Page 14 of The Sweetest Risk

Why settle for someone who doesn’t make your heart burst out of your chest?

That’s why I walked out of that restaurant and never looked back. And now I am sitting here, single, while my best friend tells me that I need to go out with one of the hottest hockey players in the NHL.

Our principal opens up the floor to questions. One of our students raises their hands and our assistant principal comes over with the other microphone. We hand the mic down to him.

“Um, hi, my name is Hudson and my question is for Tristan Lawson and Dean Hastings.”

The principal excitedly runs over to where Tristan and Dean are sitting and hands the microphone over to Tristan. I stare at his massive, veiny hand holding onto the base of the microphone. I hate that I am noticing the little things about Tristan’s body now. It’s like going over to his home the other night opened a portal into an alternate universe where I don’t hate his guts.

Tristan says, “What’s up, little man?” Shivers run up my spine. It’s like I have been replaced by the old me from ten years ago, the girl who was enamored by Tristan rather than repulsed by him. To distract myself, I look over at Hudson and try to keep my focus there.

“What’s your favorite dessert?”

Aww, that’s such an innocent question. I totally thought he was going to ask something about what it is like being a hockey player. This is why I love teaching young kids. They bring back the innocence that life inevitably forces out of you. Experience and knowledge takes its place.

“That’s a great question, Hudson. Well, my favorite dessert would have to be…” Tristan’s voice trails off as he purses his lips together, seemingly thinking about his response. “Cupcakes.”

I lock eyes with Tristan. He has my attention now, and he knows it. He smirks and continues, “Chocolate cupcakes, to be specific.” He peeps his tongue out slightly as he breaks into a full-on smile. Those are the exact cupcakes he tasted the night we met. I don’t know if he is being serious or just fucking with my head. I don’t know what’s worse. Either way, my heart begins to beat really fast and it seems that the heater suddenly turned on in the auditorium.

Tristan hands the microphone over to Dean, while still maintaining eye contact with me. All sound is drowned out because of my focus on Tristan. I don’t even register what Dean’s response is.

Tess must notice the intensity of our stare because she nudges me out of my trance and says, “What is going on? You are super red right now, is everything okay? And why is Tristan staring at you like you are a piece of meat?”

I scowl. “He is not!” Even though he totally is. I’ve known Tristan long enough to know how he looks at women he wants to go home with. The real question is: why is he staring atmelike that? Maybe I’m confusing a lust stare with a killer stare. That’s it! He wants to kill me. That’s the narrative and I’m sticking to it. “And I can’t stop looking at Dean. That’s why I am red,” I lie.

“Like I told you before, girl. Your rule is outdated and just plain dumb.”

I hate that she might be right.

After about an hour of Q&A, the career day presentation is over and it’s time for lunch. I am lining up the students when I hear, “Thanks for all the great questions, you guys.” Tristan is right behind me. A little too close for my liking. I can smell his masculine cologne and a wisp of mint that I recognize from theother night. I hate that I am super aware of small things about Tristan. I straighten up my stance, cross my arms, and look behind me into his hazel eyes. Tristan kneels down on one knee and high-fives Hudson. “I especially liked your question, little man.”

“Thanks! I like cupcakes, too!”

Tristan smirks. “The best, right?” He playfully messes with Hudson’s hair and I nod to Tess to start leading the kids down to the cafeteria.

I shake my head a little as Tristan stands back up with a large smirk on his face. “I just talked to your principal and she said how excited she is that your class is taking a field trip to our practice rink so the kids can learn how to ice skate.”

Shit. I kind of forgot that I talked with Bradley about setting that up. My principal, who is an avid hockey fan, was over the moon about it. I cross my arms against my chest. “Yeah, so?”

“So, why didn’t you tell me thatyourclass is coming for the lessons?”

“Why would I tell you?” I inquire. Bradley already knows. Why would Tristan need to know?

He crosses his arms in turn, matching my energy, except his energy feels more playful. “I figured since I am the one who usually runs those types of lessons, you would let me know. I like to be prepared for who I am dealing with.”

“Well…” I say. He steps closer to me and my body jolts slightly from the close proximity. The same feelings I began to have the other night at his house are rushing through my body. I am realizing I do not mind Tristan Lawson being this close to me. I swallow hard and continue, “Now you know.”

Suddenly, I feel Tristan’s vibe change from playful to confrontational as Dean approaches. Almost protective. I hate when he acts like he’s my brother. One is enough.

“Hey, Brooke. You look extra cute today.” I look down at my outfit which consists of a bright pink maxi skirt and a white t-shirt. And of course I am wearing my signature bubblegum pink knotted headband. My bright green lanyard is hanging from my neck. Oh yeah, super cute.

“Thanks!”

“So, that Casino Night is coming up.” Dean inches closer to me.

“Yeah?”

“What about it, Hastings?” Tristan chimes in. His tone is anything but friendly. He must really despise this guy. Now I want to mess with his head even more.

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