Page 24 of Hockey Halloween
“And because he can’t keep his thoughts on the inside,” Martinez remarks. “But it’s all in good fun.”
“Right,” I deadpan with an eye roll. I hold up the pumpkin head. “Fun, my ass.”
A ruckus in the entryway interrupts our conversation. Within a minute, Cody McGuire, a former team member, appears in the doorway of the kitchen, his girlfriend, Liliana, at his side. He’s dressed as a maple moose, our college mascot. Ironically, he makes it work. “Let the party commence.”
High-fives are shared among the players. He was a senior last year but didn’t finish his classes, so he’s back this year to do so. He can’t play hockey, but he’s a huge supporter of the team.
His appearance gives me the perfect distraction I need.
Fingering two more bottles of the Halloween ale someone brought, I lace Delia’s fingers with my empty one, not waiting for her permission to tug her behind me. If she puts up a fight, I won’t push her, but maybe she trusts me enough to follow willingly.
The thought is laughable.
What woman trusts me? Slim to none.
Except Delia doesn’t pull her hand away, and when I walk toward the back of the house, she keeps pace with me.
All kinds of characters fill the game room. At least two sexy nurses, a 1920s flapper, and of course, the obligatory bunnies in hockey jerseys. What a creative choice.
Not.
“Wow, you weren’t kidding. I can’t believe the transformation. It’s like a different house.”
“Wait, you’ve been here before?” I ask. “When?” How did I not know this?
The lights are dimmed to showcase the decorations, but I don’t miss the way her cheeks flush red. A bright red. Damn, I want to know the story.
“Change of plans.” Her hand still in mine, we exit the game room and head for the stairs. Her palm is clammy, but she makes no move to let it go, as if she’d follow me wherever I wanted to take her.
It’s a heady feeling, but I can’t process my emotions now. I’m on a mission.
I lead the way to my bedroom. Once inside, I drop her hand and place the beers on my desk. Delia stands stock still, her face still beet red, her eyes widened in shock. It takes exactly forty-five seconds for reality to register.
“Is this your bedroom?” she squeals, her gaze zipping around the small space.
I was the last one in this year, so I got the smallest room. It’s a mansion compared to the cramped corner of the living room I had growing up. It’s smaller than the dorm rooms I’ve lived in, but since I don’t have to share any of the space, it’s never once felt confining.
“Yep. All mine.”
“But what are we doing up here? The party’s downstairs.”
I point to the beers. “How about we have our own party?” I don’t think about the consequences the words will have until after they spew from my mouth. I’m not sure I’ll ever learn the lesson of keeping my thoughts inside, even with this stupid pumpkin costume I’m supposed to be wearing.
Delia’s face pales, and if she ran from the room, reported me to campus security, I’d only have myself to blame. Not that any reports she made would be confounded, but she’d probably have the upper hand. With my track record, she’d win anything she wanted.
“Is this why you invited me to the party?” The question is a whisper.
The right thing to do would be to let her go back to the party while I stay upstairs. I should at least open the door. I don’t want her to think I’m keeping her here against her will. I might have a record, but I’m not a monster.
Not wanting to blurt out the first thing coming to mind, I sit on the edge of the bed, composing what I want to say. “Truthfully, I think you’re cool and wanted to get to know you outside of class. Ididn’t expect you to come.” Her brows rise at my statement, but it doesn’t deter me from continuing. “I’m glad you came so we could hang out.”
“In your bedroom alone?” she sasses, her arms crossing over her chest. I don’t let my vision fall to how it pushes her breasts up.
Damn, she’s got me there.
“It’s a little loud downstairs.” It’s not a complete lie, but it’s not the whole truth. “When were you at the hockey house?”
“Two—nope. I’m not talking about it.” She slams her lips shut.
