Page 66 of Summer Shot
“No worries,” I murmur. “I just didn’t know anyone else was inside. The party’s out there—in case you missed it.”
I’ve been avoiding going out to the party with the team. A sense of unease sits in my gut. I’m not one of them. Sure, one of the freshmen I was with most of the day while visiting the school invited me, but I don’t belong out there. I’m not a Wyvern, not yet anyways.
Whenever my mind thinks of the possibility of finally playing college hockey and escaping my life, peace floods my senses. I really hope to be a Wyvern.
When I graduate next year, I can finally escape my deranged family. That fills me with more joy than I’ve felt in years. Well, except for whenmy skates hit the ice and my mind is focused on only one thing—the game.
I swear my mother and her new husband—I guess I really should stop calling him new after eight years, but I refuse to call him my stepfather—will throw money at anything if it means not having to spend actual time with me or my sister. Even though my mother claims they love us all the same, she and her new husband have their own kids now.
Works for me.
I’ll take their money.
“But you didn’t answer my question?” The alluring voice pulls me back to WMU’s campus. She brushes her curly golden locks behind her hair, strutting over to stand opposite of me behind the counter.
“Hmmm?” I genuinely forgot what she asked, getting lost in my own thoughts.
“You don’t seem to be having a good time.” In one swift movement, she swipes my hat, placing it backward on her head.
“No, I mean,” I fumble for words, lost in the striking green eyes that just hat-napped me, “it’s not like that. I just don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“Don’t come to hockey parties often?” she asks, cocking an eyebrow at me.
“No. Can I have my hat back?” I run my fingers through my disheveled hair, knowing it won’t help much.
“Me either. They suck honestly. Where’s your girlfriend?” She inquires as she places the hat forwards on her head, instead of handing it over.
“Doesn’t exist,” I grumble nervously.
“Lucky me.” A sly grin slides across her angelic face. “What’s that?” She points at the beer in my hand, clearly knowing alcohol is inside the red solo cup. Willingly passing her my cup, I hope the alcohol distracts her so I can swipe my hat back. I don’t care how hot this girl is, she makes my blood boil with irritation.
“Got anything other than beer you can share with me?” She winces, taking a sip.
“If you go join the party, I’m sure there’s plenty of whatever you want out back.” I lean over the counter and snatch my hat back.
“Hey, that was a cheap shot!” she shouts after taking another drink of my disgustingly lukewarm beer that I’ve been sipping on for the last hour. “And I don’t want to go outside. Hockey parties aren’t my thing.”
“Two things you should know about me, mystery girl. One, if there’s an opportunity, I’ll always take the open shot. Two, I don’t let anyone take my hat.”
“Typical hockey player.” She rolls her eyes at me as I readjust my hat back on its rightful place atop my head.
“I don’t play for the Wyverns,” I correct her, but curiosity takes over me. “If you don’t want to go outside to the party, why are you even here?”
“Great question,” she mumbles. Sadness and confusion cloud her face for a flicker of a second.
“Keep the beer.” I turn to head back outside to reluctantly rejoin the party.
“You’re just going to leave me here?” She whines loudly, seeking attention. “That’s not very nice.”
A hollowness starts to linger in my chest. This stranger saying I’m not nice hits me in a sore spot. College will be a fresh start for me, even if technically I haven’t started yet. It’s not official I’ll come to West, but I don’t want anything to ruin my chances of making sure I’m not pegged as the bad boy or asshole like I was in high school.
“Would you care to join me, m’lady?” I extend my hand out to her chivalrously.
With unexpected force, especially from such a petite girl, she takes my hand and pulls me to her, our bodies mere inches apart.
“I wouldn’t mind sharing something other than a drink,” her whisper tickles my ear and sends blood rushing to my groin.
It’s been so long since I had that type of release . . . The season hasn’t even started yet and my stress level is consistently rising. With a shake of my head, I try to release the thought. I’m trying to rebuild my reputation.
