Page 52 of The Boyfriend Zone

"You're an amazing writer," Sean said with conviction. "And more importantly, you have integrity. The world needs journalists like you."

Gradually, the conversation on the bus died down as players drifted off to sleep or lost themselves in music or books. Sean had been mid-sentence, telling me about a prank Zach had played on a freshman, when I felt my eyelids growing heavy.

"Sorry," I murmured, fighting a yawn. "Didn't get much sleep last night. Article deadline."

"It's a long ride," Sean said softly. "You can nap if you want. I'll wake you when we get close."

I meant to protest that I needed to stay awake, to observe the team dynamics for my article, but my body had other ideas. As the gentle rocking of the bus lulled me toward sleep, I felt my head beginning to bob.

Before it could slump uncomfortably, Sean's arm came around me, guiding my head to rest against his uninjured shoulder. "There you go," he murmured, his voice a rumble I could feel as much as hear. "Better?"

"Hmm," I managed, already drifting. "Thanks."

His lips brushed the top of my head briefly, and I smiled into the fabric of his jacket, too tired to worry about who might see the gesture of affection.

The next thing I knew, Sean was gently shaking me awake. "Lucas," he said softly, "we're almost there."

I blinked, disoriented, and realized I was still curled against his side, his arm around me. Judging by the stiffness in my neck, I'd been asleep for quite a while.

"Oh god," I groaned, straightening up and stretching. "Please tell me I didn't snore."

"Like a chainsaw," Sean teased, his eyes dancing with amusement. "The whole bus was talking about it."

"What?" I looked around in horror, only to find most of the team still in their own worlds, paying us no attention at all.

"Relax," Sean laughed. "You barely made a sound. Though you did drool a little on my jacket."

I swatted his arm, cheeks burning. "I did not!"

"How would you know? You were asleep."

I was about to argue further when the bus began to slow, turning into the parking lot of our hotel. Through the windows, I could see the away team's arena in the distance, its distinctive shape unmistakable against the afternoon sky.

"Welcome to enemy territory," Sean announced as the bus came to a stop. "Hope you brought your armor, Lucas."

"My pen is my sword," I replied loftily. "And speaking of, I should probably get some actual work done on this trip, beyond using you as a pillow."

"I happen to think I make an excellent pillow," Sean protested as we gathered our things. "A very underrated aspect of my skill set."

We filed off the bus behind the rest of the team, the cold air a shock after the warmth of the cabin. Coach Barnett stood at the hotel entrance, reading off room assignments.

"Sean, you're with Zach and Petersen," he called when Sean approached. "Lucas, you've got a single down the hall from the team. School policy for non-athletes."

I nodded, oddly disappointed despite knowing this was standard procedure. It wasn't like Sean and I would have been assigned to share a room anyway, but being reminded of my outsider status stung a little.

Sean seemed to sense my thoughts. "Meet me after dinner?" he suggested quietly as we entered the lobby. "We could take a walk, check out the arena from the outside. I'll show you the best spots to watch the game from."

"I'd like that," I agreed, already looking forward to having him to myself again.

The team dinner was a lively affair in a private room at the hotel restaurant, filled with pre-game chatter and good-natured ribbing. I sat at a table with Sean, Zach, and a few of the upperclassmen, taking mental notes on their interactions for my article while enjoying the easy camaraderie.

After dinner, true to his word, Sean found me in the lobby. "Ready for that walk?" he asked, offering his hand with a confidence that still surprised me sometimes—this new Sean who didn't look around first to see who might be watching.

"Lead the way," I said, lacing my fingers with his.

Outside, the evening was crisp but not unpleasantly cold. The arena glowed in the distance, its lights reflecting off the small lake beside it.

"It's beautiful," I said as we walked along a path that circled the water.

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