Page 14 of Racking Up Penalties
“Can’t wait to get started,” I say, ignoring Tristan, already envisioning how I’m going to style the guys I know.
Of course, Liam Johnson pops into my head. It will be so easy to style him with his blonde hair, striking gray eyes, and strong shoulders that beg to be gripped tightly while a girl shatters around him.
I’ve been crushing on him since last year when he spent the entire night after the hockey team won the championship talking to me and ignoring all the girls trying to get his attention.
I’m pulled out of my thoughts of Liam when I catch Tristan’s gaze from across the room. There’s a glint of something, mischief, maybe, or determination, in his deep blue eyes.
“Hey, Tessa,” he starts, leaning forward with elbows on his knees, “I might not know much about fashion, but I can carry stuff and take orders pretty well.” He grins, and it’s infectious. “How about I volunteer as your assistant for this gig?”
My heart skips a beat at his offer, and I’m torn between laughing it off and hugging him for his sweetness. “Tristan, you do realize that means being at the mercy of my creative whims?” I tease, but inside, I’m touched by his gesture.
And a little excited to spend time with him.
“I’m prepared to face the wrath of Tessa Montgomery,” he declares boldly, causing a ripple of chuckles around us.
“Okay then, Assistant Delaney,” I say, accepting his offer with a mock-serious nod. The warmth of friendship, and maybe something a touch warmer, washes over me, mingled with an undercurrent of gratitude.
The group’s conversation shifts effortlessly, as it often does. As the hours slip by, I sink deeper into the couch, lulled by the sense of belonging that comes from being surrounded by these people who have become my chosen family. Tristan joins me on the couch after the first hour, his knee brushes mine every so often, a casual touch that sends a jolt through me each time. But I focus on the laughter around me.
“Can you believe coach actually thought that was a good pass?” Luka shakes his head, referring to the hockey team drama, and I almost miss the rest of his sentence over the sound of my own racing thoughts.
The conversation has turned back to this new player on the team.
“Maybe the new guy just needs to find his groove,” I suggest.
“You know, I’m the new guy on the football team. Here’s to hoping my teammates aren’t talking about me like this.” Tristan raises his bottle with a wink in my direction, and I can’t help but smile back.
“Considering you’re a superstar and helped them win the first game of the season, I’m sure they’re singing your praises,” Luka says, smirking.
As the night progresses, Emma and her guys move into their room. Leaving me alone with Tristan.
Tristan lingers, his gaze holding mine.
“Thanks for offering to help me, Tristan,” I say.
Tristan moves closer to me and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. “Maybe you can pay me back by wearing my jersey to next weekend’s game.”
“You’ve got a deal.”
“See you later, Tessa,” he says softly before turning away.
“Later,” I echo, and close the door behind him.
Alone now, I sink against the wood, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I can’t stop myself from letting out a little squeal.
I smile to myself, the corners of my mouth lifting in tandem with the lift in my spirit.
Chapter 8
The hinges of the classroom door squeak faintly as I push it open, a symphony to my pounding heart. I step over the threshold with legs that feel like they might buckle at any moment. The fabric of my skirt, a tapestry of bright oranges and azure blues, swishes around my knees.
“Nice outfit, Tessa,” someone murmurs as I pass. I offer a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes, clutching my sketchbook so tightly my knuckles turn white.
Class starts before I’m able to calm my breathing down .
“Let’s see what you’ve got for us today, Miss Montgomery.” Ms. Jones’s voice slices through the chatter like scissors through silk. Her gaze is as sharp as her tone, dissecting every student who dares to present their designs to her.
She terrifies me and while I’m normally very confident in my work, she always finds a way to bring me down.
