Page 28 of Catch
I’m still in a surreal headspace. Not a bad kind, just different. Unexpected. I’m not surprised about Jace or Finn heading for the NHL. I’m thrilled for my friends, and proud as fuck. And even the news that I’m going to be a student ambassador doesn’t faze me. No, my shock has nothing to do with any of that.
I want to kiss Jett.
How do I even start to process that explosive revelation?
As if reading my mind, Silas pipes up.
“I think Ethan needs another refill.”
I don’t argue with that.
Jett
I try to ignore the way Ethan’s eyeing me up, but it’s not easy. And it doesn’t feel like curiosity, more like he’s stripping me bare. Or like I’ve got a bullseye painted on my ass.
I glare at him, telling him without words to stop, but the guy is relentless. And I don’t know if he’s even aware of what he’s doing.
I down another drink and shoot the shit with my friends, but in a few minutes, I’m out of here. I’m more than honored that I was chosen to represent the rowing team, but the idea of working with Ethan sets me on edge. The tentative truce I was about to accept with him seems pointless. Honestly, I was going to forget about waiting for his apology. I don’t need it. I was going to leave here and forget about Ethan, period.
How the fuck can I avoid him now?
Ethan is too much of everything that I’m not—loud, opinionated, and cocky. He gets under my skin way too easily, and I don’t need that kind of distraction.
He’s a player and he likes messing with people.
I force myself to remember that. And I’m not confusing his attention for anything other than he’s used to getting whatever he wants. I don’t have to be his friend. I have plenty. Not a lot, but I’m about quality over quantity. Ethan, on the other hand, knows everyone.
Do they know him? Or just the parts he’s willing to show?
And why am I even asking myself these questions?
“Congrats,” Hudson offers and pulls me in for a hug. “Team Ambassador.”
“Stop.”
“You’re gonna be great,” Archie adds.
“I’m nervous,” I admit to my teammates. “And not quite sure why me.”
“Why not you?” Hudson replies. “You’re the one who’sthe coolest under pressure, no matter the race. Dealing with a bunch of rowdy visiting students will be a piece of cake.”
“What about Ethan?” I ask.
“What about him?”
“He’s kinda rowdy. Someone’s going to have to keep an eye on him.”
“That’s your job, bud.” Archie grins.
“Uh no. That’s Dane’s job,” I correct.
Trying to get a handle on Ethan would be like trying to rope a storm. Impossible.
“Come on. Ethan’s a great guy, you should give him a chance,” Archie insists.
“After he accused me of trying to use Gage to get over Renner? I don’t think so.”
“He what?”
