Page 40 of Play Maker

He’s a total a-hole, your nasty ex’s bestie, and he’s straight.

Not that I was completely sure about the last thing. I didn’t miss his once-over. Or maybe he was just sizing me up and looking for weak spots in case one of our fights turned physical.

Don’t even think about touching his body.

I was determined to play it cool. No way was I affected by that douchebag.

Until I walked into Ethan’s house and spotted Axel sitting on one of the many couches, snuggled up next to a Kappa Delta girl. I recognized her face but couldn’t remember her name. He was leaning in close, his arm around her shoulders, his mouth almost touching hers. Normally the sight of people kissing—any variation of couple, throuple, or more—would turn me the fuck on. But not now. Not them. I was confused and angry and irritated. At him, but mostly, at myself.

“This was a mistake,” I muttered as Dane handed me a beer. “I’m leaving after this beer.”

“What? Why?” Dane asked and then followed my line of sight. When he smiled knowingly, I glared back at him. “Get over it.”

“I don’t wanna,” I whined and took a long sip of beer. “I want things to be how they were last year. Before that dick ever showed up.”

“Poor baby,” Dane teased and patted my shoulder. “But don’t worry. It looks like Axel’s leaving, so you don’t have to.”

My head whipped around again as I spotted Axel, sitting alone, reaching for his jacket. The girl he was with was gone. Was she coming back? Then again, they were kissing—or almost kissing— a few minutes ago. Why would she up and leave sofast? Slowly, Axel put on his parka and stood up. Was he leaving alone or was he going to meet up with her?

God, listen to yourself.

I couldn't even make it through one conversation with the guy without fighting, so why should I care who he fooled around with?

Axel suddenly looked up and spotted me, and I nearly dropped the beer bottle I was holding.

Just like in practice today, facing off behind the net, we stared at each other, something wild unleashing between us. People walked by, music played in the background, and conversation ebbed and flowed around me. I had no idea what was going on.

I was angry. Turned on. Angry at being turned on.

More than anything, I was…hurt. Yes, that was it. I’d spilled my guts to Axel, showing him my vulnerability, and he still refused to believe what I said. It frustrated me that I couldn’t get through to him. That he thought I was a liar and a bastard. It made me feel like total shit.

Fuck it. And fuck him.

I stalked through the room, ignoring everyone but the asshole in my line of sight.

Surprisingly, he didn't back away.

“You. Me. Outside. Now,” I demanded.

Axel glared at me and shook his head.

“I don’t think so.”

“No? Fine. You want a public fight, I’m game.”

Axel scoffed and started for the door. I followed him, but Dane stopped me on the way out.

“What are you doing?”

“I'm going to try one more time to get through to that guy. That doesn't work, then I'll talk to Coach.”

“Do you want me to come with?”

“I’m good. I can handle him.”

I knew just how I wanted to manhandle Axel Lund…

Dane nodded, and I slipped out of the door and back into the frigid winter air. Axel was halfway down the stairs when he stopped, pulled out a packet of cigarettes, and lit one up. I clambered down the steps and stood beside him, holding out my hand.

---