Jude Taylor swept me off my feet the moment I met him. Literally. He chased me. Tried to win me. For the first time in my life, he made me feel like taking a risk might not be so scary. As soon as I gave in, everything was ripped away. I knew I never should have trusted him. Not with my dreams. And most definitely ¬– not with my heart. Playing With Fire is a prequel novella to Playing To Win. It does not have to be read first to enjoy Playing To Win. It’s an EXTRA for readers who wanted the history to Jude and Kate’s relationship in Playing To Win. It can be read at any time.

It was a three-week fling. Nothing more than a couple of college kids having some fun, but then I did the stupid thing and fell for Jude Taylor quicker than he can score a goal on the ice. And after one beautiful night together, he left for the pros before I could make my first cup of coffee. I thought I’d put him behind me. I thought I’d moved on. Then he hobbles into my physical therapy office and I realize how absolutely wrong I’ve been—there’s no getting over Jude Taylor. But now things are complicated. Jude lives half a country away and his career is in direct opposition to my need for stability. Most of all, getting involved with him could mean losing my job and everything I’ve worked so hard for. Jude doesn’t seem to mind one bit and he’s all in. He might be a patient in my office, but he’s no longer the patient guy I remember. This time, he’s playing to win, and the prize he’s looking to score is me.

Sometimes scoring off the ice leads to the greatest rewards. I’ve had only one goal in life since I first strapped on a pair of skates—make America’s pro hockey league. I left Denmark. I made it to the top. Now, I’m determined to be the best. No distractions. I eat, sleep, and breathe hockey. Until my birthday when my teammates convince me to live a little. But living a little takes on a whole new meaning when less than a year later I’m confronted with a crying baby on my doorstep, drooling on a note that declares he’s mine. Suddenly, I'm a single dad in way over my head. There is no playbook for situations like this. Luckily, I have Paisley. My gorgeous neighbor, my long-time crush, and now—my savior. She’s there any time I need her. Helping. Guiding. Gazing at me with those green eyes that make me feel capable of this after all. With her at my side, I’m quickly learning there’s more to life than winning a hockey game.

Tessa Chauncy is the best kind of trouble. Beautiful, sweet and completely off limits. I’ve sat by and watched other men drool after her and forced myself to stay in check. Hey, I’m in the NHL... I have self-control in spades. Except when it comes to her. With the bat of her lashes and quick whip of that sharply pointed tongue Tessa can knock grown men to their knees. I’ve seen them wither and crumble under her confident stare—something I’m pretty sure she learned from sparring with me, thankyouverymuch. But I’m not just falling for her. I’m down for the count. She’s the girl I wanted, when wanting her was wrong. She’s also my new roommate—And oh yeah, my best friend’s little sister. Heaven help me, I’m probably going to get his fist to my face or his hockey stick shoved in very dangerous places for what I’m about to do, but I don’t think I care anymore. I’m in love with my best friend’s little sister….and I’m done waiting.

Getting served divorce papers was not how I planned spending New Year’s Day.I probably shouldn’t have gone to my favorite bar and gotten wasted trying to drown my sorrows.I definitely shouldn’t have spent the night passed out in the bed of the bartender’s daughter, Gigi.And the absolute last thing I should have done was let my guard down and start having fun. Now I’m thinking of her all the time… fantasizing about the things I want to do to Gigi.I’m in the middle of the best hockey season of my life. I need my head in the game and my focus on the playoffs – not playing house with the gorgeous bartender who makes me feel more alive than I have in years.Finding someone new so soon after a failed marriage isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.But it just might be too late. I’ve been checked hard into the boards, right off my skates, and I’m not only spinning out of control…I might just be falling in love all over again.

There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my best friend. Like, hide the fact I’ve been in love with her for years. Or agree to be her fake boyfriend when we have to return to her hometown for her exes wedding. Little does Jillian know this is what I’ve been waiting for. It’s a dream come true. I finally get to touch her and love her in all the ways I’ve been dying to show her. For one weekend only, she’s mine, even if she thinks it’s fake. Pretending to love her is easy. I want her to be mine forever. Getting Jillian to admit it’s what she wants too, is another thing. On or off the ice, I have no problems fighting dirty to get what I want. But this is one fight I might just lose.