Page 5 of Perfect Boy

Yeah, I’ve already forgotten her.

Kind of.

All right, not really.

Because as long as she’s in the same room as I am, there’s no fucking way I can ignore her presence. So, instead, I’ll just be a creeper from afar.

I watch her take notes on a computer that looks like it was one of the first laptops to be made. She types mindlessly as the professor talks. I can only see the profile of her face from here, but her eyes look completely focused.

I blink a few times, forcing myself to stop staring. She made it clear she didn’t want anything to do with me.

It’s time to push that really weird encounter out of my brain and pretend it never happened. She sure as hell has.

3

Ryann

“Ido not like where this is headed,” I say under my breath as I observe our dance coach, Jolene.

Her eyes sweep around the room as she gets closer to dropping a major bomb that I know I’m going to hate. One that’s about to blow this whole place up.

“Not one bit.”

“This is completely unorthodox, but after speaking to Coach LaConte, I’ve decided on something. Given that Brody was a huge part of the hockey team, we’re going to team up with them and put on a show.”

It’s clear that Jolene is excited. And here I am, trying to cover the extremely bitchy, completely unimpressed look that resides on my face.

“Each of you will be matched up with a hockey player, and the two of you will perform a dance together! You’ll have six weeks. This will give you time to come up with a routine and practice together. The main event will involve dinner, followed by a show, featuring you and the hockey player dancing!” She looks around at all of us, still beaming. “How awesome is this?!”

I rest my hands on my hips and try to stop myself from blurting out something rude. But, like always, it doesn’t work. “I don’t—wait, so we have to basically teach these giant men how to dance? That’s what you’re saying?”

Jolene offers me a calming smile, which does absolutely nothing to calm me.

“Everyone knows hockey players aren’t the best ballet dancers. So, your job is going to be to make them look good! But the hockey team is so loved that having them involved will already give this fundraiser an edge. Besides, it makes sense because of who started it to begin with. But I want to add, part of this will run into their season. One thing Coach LaConte stressed is the need to keep his players healthy. So, please, nothing too strenuous in your routines. You all are the dancers; they will be the entertainment. Make them look good. Heck, it can be comical even.” She pauses, gazing around. “As more information becomes available, I’ll fill you in. But until then, let’s get to work.”

As we all move to our usual spots, I look at Sutton, and she instantly reminds me of a teapot. A teapot filled with water that’s boiling on the stovetop and about to start steaming and screaming. Even her face looks red hot with anger. Most of the other bitches in here look thrilled, imagining they get to dance with a hockey player and work one-on-one with them, I’m sure. Heck, I’d be willing to bet some of them are even imagining that they could create some love story to tell their grandkids one day.

I’m the furthest thing from impressed right now. It’s one thing to avoid hot, sexy jocks day to day with little contact. Ignoring them when you’re forced to be partners? Damn near impossible. But I know better than to talk back to Jolene or argue why this is an awful idea. Because from an outside standpoint, it’s an amazing idea. Of course it will bring donations in. Who doesn’t want to watch some of the country’s most elite college hockey players dance around the stage, pretending to be ballerinas? But still, I don’t like it. Not one bit.

Jocks have a way of slithering their way into the hearts of innocent girls.

Good thing my heart turned black and shriveled up years ago.

Watson

“Coach went and lost his damn mind,” Hunter says as we drive to the dance studio to be evaluated by some lady who is apparently the dance coach or teacher or something.

Earlier at practice, Coach informed us that we’re taking part in a fundraiser. The good part is, it’s my buddy Brody O’Brien’s fundraiser, and it’s a hell of a good cause. The money raised will help kids less fortunate play sports or take part in extracurricular activities that might not be so readily available to them otherwise. The bad part? Some of the selected hockey players are being paired up with chicks on the dance team, and they have to do a dance together for the fundraiser itself.

I’m no fucking dancer.

“I’ll try my best to not make y’all look too bad,” Cade chimes in. “It won’t be an easy task, but I’ll do what I can.”

“Why the fuck are you excited for this, Huff? What if we have to wear tights?” Link practically whines. “I’m not wearing no nut huggers.”

Cade shrugs, still grinning. “I’ll wear ’em. I don’t mind showing off my hogger if it brings in some extra cash for O’Brien’s charity.”

“If I have to look at your hogger, I’m bowing out of this right now. I’ll make a donation to Brody’s foundation when I make it to the pros,” Hunter groans. “Keep it covered, Huff. Also, please…never…ever…refer to your dick as a hogger.”

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