Page 56 of Hockey 101

So, the four of us walk together in the cold night air. I’m happy to have a chance to clear my head anyway. Andy and I walk behind Dawn and Emily, who are chatting animatedly about the party. Emily seems infatuated with Big Z, like every other woman on campus.

Andy has been oddly quiet ever since we left my room. Again, I wonder if I’ve blown things somehow. Then she slips her warm hand into mine and everything feels right again.

We walk both Emily and then Dawn to their places, and finally Andy and I are alone again. We stand outside Humphrey Hall.

I had fun tonight, Andy says.

Really?

Yes, it was great. She goes up on tiptoe and kisses me. I capture her in my arms and hold her tight. Her body curves into mine like she belongs there.

Andy smiles up at me. So, tomorrow’s our big date, right? Can I get any clues about what we’re doing?

Nope. Told you, it’s a surprise.

How will I know what to wear? she pleads. Andy’s not into surprises, she’s too much of planner.

I like what you’re wearing tonight. But anything casual is fine.

She nods. Okay. 10:00 AM tomorrow, right?

I nod, but I’m still having trouble letting go of her. Andy doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave either, but finally she pushes away.

Good night, she calls over her shoulder, then disappears into her residence.

I walk back, but instead of returning to the party, I go home. After the game and the party, I’m tired, and I want to have enough energy for tomorrow.

However, when I open the door of my room and flip on the light, tonight’s previous roles are reversed. Lloyd and the woman from earlier are now in my bed.

Dude. Can you give us some privacy? Lloyd asks.

I back out of the room, then stop. Everything that happened tonight flashes through my mind—how Lloyd interrupted us, Andy’s disgust at him taking advantage of me, and my own insecurities.

I step back in. No. You need to get out. I turn towards the woman, averting my eyes politely even though she’s not undressed like Andy was. I’m sorry, but this is my room, and Lloyd has no right to use it. He has his own room.

He laughs at me. C’mon, Sinc. We only came in here because I saw you leave. Too bad that you got stuck with some cock tease, but don’t take it out on me. Then he turns his back on me. The woman watches us warily, looking like she’s ready to bolt.

I was angry before, but now that he’s insulted Andy, I’ve had enough. I march over, grab Lloyd’s arm, and pull him up off the bed. He yelps in protest, but I’m beyond caring.

Lloyd, get the fuck out. I’m going to bed, in my bed, in my room. Never use my room again, got it? And we’re going to have a house meeting about why you’re still here when you were supposed to be gone weeks ago.

There’s a lot of bitching from Lloyd as they leave, but I don’t bother replying. Now that my adrenaline rush is over, I feel satisfied that I finally stood up to him. Andy’s already a good influence in my life, and I can’t wait until tomorrow.

15

ALL GREEN FLAGS

ANDY

I WAKE UP thinking about Jack. The sensation of his mouth on me—on my lips, my neck, my breasts. The caress of his hands on me. The feel of his hard chest against mine. The earthy smell of him. And most surprisingly, his dirty talk. Sweet Jack has a bad boy side.

I check the time. I have a couple of hours before our date, so I drag myself out of bed and put on my running clothes. I can fool my body into exercise if I get going before my brain is awake.

It’s cold outside, the kind of fall weather that means it’s going to snow soon. I pull down my beanie and head towards the lakeshore trail.

My head is still full of Jack as I run. It’s not like me to make out like that with someone I’ve barely started dating. I’m not free-spirited about sex like Dawn is.

But all my rules fly out the door with Jack. From the moment I saw him—completely naked—he was obviously gorgeous. Yet, I wasn’t attracted to him when I assumed he was an egotistical jock. Once I discovered how sweet and considerate he is, my opinion shifted. And now that he’s showing off his confident and sexy self—he’s irresistible. He has layers, and each one I peel back reveals something even better.

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