Page 57 of College Hockey Bully

A hard body bumps into me, then another until the entire team surrounds me. I yell with happiness as I get hoisted in the air and carried off the rink. They set me down near the benches, where our supporters from Hempton are all standing, cheering us on. This is more than just a win. We not only beat the second best in the league in an away game, we also trounced them with a margin they haven’t seen in years.

Still laughing, I push to the bench and take my skates off. A part of me wishes my parents were here to witness this historic moment when I dominated the last quarter of the game. Then again, it’s best that they not see me play. Within a minute, they’d realize it’s not a hobby.

Then again, maybe it’s high time they find out. Cameron was right about one thing: I’m a great player. I should trust that my talent will speak for me. Once I get to the finals, there’s a high chance I’ll make it to the NHL.

Three million dollars is a lot of money.

Scarlett is priceless.

Sitting up, my gaze immediately lands on Noah standing a short distance away. Unlike the others, he’s not as thrilled about our win, which is odd. Like me, Noah wants to make it big. He should be turning somersaults right now.

He sees me staring and with a huff, turns away. I don’t know what the fuck is his problem. He should count himself lucky that Scarlett didn’t report him. He should also be lucky that he hasn’t even spared her a second glance since the incident because I swear to God, if he so much as makes her flinch, I’m beating the shit out of him.

The water boy hands me a bottle of vitamin water and as I down it, Coach approaches me. “Hunter, there’s someone here to see you.”

My brows lift with surprise and I glance over to where he’s looking, expecting to see Mom or Dad. Instead, I see a tall guy about Dad’s age, with bushy gray hair and spectacles. With a racing heart, I stand. Holy shit.

“Hunter, this is Nathan Schmidt, owner of theNew York Sabers,” Coach introduces, which is totally unnecessary. I’ve been following this man’s career since I was a kid, since my dad mentioned going to high school with him. “Nathan, meet Aiden Hunter, our center and captain.”

“I’ve been hearing good things about you, young man,” Mr. Schmidt says as we shake hands. “It’s a pleasant coincidence that I’m in town for the weekend and got the chance to see you play. Quite impressive.”

“Thank you, sir.” I’m trying my damndest not to erupt like an overzealous groupie, keeping my face calm like a Sunday morning. I stand listening with awe as he gives me two minutes’ worth of tips that are probably more valuable than my car. I mention my dad, whom he surprisingly remembers.

“Glad to know his days of running the geek club finally paid off,” he jokes. “Heard he’s been quite successful.”

Dad running a geek club in high school?Ah, no wonder he’s such a womanizer these days.

“You get to the championships, son, and who knows? We could be having a different conversation when next we meet,” he says before shaking my hand and walking off.

I watch him go, forcing my mouth shut as Coach pats my back. “Good job, Hunter. Quite the motivation, huh?”

“Oh, yeah,” I reply, energy surging through my veins. “We’re going to the championships, Coach.”

“Now, that’s exactly what I want to hear,” he replies, patting my back again. As I walk off, I catch Noah’s dark frown trained in my direction. He sees me looking and grabs his skates then makes off toward the locker rooms. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what just happened here. If Noah wasn’t pissed at me before, he surely is now.

Well, fuck him. I have two reasons to celebrate tomorrow night.

And one woman I want to celebrate with.

***

Twenty-four hours ago, when I stood facing the second-best team in the division, I stood firm and strong. Ready. Now, as I emerge from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I’m shaking in these leather Oxfords. Well, not literally shaking, but I’m nervous as fuck. Flexing my fingers, I head toward Scarlett’s front door. I’ll either leave with the girl or get my ass hauled to the emergency room.

Just my luck to have a thing for daddy’s little girl.

The door opens within a second of ringing the doorbell, revealing Scarlett’s mom. Her enquiring expression quickly transforms into a frosty glare when she sees me. With her arms crossed on her chest, she leans against the doorframe.

“Scarlett’s busy,” she says, taking in my formal attire.

Oh boy. I came worrying about facing Scarlett’s dad, when it’s her mom I should be scared of. With that look, I should be turning into a pillar of ice right on this spot. I clear my throat. “Mrs. Pierce, I was hoping to—”

“Who is it, Gina?” Scarlett’s dad pokes his head around the door, frowning when he sees me. “Scarlett’s busy,” he snaps.

“I heard, but actually I came to speak with you first,” I reply.

Two pairs of dark brows shoot up.

“Speak to me about what, actually?” he asks.

---