Page 2 of Penalty Shots

Clearly, I can't come back here to study.

Just as I turn back to face Keelan, he stops and I run into him.

He chuckles as I apologize profusely now.

"I'm sorry. I'm such a mess."

His eyes are warm as he looks me up and down and gently says, "You're the furthest thing from a mess, Rina. Come on."

Before I can protest, he's strolling out of the coffee shop and onto the buzzing campus.

"Where are you going?" I say, trying to keep up with his stride.

"I told you," he says, looking back at me. "I owe you a shirt."

He's walking in the direction of the on-campus arena. And as he does, random people call his name. Others give him fist bumps as he walks by.

I'm walking next to what feels like campus royalty. And I don't miss the fact that as we walk, eyes are now on me.

I reach for my ponytail and pull it tight, wishing I had worn something a little nicer if I knew I'd be in this predicament. But sweatpants and t-shirts are pretty much all I own. The only thing nicer would have to be borrowed from my roommate, who is astronomically more stylish than I can ever hope to be.

Keelan pauses just before opening the door to the arena and looks back at me. "You a hockey fan, Rina?"

"Uh… not particularly."

He licks his lips and quirks a smile. "Not yet, you mean."

He's so confident—it's kind of annoying.

I shrug as he pulls the door open for me. "After you."

But also nice. Most guys his age aren't just nice.

I walk in, hoping I don't run into any of his teammates. The hockey players at Austin State College are known for many things. And being gigantic flirts are at the top of that list.

My own roommate has fallen for their charms. She's been talking to one of the players and is smitten anytime she looks at her phone. She also refuses to let me know who it is, just in case it doesn't end up going anywhere. From the looks of it, though, she's loving the attention.

Keelan places a warm hand on my shoulder and must notice my hesitation. "You're with me. You're good." He winks. And I all but melt.

I hate that a guy can have such an effect on me. He walks me down the hall and to the entrance of the arena. I can hear the sound of blades gliding on ice. Someone else is here.Just great.

As we approach the rink, I see someone in front of the net sliding from one side to the other in quick bursts.

"Ryker!" Keelan calls out to the player with a wave.

The guy stops his movements and looks up at us.

"This is Rina," Keelan says, pointing at me. "She has a class with me. I need to get her a shirt. Watch out for her 'kay?"

Ryker's shoulders drop like he's just been significantly inconvenienced, but he slowly makes his way over to us.

He takes off his helmet, revealing a head of sweaty blonde hair.

"Hi," I say sheepishly.

He looks from me to Keelan. "Uh… what are you doing?"

I look at Keelan, too. Whatarewe doing? Why am I even here right now?

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