Body Checked by the Defenseman — R.C. Stephens

Ruby Foxx is the only girl I've ever wanted . . . and she's completely off-limits. Her brother is my teammate and best friend. They're my family. We grew up across the hall, sharing a secret connection I've tried hard to forget. But I never crossed the line—not then, and not when we came to Riverside U—I've kept my distance. Until her dorm floods, and she moves into the hockey house. Now, there's nowhere to hide. Ruby's always around, and my feelings are hitting harder than a body check on the ice. Then she confesses she's never been with a man . . . and asks me to change that. I can't just take what she's offering—I need to make it special—something she'll never regret. I promise to take my time and teach her, but I'm the one getting schooled because I'm falling fast. The guilt is like a slap shot, knowing I'm betraying my best friend—my family—by falling in love with her. I know I should skate away, but after tasting happiness with Ruby, I can't let her go. What if, by holding on, I lose everything—on and off the ice? Contains mature themes.