Page 28 of Heart Taker

“Yeah, and all the pics and video clips. Your win was impressive. I’ve never seen anyone deke like Jace and that last goal from Axel? Unreal.”

Damien offered his rare smile to Josiah. “Do you play?”

“Defense, like Si. But that was before I got sick. But I’m doing better now. I’m hoping to get back into it next year, for fun. I love it, but I’m not going pro like my brother.”

Damien’s eyes met mine, but I quickly looked away.

“Our season’s officially over but there’ll be a team gathering before we finish up the term. We make a day of it, with competitions and prizes,” Damien replied. “You’re welcome to join us, Josiah.”

“Thanks, I’d like that,” Jo returned and nudged me. “If it’s okay with my brother.”

“Uh, yeah,” I finally replied, my mouth dry. “Why not?”

Suddenly, Damien’s phone buzzed, and he glanced at it.

“Well, I better get going. I’ve got to find the president and Dean Chancer. I’ll see you on the field shortly.”

As soon as Damien walked away, I let out a sigh of relief.

For once, the season couldn’t end soon enough.

Damien

What the fuck was I doing here?

Right. The rally.

I’d enjoyed my share of those when I was student. And I had to make an appearance at this one whether I wanted to or not. Unfortunately, I had the hangover from hell, with my head throbbing, my eyes dry, and my equilibrium so off balance I’m surprised I could walk a straight line.

More than that, I was on edge like I never was, and I blamed it all on those damn martinis last night.

Never again.

Selwin was going to get payback the next time I saw him. I didn’t know how, or when, or what, but I’d think of something. Between the alcohol and that discussion about my personal life, ugh, I wanted to forget the whole damn thing.

Until I spotted Silas. Fuck, why didhehave to be the one I noticed?

Like on the plane ride and on the bus. Normally, I slept or listened to an audiobook to relax. I’d tune everyone out. But not this time, and not him. When Silas walked past me, despite my sunglasses and my feigning sleep, I noticed everything. The stealthy grace of his walk, the intense expression in his eyes, and worst of all, the way his ass filled out those jeans.

I’m still hungover.

The campus was crawling with students and teachers, and the noise of chatter made my headache flare. But, out of the throngs of people, only one of them drew my undivided attention. Silas looked imposing as usual, with his height, his broad shoulders, and of course, those tattoos. Did he have them everywhere? I’d seen them on his chest and arms, but what about…

Get yourself under control, goddamn it.

My phone buzzed and I quickly glanced at the message. It was Dave asking me to meet him on the football field. He was already there with Nora.

Talk about a bucket of ice water.

Better than a bottle of champagne.

When I looked up again, I channeled my inner coach and put my stoic face in place. Not that it lasted.

Without knowing who the younger man standing beside Silas was, it was clear to me that they were siblings, and watching Silas offering a protective arm to his brother made me smile. Josiah was a few inches shorter, and not nearly as big as my defenseman, but then again, he’d been sick. My respect for Silas as a person wasn’t in question. But I did wonder how he managed everything; a demanding school schedule, hockey practice, looking out for his brother, a part-time job. He worked hard, seven days a week.

But who was there for Silas when he needed a break? Not that I should be concerned. It was none of my business. Obviously, he was handling everything. Better than I ever could.

Instead of being rude and ignoring him, I made my way over and forced myself to be polite. Polite and proper. Even though Silas was staring at me like he’d never seen me before. Without his skates on, he met me eye to eye, and it was way too close for comfort. Neither one of us was known to give in first, so when he looked away, panic began to swirl in my gut.

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