Page 44 of College Hockey Bully

“Because it’s not true.” I glance down at my figure under the water. “I’m like a five on my best day.”

Aiden wades closer to me. “Is that why you wear those baggy clothes, because you think you’re a five?”

I first met Aiden in Calculus III last year, so he has no clue that I was overweight. “I lost fifty pounds after an appendectomy two years ago.”

“Wow.” He stares down at me with wonder. “I had no clue an appendectomy makes you lose weight.”

“It doesn’t. I just lost my appetite for a while afterward, which did wonders for me, I guess. Only, my parents couldn’t afford to buy new stuff, so I wore what I had.”

Telling him that I felt more comfortable hiding under those clothes would start a conversation I don’t want to have. I’ve heard enough about my insecurities from Theresa. Besides, I’d never want to be that vulnerable with a guy I like.

Whoa.

I bounce away from Aiden as realization hits me like a ton of bricks.

“Scarlett.” I hear him coming behind me. “That’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

“I’m not ashamed, Aiden, but that’s easy for you to say. You were born swimming in money.”

“If you think that means my life is perfect, think again,” he throws back defensively. “Swimming in money but living in hell.”

“Hell?” I whirl on him, not realizing until now how close he is. “Hell is living from paycheck to paycheck. Hell is being the breadwinner of a family and losing your job. Living in a cramped house with barely enough heat in the winter. Studying like crazy to get your family out of poverty, but meeting roadblocks everywhere, specifically rich, entitled guys who want revenge for something I didn’t do.”

“I apologized for that—”

“Oh, bravo.” I clap. “Do you want a cookie?”

Aiden stares silently at me, the remorse on his face simmering my unexpected anger. I sigh. “I forgave you, Aiden. It’s just still a sore spot for me.”

He nods. “I understand and I wasn’t trying to compare my life to yours. I know how terrible things are for you.”

I scoff with light amusement. “Yeah, stalker.”

Aiden chuckles. “Best extracurricular job I’ve ever had.”

Six simple words, but for some reason, my heartbeat trips. Maybe it’s that low, husky tone or the flash of emotion in his eyes as he speaks. His smile fades as he reaches up to touch my face. I jerk my head away.

“What are you doing?”

“There’s something on your face,” he replies.

I pat my left cheek. “What?”

“A little white thing.” He points to the right side and I swipe it.

“Still there,” he announces.

My eyes narrow at him. “Fine. You get it.”

His thumb brushes softly across my cheek and then he drops his hand. “Now it’s gone.”

“Liar. There was nothing in the first place,” I joke.

He gasps loudly. “You take that back.”

“No,” I say, backing off.

“Take it back, Scar.”

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