Page 32 of The Captain's Curfew
"It’s fine," I lie."We don’t have to define it.We’ll keep sneaking around until someone catches us, and then we’ll pretend it was nothing."
His jaw tightens."That’s not what I meant."
"Then whatdoyou mean?"
Silence.
I nod."Cool.Got it."
I head to my room before he can stop me.
And when the door closes behind me, I press my forehead to the wood and whisper the one thing I promised myself I wouldn’t let happen.
"Please don’t break my heart."
But I think he already has.
NINE
Logan
I am never touching my phone again.
It’s been less than twenty-four hours since myaccidentallivestream, and somehow, things have gotten worse.I was already dealing with the internet turning me into their “grumpy hockey boyfriend,” but now?Now I’m the unwilling star of what Violet has officially dubbed theSandwich Saga.
Because apparently, doing something as simple as making a sandwich while scowling at my phone has set the world on fire.
There arefan accountsdedicated to me now.People are analyzing my sandwich-making technique.Someone slowed the video down and added emotional music, claiming I look like I’m “battling my inner demons while spreading mustard.”
I didn’t even use mustard.It washoney mustard.
And worst of all, the guys won’t let me live it down.
CJ greeted me at practice this morning by holding up a sandwich and dramatically whispering, “He spreads the mustard like he means it.”I nearly put him through the glass.
Now, I’m at my locker, gripping the bench with both hands, trying to control my temper as my phonewill not stop buzzing.
Declan walks up, smirking as he leans against the locker beside mine.“Rough morning, Captain Love Interest?”
I shoot him a glare.“Don’t start.”
“Oh, I’m starting.”He folds his arms.“You realize you’ve officially got the highest engagement rate of any player on the team?”
I groan.“That’s not something Iwant.”
He shrugs.“Doesn’t matter.It’s happening.The fans love you.And Violet?She’s thriving.”
At the mention of her name, I exhale sharply.Sheisthriving.I know she’s been working her ass off, trying to bring life to the team’s social media presence, and I can’t even be mad about it.She’s good at what she does.Too good.
Too good at makingmethe center of the internet’s attention.
I shake my head.“This is ridiculous.”
Declan claps a hand on my shoulder.“Nah, what’s ridiculous is that you’re pretending to hate this when we all know you don’t mindcertainaspects of it.”
I narrow my eyes.“What does that mean?”
He grins.“It means that for all your grumbling, you haven’t told Violet to stop.”
