Page 59 of The Friend Zone

I inhale deeply, struggling to keep my temper in check. I’ve always thought that Topher was a little arrogant, but lately he seems on a mission to be a grade-A asshole to pretty much anyone who crosses his path. “Let’s see what this is all about.” I say, marching toward the living room.

COLE

Jesus.

Just when you think that Topher couldn’t be more of a douche, he has a way to prove you wrong. Every single time.

I know for a fact that he wasn’t invited to this party and neither was Bianca. But sure enough, those two just walked into Lakyn’s living room as if they owned the fucking place.

I probably should stay out of this, but as team captain I feel kinda responsible that Topher and Bianca managed to crash this party.

Bay was really looking forward to this reunion with Lakyn and I hate Topher a whole lot more for coming here tonight and for bringing the Dean’s daughter. That motherfucker has no regard for anyone’s feelings but his own.

Or maybe he’s here to make a move on Bay.

The thought hits me suddenly and luckily we’re no longer on the ice, or I swear I would slam Topher against the boards so hard that it would leave a permanent douche bag sizeindentation on the glass. Like laser engraving, but way more painful.

I stay back, letting our hosts deal with Topher’s unwelcome ass, but ready to intervene in case they need backup.

Luca crosses his arms over his chest, a stony look on his face. “No, I don’t feel like I’m better than my old teammates and frat brothers. The fact that I invited them proves it. You on the other hand? You’ve been an asshole and a pain in all of our asses from the second I set foot on campus last year. That’s why you weren’t invited.”

Before Topher can say anything in response, Cash stops next to Luca, mimicking his teammate’s stance. “Yup, Luca is right. You did everything in your power to ruin things between us and Lakyn.”

Blaze completes the line, as he crosses his arms and glares at Topher. “I agree with my brothers. You’re a selfish prick with no regard for other people’s feelings. Bay might have to put up with your presence on campus, but not here. You aren’t welcome in our house. Let me escort you to the door.”

As expected, Topher doesn’t take the rejection lying down. “Fine. Throw me out. I’m going to talk to the press about how you treat your former teammates. Your team might not care about your deviant sexual preferences, but I’m sure they’re going to love seeing what kind of people they really signed to represent them. King Gilberto is going to love the publicity too, am I right?”

I know what Topher is doing. He’s baiting them. I have no idea if talking to the press about being thrown out of this party would really cause problems between the guys and the Bridgeport Warriors. A fight however? No team wants players who get into fights off the ice on their roster and this is what Topher is trying to accomplish.

I exhale a frustrated breath, steadying myself to intervene. My future team won’t be ecstatic either if I end up in a fight, but maybe they’ll cut me some slack after the way we lost tonight.

Bay’s voice reaches me before I can get involved.

“Guys,” she says, flanked by her twin sister. “I appreciate your support, but Lake and I don’t want you to get into a fight on our accounts. Unfortunately I have to put up with Topher’s ass every day, so what’s one more night? The house is big enough that I can easily ignore him.”

Cash looks at the Woods sisters. “Are you sure?”

Lakyn nods, patting her fiancé’s bicep. “Yeah, he isn’t worth it. If Topher wants to stay at a party he isn’t welcome at, that only speaks volumes about how lame he is.”

I swear to God, Topher Mumford must have a death wish. If I were in his shoes, I would leave.

“Aww, thanks. I miss you too, Lake. You look good.” The leering once over he levels in Lakyn’s direction makes me feel like I need a shower.

Lakyn looks equally disgusted and angry. “The fact that I’m not getting you kicked out of here doesn’t mean we’re friends, Topher. You have to thank Bay for asking us to tolerate your presence. And for the thousandth time, I told you not to call me Lake.”

“Whatever,” Topher laughs, totally unfazed by the hostility his presence has been met with. “Let’s see if there’s any decent booze at this party.”

Bianca perks up at the mention of drinking. “Yes. All this unpleasantness made me thirsty. I would like a glass of?—”

Topher ignores his “date,” addressing Bay instead. “Can I get you anything, sexy girl?”

For someone who should know Bay as well as I do, probably even better, Topher is remarkably tone deaf. Everything in his ex-girlfriend’s demeanor, from what she just said about hispresence, to the disgusted way she’s looking at him, should make him steer clear of her. If he thinks pretending that they’re still friends, or worse together, will get him a second chance, he’s even more delusional than I thought.

“There isn’t enough booze in the world, I swear.” Bay mutters. “I’m fine, Toph. Just hang out with your frat brothers and leave me alone, ok?”

He winks at her. “Your loss, babe.”

Bay rolls her eyes, turning on her heels and making a beeline for where I’m standing. “Hey Cole,” she looks so beautiful, but when she smiles my fucking knees go weaker than if someone had slammed into me on the ice. “I’m glad you’re here. We haven’t seen much of each other lately, and I’m looking forward to hanging out with you tonight.”

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