Page 27 of Heart Taker

“Gray hair,” I muttered to myself.

Ten minutes later, we pulled up to the campus parking lot and hopped out of the car.

Finn was already waiting by the main gates. The campus was the busiest I’d ever seen it, even rowdier than welcome week. There was music playing, lights flashing, and I swore I heard fireworks going off.

“Hey, guys.” Finn smiled at us. “Wow, Jo, cool fit.”

“Thanks.” Josiah reached over and hugged my friend. “You look great too.”

“Pfft, this old thing.” Finn motioned to his black jeans and hockey jersey.

“Si, you should’ve worn your jersey,” Josiah added.

“It’s in my bag. I’ll put it on later.” I looked at Finn. “What’s the schedule for tonight?”

“Well, everything’s happening on the football field to start. The team’s supposed to line up here, and then we’ll all walk in together. Dane told me they’ll be press and pictures. Then, the rest of the night’s ours.”

“Sounds good.” I nodded. “Jo, are you okay taking a seat by yourself in the stands?”

He rolled his eyes. “I think I’ll manage.”

“Not appreciating the sarcasm at all,” I quipped, and reached for the brim on Josiah’s hat, tugging it down.

“Hey, don’t mess with my cap.” He chuckled and shoved my hand away.

“So, where’s?—”

I didn’t finish what I was going to say because suddenly Damien stepped into my line of vision, and for a second, I couldn’t breathe properly, never mind speak. My heart raced liked I was back in that game, chasing down the puck.

It’s exhaustion. I need more than a power nap.

Yeah, I needed a fucking week to sleep off… whatever this was.

Damien was dressed casual like me, in black jeans, a gray T-shirt, and a bomber jacket. I cracked a smile when I spotted his battered combat boots. He looked different and it wasn’t only the clothes, but I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. Then I realized that he still had his sunglasses on, and it was dark out. That must’ve been some night out he’d had in Chicago. My imagination began to work overtime as I pictured Damien in that bar, getting sweaty, and for reasons that had nothing to do with hockey.

Fuck, this is bad.

Damien finally removed his sunglasses as he walked up to us. His deep blues weren’t bloodshot, but there were dark circles underneath. Then he offered a small smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling, which gave another shock to my system.

The closer he got, the more I fidgeted, until my brother elbowed me.

“Finn, Silas,” Damien greeted us with a nod and then pinned me with his gaze. “Nice night for a rally.”

Suddenly my palms were damp. I was used to him barking out orders on the ice, not making casual conversation. Was hisvoice always that deep and husky? Why was I noticing now? The longer I stayed silent, the more intense his stare became.

“Coach,” I returned, my voice cracking. Ignoring Finn and Josiah’s bemused stares, I cleared my throat. “This is my younger brother, Josiah.”

Damien offered his hand to my brother and Jo readily shook his hand.

“Nice to finally meet you,” Damien replied.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Banning.”

Finn’s phone rang. “It’s Dane. I’ll be right back.”

He stepped away from us to take his call.

“So, did Silas give you the game highlights?” Damien asked my brother.

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