Page 8 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

CHAPTER THREE

He’s My Brother’s Best Friend

Ruby

Knox invited me to a bonfire close to the beach and since I’ve never been to a bonfire before, I asked if Briar and Annie could tag along.

“Didn’t he want to drive you to this thing?” Briar asks of Knox, who did want me to go with him. But since I invited my friends along, I felt it was only right to show up with them.

“He did, but I wanted to spend time with you guys,” I reply. “Things have been so busy with school and track. I wanted us to have some time to just talk on our own.”

“Where is Charlie tonight?” Annie asks.

“The library,” I answer dryly.

“Why is she spending so much time at the library?” Briar inquires, since it is very unlike Charlie to spend so much time there.

“Pretty sure she is avoiding being in the hockey house,” I explain. “She works with the guys, and she’s become friends with them, but she is also trying to keep a professional distance,” Ianswer because my best friend is keeping a secret and it’s not up to me to share.

“That must be so hard. They are all so hot,” Briar says and her eyes gleam.

“I hope my brother is excluded from that statement,” I snort. Growing up, I always had friends who crushed on my older brother, but it always felt awkward. Hayden never went for any of my friends. I made it clear that if he did and it didn’t work out, then it would also be friendship suicide.

“Yeah, sure, okay, Rubes,” Briar says sarcastically. I get it, my brother is handsome and the female population at Riverside U is very attracted to him.

“Is the hockey team going to this thing?” Annie asks.

“No clue, I didn’t see my brother all day and none of the guys were home right now,” I explain.

“You do realize you’re calling the hockey house home,” Briar notes.

“Huh, yeah, well, the guys have all been very welcoming,” I reply. It’s a bit of a lie. Macklin has not been welcoming at all. He’s kept his distance and when we do bump into each other, he seems irritable and ready to bolt. I don’t share this with my friends because they know I grew up with Macklin and we are supposed to be close. If I suddenly tell them my brother’s best friend is being a big A-hole it will raise questions. I have my own theories as to why he’s pushed me away, but I’ve chosen not to focus on him.

“So how are things going with Knox?” Briar asks.

“Must be good if she is going to this bonfire and bringing friends to meet him,” Annie answers for me.

“I’m not sure, honestly. He’s a nice guy, he’s good-looking. He has an amazing body, but something is missing,” I share.

“Missing how?” Briar says.

“I can’t explain it, but he’s willing to move at my pace and I like hanging out with him. Like I said, he’s nice and respectful. But. . .”

“Sounds like you’ve friend-zoned him,” Annie chirps.

“Not exactly, we’ve kissed,” I confess.

“Wow, he must really like you if you’ve been on what, seven dates?” Briar asks as we pull up to the area of the beach where the bonfire is happening. There are a lot of cars parked off a dirt road. There is a fire going and lots of people hanging out in groups.

“I wouldn’t call them dates, per se. Sometimes we just grab coffee. He’s a cool guy,” I say.

“Yup, she’s definitely friend-zoned him,” Briar agrees with Annie’s earlier assessment.

I laugh and shake my head. We all leave Briar’s SUV and head toward the crowd. I text Knox I am here but before I press send, I spot him in the distance. He smiles as an acknowledgement that he sees me. Knox is a tall guy. His hands are tucked into his pockets, and he makes his way over to us.

“Hey,” he says, leaning into me and giving me a peck on the cheek. I hear Briar sigh beside me.

“Knox, this is Briar and Annie,” I say.

---