**Chapter 3: First Encounter**

The sound of sticks slapping against the ice echoed through the rink as Lexi laced up her skates and prepared for the team's scrimmage. She had been on the ice for a few minutes, getting a feel for the rink and the other players, when she saw him. Ryder "The Ripper" Reynolds was standing at the face-off circle, his eyes fixed intently on her. Lexi felt a jolt of adrenaline as Ryder dropped his gloves and cracked his neck. He was massive, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline that seemed carved from granite. His piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into her soul, and Lexi felt a shiver run down her spine. The coach blew the whistle, and the scrimmage began. Lexi quickly realized that Ryder was a force to be reckoned with on the ice. He was fast, aggressive, and seemed to take pleasure in delivering crushing hits. As the game intensified, Lexi found herself facing off against Ryder. She dug her skates into the ice, preparing for the impact, but Ryder was too quick. He slammed into her, sending her crashing to the ice. The hit was hard, and Lexi's head spun as she struggled to get to her feet. She felt a surge of anger and frustration, but as she looked up, she saw Ryder's face looming over her. His eyes were intense, his jaw clenched in concentration. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the heavy breathing of the players on the ice. Then, Ryder reached out and helped Lexi to her feet. His hand was like a vice, wrapping around her arm and pulling her up. As she stood, Lexi felt a spark of electricity as their skin touched. She quickly pulled away, trying to shake off the feeling. Ryder's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and for a moment, Lexi saw a glimmer of something else beneath his tough exterior. The coach blew the whistle, and the scrimmage continued. Lexi and Ryder clashed again, their sticks and skates a blur as they battled for possession of the puck. But Lexi couldn't shake the feeling that Ryder was holding back, that there was something he wasn't showing her. As the game came to an end, Lexi was left feeling breathless and frustrated. She had been taken down by Ryder, but she couldn't deny the spark of attraction that had flared between them. As they left the ice, Ryder caught up with her in the tunnel. "Hey, you're tough," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "Not many players can take a hit like that and get back up." Lexi smiled, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. "I've been hit before," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. Ryder chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm sure you have," he said. "But you're not like the others. You've got fire in your belly." Lexi felt a surge of pride at his words, but she was also wary. She didn't know what to make of Ryder, or what his motives were. All she knew was that she couldn't wait to get back on the ice and face him again. As they parted ways, Lexi couldn't shake the feeling that she had just caught a glimpse of something deeper, something that lay beneath Ryder's tough exterior. And she was determined to find out more.