Page 14 of Never Your Girl

“Fuck off, Akeman.”

His eyes light up as his smile broadens. “Nah, don’t think I will. It’s about time Coach realized the only reason you have a place on this team is because of your old man.”

I almost snort but rein it in at the last second.

This guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about. My father didn’t lift a finger or make any phone calls to get me on this team. I earned the position on my own. If Dick had his way, I wouldn’t be wasting my time playing college hockey.

But I’m not about to share that with this douchebag.

It’s none of his business.

Ignoring him, I strip off the padded pants and stuff them in my locker.

When he continues to stare, I snap, “Is there something else you’d like to add?”

He shrugs, the picture of nonchalance, but there’s an edge in his gaze, as if something is bristling beneath the surface, scratching to get out.

“Nope.”

“Great.” I strip off my jock and head to the showers.

I’ve always been even-tempered, but I’ve found myself snapping more than usual lately. Everything that’s been happening has been slowly building within me like a geyser.

By the time I return to my locker, most of my anger has drained away.

Half of the guys have already taken off.

“Any interest in grabbing something to eat?” Hayes glances my way as he shoves his feet into slides.

I pull on my hoodie. “Can’t. I’m meeting someone at the library to work on a project.”

“Bummer.”

“Yeah.” It’s probably for the best. I wouldn’t be good company right now. “I’ll catch you back at the house later tonight.”

He takes a step before faltering, his gaze meeting mine. “You doing okay?”

I jerk my head in a nod and force a brittle smile. It feels like I’ve been doing that more often lately. “Yeah, it’s all good.”

“You sure about that? Because I’m here if you need to talk.” He glances down the row of lockers until his gaze lands on Garret. Mine does the same. “We might be teammates, but I have no problem kicking his ass.” Hayes gives me a lopsided smile before raising his voice so that it carries. “In fact, it would be a real pleasure.”

“Suck my dick, Van Doren,” Garret yells back.

“Nah. Too small. I like a meatier cock.”

All right, that does it. My lips lift into a genuine smile when Garret glares and gives him the finger.

Only Hayes would say something like that.

It makes me realize just how much I’m going to miss him next year.

I grab my backpack and head out of the locker room with Hayes at my side. “How’s everything going with Ava?”

My mind is still blown that they’re officially an item. And that Coach didn’t bury him somewhere deep in the woods where his body will never be found.

“Couldn’t be better.”

I shake my head. “Can’t say I ever thought the day would come when you settled down.” There’s a pause before I add, “But you seem happy. I’m glad for you.”

---