Breakout (A Dallas Demons Hockey Romance) by Aven Ellis

What is the theme song to your dating life?
    My write-in answer: Suddenly “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift is heart-achingly appropriate . . .
    I twist my hair into a sleek ponytail, wrapping some of my long auburn strands around the rubber band for an extra finishing touch. I swallow hard as I gaze at my reflection in the mirror. Hair is stylish yet casual. I’m wearing my usual neutral makeup, but adding a pop of color with my Bite lip pencil in Rhubarb. I give my neck a spritz of Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt perfume, inhaling the earthy scent as the spray lands on my skin.
    I step back so I can see my full outfit. I’m wearing my black and white plaid wool mini skirt, black leather riding boots, a crisp white dress shirt with a black cashmere sweater layered over the top.
    So I’m perfectly dressed for a casual Saturday brunch in Uptown.
    With my good friend Niko.
    I flip off the lights and stride into my bedroom, grabbing my purse. Niko got back with the team late last night, but he had texted me on Friday asking if I would like to join him for brunch today.
    And I’m tortured by my answer of yes.
    I mean, I’m setting myself up for emotional disaster here. I head out the front door and lock it behind me. I should have simply thanked him for the gloves and the best wishes for my first day and claimed I was busy working on stuff for my banking job.
    Which I should be doing anyway.
    But I know I need to be a mature adult about this. Just because Niko wants to be friends and I want more than that should I shun him? Avoid him? Decline all invitations simply because he doesn’t see me the way I want him to?
    I get on the elevator and punch the level for my spot in the parking garage. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. No, I think. Niko has already done so many things for me, it wouldn’t be right.
    And the truth is, I enjoy his company. I like our conversations. I love hearing him laugh. I like how we’re continuing to discover each other, even if it’s going to lead to nowhere for me.
    I open my eyes as the elevator chimes on my level. And I know with each brunch, each run in at work, each time we talk, I’m falling harder for him.
    Which makes this such a slippery slope I’m on.
    Yet, while my heart knows the danger, it can’t say no.
    I can’t say no .
    Gah. Life was a lot easier when I met idiots on The One Online Dating Service and was thankful when the date ended.
    I get into my car and make the short drive to café, which is one of my favorites in Dallas. I told Niko I’d meet him here at eleven, and I’m five minutes early.
    I open the door to the hip restaurant, and people are crowded around the waiting area. The smell of warm cinnamon rolls and fresh brewed coffee greets me when I step inside. I drink it in, as I love the scent of breakfast.
    I’m about to go to the hostess stand to put our name on the list when I spot him.
    Oh shit. Shit . I should never have agreed to this.
    Niko is leaning up against a wall, reading a folded up newspaper with one hand. He has his right leg braced against the wall behind him. He’s wearing a blue and green plaid shirt with a gray crewneck over the top. His jeans are well-worn and fit him just right.
    And in his left hand he’s holding a motorcycle helmet.
    I’m rooted to where I’m standing. Niko is simply sexy-as-hell, with his dark hair and the way his five o’clock shadow shades his gorgeous olive skin, but he rides a motorcycle, too?
    I need to cancel. I need to run. I need to get out of here because it’s going to be too damn hard to sit across a table from him and fight back desire for him.
    It’s freaking impossible.
    But while I’m considering my options, he lifts his eyes from his paper. And through those long black eyelashes, his Mediterranean Sea-colored eyes meet mine.
    A smile lights up his gorgeous face, revealing the dimple in his cheek, and, oh , I’m so beyond screwed.
    I make myself approach him, and my