Page 81 of Fault Line

“Sorry,” I finally speak up. “We’re gonna have to cut this night short. Holden has a big game in the morning, but it wassonice chatting with you two.”

I awkwardly shift in my seat, sliding my dress back into place before I bolt up from our table. It’s difficult, but I manage to ignore Sofia’s protests while we slip away.

The cool night air wraps around us as we burst out of the diner, our laughter finally spilling free. We hop over the passenger side doors of Holden’s convertible, like two criminals on the run, and the engine quickly roars to life. I feel giddy, ridiculous even, as we speed out of the parking lot and onto the open roads of Boyer.

And while we’re driving back to his place—the wind whipping through my hair, his hand up my dress again—I realize that I feel more alive, more awake, than I have in years.

28

HOLDEN

I’m strugglingto wake up, contemplating my will to crawl out of bed and fulfill my captainly duties, as my thoughts drift back to this past weekend. I’ve been replaying the moments in my head, savoring the memories like a favorite meal.

The highlight of them all, though, was when Kaia stood up for me in front of her sister. It’s a moment I didn’t expect, and it’s left me with an overwhelming sense of pride. I assumed I’d be the one shielding her on Friday night, but for a moment, she became my protector.

I know it wasn’t easy for her, but she did it anyway, and that speaks volumes about the relationship we’re building. While things are still new between us, this was the reciprocity I’d been hoping for all along.

Until now, I’ve been the one pushing for her to give me a chance, providing comfort and security when she needs it. But this time, she was the one who stepped up, who guarded me against the judgment and criticism threatening to weigh me down.

And then, I got to be the guy she laughed with afterward—the guy she stayed in bed with late into the next morning—until I inevitably had to drag myself back to the rink.

It’s not just about this one moment, though. In general, there’s a level of connection between us that I never thought I’d find, especially not during my college hockey career. And it’s one I’m learning to cherish more every day.

I’m struck by how lucky I am to have found her.

She’s strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. She has this carefully concealed inner light—secret sunlight for a soul—and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Despite our differences, I couldn’t have asked for someone better suited for me.

With a contented sigh, I roll over and grab my phone, scrolling through my emails as I shake away the grogginess. I’m expecting to see a reminder for our meeting with Dr. Khatri this week, but instead, I come across something unexpected. An email from her, addressed to both me and Kaia.

I sit up in bed and open it, still half asleep but curious.

From:[email protected]

To:[email protected]

Subject:DU Symposium

Good morning,

I hope this email finds you both well. In lieu of our scheduled dissertation meeting this week, I would like to extend an invitation for you both to attend a biomedical research symposium at Dayton University this weekend, beginning Saturday evening and running into the following afternoon. I believe it will be a valuable opportunity for you both to learn about the latest advancements in your field and network with other professionals.

Please let me know if you’re able to attend, and I will send over the necessary information.

Best regards,

Maya Khatri, Ph.D.

Well, shit. Dayton U is nearly a two-hour drive from here, and I have a game on Saturday afternoon. It should end early enough for us to drive up afterward, but I’ll be cutting things close either way. Still, I want to make a good impression on our advisor.

At this point, she’s the judge, jury, and executioner of our future here at Coastal. The person who decides if we’ve earned the right to graduate or not. And the fact that she’s inviting us both to tag along with her is a huge honor.

I shoot off a quick text to Kaia, and she immediately confirms her interest in attending. So, that means I’m gonna make it happen one way or another.

As I text her back, telling her that we’re on for this weekend, there’s a twinge of disappointment that she’s not here with me right now. She left halfway through the night last night, restless and unsettled, and I don’t blame her. Sleep’s always been hard for her to come by, and she was just getting used to me invading her routine at home in her own familiar environment.

I wish I could’ve gone back to her apartment with her, but I didn’t want to cause any more drama between her and Liz. Although, I was halfway serious in my offer to pay their rent. I wouldn’t mind spending my trust fund on the girl who’s steadily consuming my every thought.

My girl. The same girl whose pussy I’m eating on a near-daily basis.

---