Page 57 of Catch
No. I need to forget about Ethan and everything that happened on that trail.
“Same as you. A friend with benefits.”
My admission isn’t a lie. I’d like to have no strings fun. Only, I want that with Ethan.
“Then you’ve come to the right man,” Ethan preens.
“Can we get another chair for his ego?” I announce loudly, and everyone at our table laughs.
Ethan offers me his middle finger.
“What time is your competition tomorrow?” he asks.
“Nine.”
“That’s early.”
“The water’s always calmer in the morning,” Hudson explains. “We’re racing against Boston U, Maine State, and U Conn. It’s gonna be great.”
“I’ll be there,” Ethan insists. “I’ll bring some of the Cougars to cheer you on.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Dane’s coming anyway because of Jackson. And what about afterward?”
“Lin said we’re meeting up here for a post-race celebration,” Hudson explains.
“Can I come too?” Ethan asks.
“Why not?” Hudson replies.
I offer my friend a warning look, but Hudson ignores me.
“Cool. I won’t stay long, though. We’ve got hockey practice at one. But I’ll be watching the race for sure to cheer you on.”
“That’s great,” Archie replies.
It’s anything but.
“And then after, we can find a guy for Jett,” Hudson teases. “Maybe he’ll get lucky.”
“Whoever he is will be lucky alright,” Ethan mutters.
He’s staring at me like I’m on the menu. I reach for my drink again.
“Hey, Jett, you should practice your flirting game on Ethan,” Iggy suggests. “He can give you pointers.”
“On how to pick up a guy?” I scoff. “Doubtful.”
“Why not?” Ethan encourages. “Hit me with your best line, Sugar.”
“No.”
“Come on. Be a sport.”
I lean forward and motion for Ethan to do the same.
“I don’t want to play this game with you.”
