Page 100 of Catch
“Well, don’ttellEthan,” I reply. “I’m serious. Don’t. He’d freak out.”
“Why? It looks like he feels the same. He’s possessive as hell when it comes to you. In a good way.”
I don’t want to talk about this.
“For now. That’s hormones talking. Nothing else.”
Not for me. But that’s my problem.
“You’re a smart guy, Jett, so why’re you acting dumb?” Hudson replies.
“What the fuck, Hud?”
“Open your eyes, buddy. Ethan’s crazy about you.”
I scoff at that.
“And he better treat you right,” Hudson continues. “If not, me and him, we’ll have a problem.”
“I can take care of myself, but thanks.”
There’s a sudden blast of music followed by the announcer’s booming voice welcoming the crowd.
For the next half hour, I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, shouting, cheering, and clapping as loudly as I can. The Cougars are up by one in the first period, thanks to a goal by Jace, but their opponents, Wisconsin College, are playing fast and hard. By the end of the period, things are getting tense between the teams. Dane gets slammed into the boards, and while he looks rattled at first, he raises a hand and skates off the ice, all in one piece. Axel nearly gets into afight with the offender until Silas steps in to calm things down.
Wisconsin comes roaring back in the second, scoring twice. With the Cougars behind 2–1, the mood in the rink quiets to a dull buzz. I notice Kayden talking to Maddox after they pause for intermission. Ethan and Dane too.
Archie and Hudson head off to grab snacks, but I stay in my seat, scanning through the pics I’ve taken of the game. And yes, Ethan’s in every shot. Fuck, he’s something else. So passionate. It shows in every play, and every expression that crosses his gorgeous face.
I’m so busy looking at my phone that I don’t even notice that Archie’s already back, taking the seat beside me.
Until I look up and realize, it’s not him.
It’s Renner.
“What areyoudoing here?” I demand.
“Can’t I watch the game too?” Renner replies as he wraps his arm around the back of my seat.
I’m repelled by him and lean forward. I don’t want him to talk to me, never mind touch me.
“Since you hate sports, I find it kind of odd,” I snap. “Have you been at the game all this time?”
“I was sitting three rows behind you. You didn’t even notice me.”
That’s fucking creepy.
“We have nothing more to say to each other,” I hiss. “Go away.”
“No. I need to talk to you.”
“And I’ve told you over and over that I have nothing more to say. So, what? Now you’re following me around?”
“I figured it was the only way, since your guard dog is busy on the ice.”
“Don’t insult Ethan. And leave me alone.”
“You’re such an idiot, Jett, and you’re making an ass of yourself over Ethan. I know you’ve been fucking around withhim; I’ve watched you. Hell, you guys are the hot gossip on campus, didn’t you know? But guess what? He’s also been screwing other people. The guy can’t keep his pants zipped. You think he’s into you? He’s into everyone.”
