Page 24 of College Hockey Bully

In its place is a shiny replacement—red, my favorite color.

Glancing furtively around me, I inch toward it, tentatively reaching for the note attached to the handlebar.

Saying I’m sorry wasn’t enough.

There’s no signature, but it’s not needed. Simple words, but quite loaded. I press the note to my chest with a soft sigh. It seems that monstrous asshole has a conscience, after all.

Someone calls my name and I glance behind me. My entire body freezes in shock as he comes dashing toward me, an uncharacteristic smile on his face.

“Hey, Scarlett.”

I stare at him dumbly.

Noah smiles even harder. “This is the point where you say, ‘Hey Noah.’”

“What do you want?” I ask, crossing my arms over my breasts.

He jams both hands in his pockets, his expression turning sheepish. “For starters, I want to apologize for everything.”

My jaw slackens.

“Aiden had a talk with the team, saying how wrong he was to blame you for the whole snitching thing, that you were innocent. I actually believe him.”

My shoulders relax. Aiden said the same thing to me. I didn’t believe that he’d meant it, but for him to be vulnerablewith the team and admit to being wrong—plus replacing my bike, is a positive sign.

“I’m sorry about that incident with the jerseys,” he continues. “That was truly disgusting of me.”

“It was.” I scoff at him. “Bye.”

“Wait!” He grips the handlebar as I climb onto the bike. “Scarlett, I mean every word.”

“I’m sure you do, Noah. It doesn’t mean I have to forgive you,” I throw back, staring pointedly at his grip on the bike.

“Tell me how to fix this and I’ll do it.”

I sigh. “Why is my forgiveness so important? You didn’t care about my feelings while torturing me.”

Noah throws up his hands. “I just want to start over, get back on Aiden’s good side.”

Perking up, I ask. “What do you mean, ‘get on his good side’?”

“He’s still pissed at me for that stunt I pulled. He almost went crazy knowing I put my hands on you,” he explains. He glances around cautiously, then leans in. “I think he has a thing for you.”

A loud laugh escapes from my mouth. Noah stares at me with confusion. “What?”

“I almost believed you just now,” I reply, twisting the handle to pedal from the spot. “What is the prank this time, Noah? I fall for those words, then you convince me to meet Aiden somewhere and then what, you make me do something dumb that the entire school will laugh about the next day, am I right?”

“Not even close, Scarlett.” He rushes forward, blocking my way. “Aiden isn’t even aware that he likes you. It’s just my own observation.”

His expression seems honest, but I’m still not interested in trusting it.

“Look, Aiden means a lot to me and I just want to fix what is broken between us. That is not your problem, I know, but I just want to start afresh—look, if you need a public apology, I’ll give you one.”

A public apology would confirm that he’s really sincere. “You know what, Noah? I’ll take it. You can tag me on Instagram when you’re done.”

“Cameron is having a party at his place tomorrow. Half the seniors will be there. I could do it then.”

I shake my head. “I don’t do parties.”

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