Page 24 of Hockey 101

Once we’re back in the hallway, she ducks out from under my arm. I feel the absence of her warm body immediately.

She smiles up at me. Hey, Jack. It must be my year to see naked hockey players.

I chuckle. Yeah, what’s your count up to now?

Well, I guess I can’t count you again, she motions towards my crotch and I realize that all I’m wearing is long underwear, a jock, and sandals.

Oh, shit. I try to cover myself, then give up. Besides, Andy’s already seen a lot more.

I like your…codpiece? she says.

My cheeks flush. It’s called an athletic protector.

Interesting. Do they come in different sizes? She raises her notebook like she’s ready to learn all about jock straps.

I shake my head. I don’t know why I bothered stepping in. I should be protecting my teammates from you.

Andy is once again her feisty self. She looks cute tonight, all bundled up in her white coat and purple scarf. Her dark hair is pinned up and her cheeks are flushed from the heat down here. Once again, I focus on those full, curving lips. When she bites her lower lip, I swallow hard. Thank god for the cover of athletic protectors.

Meanwhile, she’s oblivious to the heat I’m feeling. I’ll admit, I was a little surprised to be ushered into that sausage party. I specifically asked your coach whether it would be okay for me to enter the room.

I don’t know Coach Greene that well—but it was an asshole move. Of course, more than few guys have been complaining about the first game story. Maybe it was his way of getting back at Andy? But none of this is making sense. So, how come you’re the hockey reporter? I thought you hated sports. And jocks.

She sighs. Not just the hockey reporter. I’m the sports editor. And what I know about sports can fit into… Her eyes drop. An athletic protector.

That doesn’t seem like the best way to run a newspaper, but what do I know? However, there’s a glimmer of opportunity here.

Hey, do you need to learn about hockey? I ask hopefully.

Her shoulders slump, and I long to wrap my arm around her again. She nods. It’s so difficult. I’ve been doing a crash course in hockey for the past ten days, but I still have tons to learn.

This is my second chance with Andy. I can help you. Hockey is the one thing I’m an expert in. And maybe sharks, but I don’t offer that up.

But it’s not like you can go to games with me, she says.

No, but I can help you in every other way, I insist.

When she hesitates, I add, Don’t forget, I do owe you a big favour.

Andy peers up at me from beneath those long lashes, and my breath catches. Did you think the exhibition game story was bad? she asks timidly.

Uh, I didn’t read it, I stammer. I didn’t even know there was a college newspaper until I heard the guys complaining.

It got a record number of comments, she says with a huge sigh. 126 comments, actually. Every one of them negative.

I let out a whistle. Yikes. Don’t they say not to read the comments?

Bryce made me, he’s the editor-in-chief. It was supposed to be a learning experience. What I learned was that sports fans can’t even spell four-letter words.

I remember the name Bryce from Andy’s journal. He’s the guy who broke up with her so callously. And now she has to work for him? Brutal.

Andy takes a deep breath and straightens. That’s why I’m here. Getting actual quotes from players will improve my story. So, does the rest of the team not read the game stories either?

Umm… I stall. I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but I’m not the greatest liar.

Her hopeful expression fades and her eyes narrow. The truth, Sinclair.

They hated it.

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