Page 24 of The Captain's Curfew
I cross my arms.“You need to get the fans off this.”
She hums, tapping her chin.“Hmm.Or… hear me out… Ilean inand turn this into a full-blown campaign.”
I groan.“No.”
“Think about it—Thunder merch featuring your grumpy face.‘Captain Carter: Hockey’s Most Eligible Grump.’Limited edition jerseys that say ‘#SoftForViolet’ on the back.”
I throw my gloves onto the counter.“I swear to God, Violet.”She cackles, fully entertained at my expense.“Okay, okay, I’ll behave.”
I don’t believe her for a second.
Later that night, I’m lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, tryingnotto think about Violet.
But that’s impossible.
Because the truth is, the fans aren’tcompletelywrong.
Yeah, it’s ridiculous.Yeah, it’s the last thing I want to deal with.But the reason this is all so damn irritating?
It’s because Idohave feelings for her.
I have for a long time.
And now, thanks to the internet, it feels like the entire world is forcing me to face it.
EIGHT
Violet
I think Logan Carter might combust.
Which, honestly, would be a shame because he’s kind of pretty.In a broody, intimidating,I-might-murder-you-in-your-sleepkind of way.
He’s been stomping around the apartment all morning, arms crossed, jaw tight, exuding pure irritation.It’shilarious.
I know I shouldn’t keep pushing him, but it’s like an itch I can’t scratch.
“You know,” I muse, scrolling through my phone as I lounge on the couch, “if you embraced the meme, life would be easier.”
Logan glares at me from across the room.“I amnotembracing the meme.”
“Too late.”I grin, holding up my phone.“It’s already a movement.”
His eyes narrow.“What does that mean?”
I bite my lip, considering how much I value my life.Then I decide it’s worth it.“So, funny thing—Thunder fans are now calling you ‘Captain Love Interest.’”
He flinches.“What?”
I sit up, grinning.“Oh, yeah.You’re officially the internet’s hockey boyfriend.Entire threads are dedicated to theorizing your secret soft side.People are convinced you write love letters in a leather journal and rescue stray kittens in your free time.”
Logan rubs a hand over his face like he’s questioning every life choice that led him here.“This is a nightmare.”
I smirk.“Or is it anopportunity?”
He levels me with a deadpan look.“Violet.”
“Logan.”
