Page 18 of Racking Up Penalties
“The photo shoot tomorrow.”
JD looks up from the couch, his warm brown eyes alight with mirth. “Oh? Finally ready to admit you’ve got it bad for Tessa?”
“Is it that obvious?” My brows knit together, a flush creeping up my neck.
“Man, it’s written all over your face every time she looks at you,” Alec chimes in, his piercing blue gaze knowing. He leans against the wall with that same easy confidence he shows on the ice.
“Alright, alright.” I run a hand through my hair, trying to play it cool despite the heat in my cheeks. “Look, I just want to make sure she’s comfortable during the shoot. You know how guys can be.”
Luka laughs, a booming sound that fills the room. “What, you don’t want to share Tessa with a hockey player? We are pretty great.”
“Ha-ha, very funny,” I retort.
“Relax, we’ve got your back,” JD assures me, rising from the couch. His height and broad shoulders somehow make his words all the more convincing.
“Appreciate it, guys.” Relief washes over me, and I take a deep breath.
“Besides,” Alec adds with a mischievous glint in his eye, “it’ll be fun watching you try not to embarrass yourself around her.”
They’re Emma’s boyfriends, and by extension, my brothers in every sense but blood, and right now, they’re the support system I didn’t even know I needed.
“Deal.”
“Good.” JD claps me on the back. “Now, let’s talk strategy.”
As we huddle together, plotting and planning, I can’t help but feel a growing sense of determination. Tomorrow, I’ll be there for Tessa, come what may. And with these guys by my side, I’m beginning to think I might just stand a chance.
“Alright, I’ll see you all tomorrow,” I say, heading toward the door. The weight of the upcoming day presses against me, but it’s a good kind of pressure, like the anticipation before a big game.
As I start the walk back to my own place, my thoughts drift unbidden to Tessa—her vibrant laughter, the way her eyes crinkle when she smiles, and the fiery cascade of her red hair.
The styling session is more than just a job for Tessa; it’s a showcase of her talent, her passion. And I want to be there, not just to protect her, but to witness her shine. She deserves that spotlight, and I’m determined to make sure nothing dims it.
I have been in love with Tessa since we were kids. She’s everything I have ever wanted in a woman and no one else has ever made me turn my head.
She’s always put me in the friend zone but not this time. I transferred here because it’s time to make my move and make Tessa mine.
* * *
I’m pacing my room, the carpet beneath my feet already bearing the tracks of my restless strides. Each pass by the window is a glance at the world outside, where the sun has begun its slow climb into the morning sky. Today’s the day, Tessa’s styling session with the hockey team, and my stomach is a tight knot of anticipation to spend all this time with her.
“Get it together, Tristan,” I mutter to myself.
My fingers drum against the desk as I lean over, peering at the reflection staring back at me from the mirror. The guy looking back doesn’t seem as sure as I need him to be.
Inhaling deeply, I force my shoulders to relax. I’ve always been the one to have a game plan—on the field and off—but when it comes to Tessa Montgomery, all bets are off. She’s unpredictable, a whirlwind of creativity and passion. Today, I want to be there for her, but not as a distraction.
You’re helping, remember? You’re making sure she’s comfortable, protected. And maybe, just maybe, if you play your cards right, you’ll see that look in her hazel eyes, the one that says she sees you as more than just Emma’s brother.
“Today’s about Tessa,” I say aloud. “It’s her moment.”
I grab a shirt from the back of my chair, pulling it over my head. It’s going to be a long day, and every second I spend with her is another chance to show her who I am—someone who cares about what she loves, who wants to support her dreams.
“Stay cool, man. Just stay cool.”
The mantra becomes a loop in my mind as I grab my keys and phone.
“Let moments happen,” I tell myself as I pocket the phone instead.
