Page 152 of Stick It
He smirks. “Probably not. It’s an obscure, British, science-based podcast. Some of the episodes are really weird, like wondering what the universe would be without stars, or what aliens look like if they exist.”
“So, it’s space related?”
He shakes his head. “No, they cover all things weird and wonderful. I listened to one recently about the secret life of sharks. Did you know they’re even older than dinosaurs?”
Fighting back a smile, I say, “I did not.”
“I swear, I’m not a nerd,” he argues.
“Are you sure?” I tease. “I feel like I’m seeing a whole new side of Ethan Maddox. I can just picture you with oversized glasses and anI love scienceT-shirt.”
“I could totally pull that off,” hebanters.
I nod in agreement. “You’d make one hot nerd.” There is absolutely zero doubt about that.
He shakes his head, but he’s smiling as he pushes the earbud into my hand. “I promise, it’s mostly scientists talking nonsense. Give it a go, and no offense taken if you’re bored out of your skull.”
“How did you start listening to it?”
“Our captain, my freshman year, was originally from England. His parents moved here when he was young. His dad was a physicist or something and went to college with one of the podcasters. He listened to the podcast every week. I was sitting beside Glen, the captain at the time, on the way to an away game, and we got to talking about it. I gave it a listen, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I might be a jock, but I enjoy learning new things, and the blend of humor and knowledge keeps me interested.”
Well, now he’s gotmeinterested.
“What is this week’s podcast about?” I ask, popping the bud into my ear.
Checking his phone, he says, “Egyptian mummies.”
Can’t say that’s a topic I know anything about.I settle into my seat as he presses play, the opening theme tune of the podcast beginning. It’s quickly followed by a British accent as the presenters introduce themselves.
We get on the road, and I’m soon laughing at the wit and out-there remarks made by the podcasters and their guests. It’s not just scientists but comedians too, and I soon realize that it’s not the droll scientific podcast I’d been picturing. Still, it’s an interesting insight into Ethan beyond hockey and his role as captain, and I gobble it up.
Each episode is only twenty minutes long, and as soon as we reach the end of the first one, I’m asking if there’s another.Heads together, we scroll through his phone, picking out various topics of interest to listen to.
The entire time, his warmth seeps into me, his leg pressing firmly against mine. At some point, my head tips back against the seat, the rhythmic swaying of the bus lulling me to sleep. The last thing I register is the sound of Ethan’s podcast in my ear and the feel of his body, hard yet warm.
I wake to the slow realization that I’m leaning into solid warmth. Blinking blearily, I find my head resting against Ethan’s shoulder, my body curled toward his, and his arm draped casually over my back.
Licking my lips, I swipe at my mouth while silently praying I didn’t drool in my sleep. And if I did, that Ethan is sleeping too and didn’t notice.
With a flick of my gaze, I realize there’s no such luck. Ethan is looking down at me, something achingly soft in his expression. It leaves me momentarily speechless.
“Hey,” he murmurs.
I straighten, rolling my shoulders to stretch them out and feeling the loss of his warmth immediately. “How long was I out?”
“Long enough to make a wet patch on my T-shirt.”
I sit up fully, horrified. “Idid not?—”
Eyeing his bone-dry shoulder, I smack him on the chest, and he chuckles, loose and carefree. “Kidding.”
“We will be arriving at the hotel within the next ten minutes,” Coach calls out from the front of the bus.
Ten minutes later, we’re disembarking and piling into the hotel. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s not a shithole either. Just youraverage hotel. More than suitable for a bunch of jocks for one night.
We grab our duffels from beneath the coach before heading inside. The lobby buzzes with the low murmur of teammates as we wait around while Coach checks us all in.
“All right, listen up!” Coach raises his voice over the noise, waiting until the chatter silences. “Come collect your keys from me. You’re doubled up, two to a room. Swapping is not optional, so I don’t want to hear your whining. You’ve got two hours to unpack, settle in, do whatever you need to for your pre-game routine. Be back down here at six sharp.Don’t be late.”
