Page 2 of Trust Me

“Yeah, volleyball, but I won’t be going pro,” I answer, not sure why I’m telling him anything about myself.

He grins, making my stomach flutter. “Don’t sell yourself short. You can do anything you want in life. Remember that.”

His words hit me deeper than he probably realizes because I feel like my life has always been the opposite, not doing what I want.

A small smile forms on my lips, but before I can reply, our time is cut off. My father reenters the room, his voice a tad cooler than before. “Elio, I got some of the team here to skate for an unofficial practice. You want to go show them a few things?”

He smirks, perking up at the idea. “Of course, it’ll be fun.”

My father then turns to me, an expectant look on his face. “Stick around for a bit? We can chat while the boys practice.”

I agree, and a few minutes later, we’re watching the guys on the ice with Elio. I can’t help but admire how graceful he is. He’s fast but sharp, every movement intentional and measured. Unlike the guys on our team, who are a bit rough around the edges at times.

“So, Aecha,” my father starts, using my Korean name. It’s how I know he’s about to get serious with me. “How are you feeling about school starting?”

“Excited, but nervous about balancing my schedule,” I say while watching the players. I’m on the volleyball team, and being a student-athlete isn’t the easiest task in the world. Adding in the pressure from my parents to get straight A’s doesn’t help.

“You’ll do great, as you always have.” His words intend to be comforting, but they remind me that I have a standard to live up to.

Our conversation turns easy until my father brings up Elio. “He’s quite the superstar, huh?”

“I don’t watch his games, but he looks pretty good right now,” I reply, unsure why he would mention Elio.

“He’s one of the best hockey players I have ever seen,” he boasts.

I turn to face my father head-on, sensing that this conversation has a purpose he’s evading. “Where are you going with this?”

His face turns more serious now. “Because, Jasmine, I saw the way you were looking at him through the window of my office when I was on the phone and he’s off-limits. He’s too old and too much for you. Check online and you’ll see what I mean. I like him as a student, but that doesn’t mean I like him for you. Besides, you’re not the type of girl he would be interested in.”

My father’s words are like a punch to the gut, and I swallow down the acid burning my throat. A girl like me—what the hell does that even mean? It’s the first time I look at a man like that and of course someone has to ruin it.

But maybe it’s for the best. It’s not like I was going to pursue him anyway. He’s a famous hockey player, and I have to start focusing on my future.

“I wasn’t interested. You know me. Books over boys.” I give him my fake smile, my eyes not moving with the motion of my lips, but he falls for it anyway.

“Good. You okay if I join the boys for a bit?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Curiosity gets the best of me as my father joins them on the rink, causing me to pull out my phone. I do a quick search on Elio Mazzo and my screen is instantly flooded with pictures of him with various models and even some actresses on his arm.

Some articles simply highlight his skills as a hockey player, while others talk about his playboy ways, with a few comments on his arrogant attitude on and off the ice. He’s even been rated the world’s hottest player by Starz magazine.

Maybe my father is right. Maybe he’s not the kind of guy for me because I don’t want to be with someone like that. So I convince myself I don’t like him because it’s easier than admitting I can’t have him.

Which only makes me want him that much more.

Chapter 1

Jasmine

Pride has a funny way of making people do things they think they never would and behave in ways that don’t reflect their nature.

It’s the reason why I’ve been struggling this past summer. I have too much pride to admit that I have nowhere to live this coming school year. My best friend Aurora made Team USA for volleyball and moved to California with her boyfriend, Cameron.

Leaving me roommate-less.

I’ve spent the entire summer at my parents’ house on the outskirts of the city, hiding behind whispering trees and fancy façades. But come August 30, which happens to be tomorrow, I need to give my landlord an answer on whether or not I’m staying for the year.

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