Page 5 of Mine to Take

My chest constricts as the comment circles around in my brain. I didn’t think it was possible to be any more pissed off.

It takes effort to force out the question and not lose my shit. “Excuse me?”

She shrugs. “I’m just saying that the only thing that really matters is that you’re going to the NHL.”

Her bluntness is enough to steal the air from my lungs.

“The only thing that really matters is that you’re going to the NHL.”

The muscles in my belly clench as even more heat stings my cheeks until it feels like they’re on fire.

When I continue to stare, she moves closer and twines her arms around my neck.

Like hell that’s going to happen now.

My fingers shackle her wrists before prying them loose as I take a giant step in retreat. This girl can go fuck herself, because I sure as hell won’t be doing it.

Not tonight or any other night in the future.

“You need to leave,” I growl.

I wince, hating the hurt that bleeds into my voice.

She blinks in confusion. “What?”

I speak carefully so there’s no chance of her misinterpreting what I’m about to say. “You need to leave. This is no longer happening.”

Her eyes widen as her face scrunches. “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack.” I point toward the door. “Get out.”

Her teeth scrape against her lower lip. “Look, I’m sorry. I was joking around. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

“You didn’t.” Huge fucking lie. “I’m just not in the mood anymore.”

Actually, I was never in the mood, but, unlike her, I keep that little tidbit to myself.

“Oh.” There’s an awkward pause as guilt flashes across her expression. “I guess I could help rewrite your paper. I mean, it would take a lot of work, but?—”

This girl is off her rocker if she thinks I’d accept a damn thing from her.

My voice grows colder. It’s a wonder she doesn’t get frostbitten. “Do me a favor and close the door on your way out.”

Unable to stomach the sight of Jenna, I swing toward the window.

It’s only when the lock clicks into place that the thick tension filling my shoulder blades loosens and I become more aware of the music that pulses through the floorboards from downstairs.

There’s no way in hell I’m returning to the party.

Although, that decision has nothing to do with the chick I just kicked out.

I’m sure she assumes I’m just another lazy jock coasting by on his athletic prowess, marking time until he can get picked up by a professional team.

And maybe there’s some truth to that.

Given the choice, I’d already be playing in the NHL. Instead of applying at Western, I would have played a year or two of juniors and then entered the draft. Instead, my parents insisted I needed a degree first.

Trust me, I fought that tooth and nail.

---