her face then knocked the ball out of her hands and took off down the court. “That’s not very sportsmanlike,” she called after him and raced to catch up. The ball swooshed through the net. “Three pointer.” He grinned and caught the rebound. The muscles in his back and arms bunched with every dibble. Alec’s big body blocked hers. She reached around him and managed to knock the ball free. Elbowing him in the ribs, she attempted to regain possession. It slipped from his grip too easily. She stopped moving. “Are you going easy on me? If you think you’re going to let me win….” “You kidding? No way. I already know what I want as a prize.” “Good.” She gave him a sweet smile, then pounced and snagged the ball. Sneakers squeaked against the polished wood floor as they raced back and forth, their bodies bumping together when they reached each basket. As the points mounted, her body heated and sweat trickled down her back. Alec may have been a seasoned athlete, but in addition to her weekend basketball league, she kept herself in shape with regular runs on the beach. A whistle exited his lips, and he wiped sweat off of his forehead. “You’re good.” She watched the ball sail into the net. Fifteen points for her. “Thanks.” “But I play to win.” He gently nudged her side, and the ball bounced out of her hands. “Hey.” He held the ball high over his head. “Think I’m still going easy on you?” Holding back a laugh, she launched herself at the ball. The tips of her fingers brushed the dimpled surface, and then met the soft material of Alec’s shirt. “That’s not playing fair.” “No?” With a sharp pivot, he jumped and arced the ball through the air. It bounced off the backboard, then rolled around the rim and fell through the net in another three-pointer. He pumped his fist in the air. “That’s twenty points. I win.” “Congratulations. So, what do you want as your prize?” He dropped the ball, and it rolled across the court. Warm hands cupped her face. His thumb brushed her cheek. “This,” he murmured and lowered his head toward hers. Firm lips coaxed hers apart, and his tongue traced the line of her lips before diving inside to dual with hers. Annie grasped his biceps and hung on as her system went on overdrive. Seeking more, she rose onto her toes and leaned into him. With a low growl, Alec slid his hands to tangle in her hair. He deepened the kiss. Everything faded but the feel of his mouth on hers and the heat of his body against her own. After a long moment, she angled her head away and slipped her arms around his waist. His muscles tightened at her touch. “I want a rematch.” She almost didn’t recognize her own voice, pitched lower and breathless. “Any time. Anywhere.” The whispered words trailed over her skin, and she didn’t care at all about keeping score.

About the Authors:

Susan Scott Shelley

Susan Scott Shelley is an award-winning author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense who spends her days writing about tough heroes, smart heroines, and love being the strongest magic there is.

For as long as she can remember, she has been in love with Love, and the sweeping grand gestures, heart-sighing moments, fiery passion, and quiet comforts it entails.

In addition to writing romances, she is also a profession voice over artist. Her favorite things include running, sports (especially football and hockey), hard rock and old Hollywood movies. She resides outside Philadelphia with her very own Superhero and believes life should be lived with laughter, enthusiasm, and a sense of wonder.

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Veronica Forand

Veronica Forand is an attorney and an award-winning writer of romantic suspense. She's lived in Boston, London, Paris, Geneva, and Washington, DC and currently resides near Philadelphia. An avid traveler, she loves to roam across continents with her husband and kids in pursuit of skiing, scuba diving, and finding the perfect piece of chocolate.

She's lived in London, Paris, Geneva, Washington D.C., and the accent destroying city of Cleveland. She currently resides near Philadelphia.