Page 72 of The Boyfriend Zone

Nate appeared beside him, eyeing the punch skeptically. "Please tell me there's something non-toxic available as well."

"For you? Anything," Zach replied, the teasing note in his voice softening into something more genuine. "There's beer in the fridge and soda on the counter."

I watched their interaction with amusement, noting the way Zach's hand briefly touched Nate's back as he guided him toward the drinks—the same protective gesture Sean often used with me. Whatever was developing between them seemed to be progressing nicely, even if they still bickered half the time.

The party was in full swing, someone executing increasingly precarious tricks on a skateboard in the dining room while a group in the corner had started an off-key but enthusiastic rendition of "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Ava was in her element, camera in hand, capturing the chaos with obvious glee.

"Are all hockey parties like this?" I asked Sean as we found a slightly quieter spot near the window.

"Pretty much," he laughed. "Though this one's tame so far. No one's tried to jump off the roof into a snowbank yet."

"Yet?"

"Give it time," Sean grinned, slipping his arm around my waist. "Having fun?"

"Surprisingly, yes," I admitted. "It's not as intimidating as I expected."

"Good," Sean said, his expression softening. "I want you to see this side of the team too. Not just the serious game-face side, but the goofy, let-loose side."

"I appreciate that," I said sincerely. "It feels like being let into the inner circle."

"You are in the inner circle," Sean replied simply. "Have been for a while now, whether you realized it or not."

Before I could respond, Zach appeared again, dragging Nate by the hand. "Beer pong tournament," he announced. "Sean and Lucas versus Nate and me. Winner gets bragging rights until next semester."

"I'm terrible at beer pong," I protested.

"Perfect," Zach grinned. "Then we'll definitely win. Come on, it'll be fun."

Sean looked at me with raised eyebrows, silently asking if I was up for it. There was something infectious about the holiday atmosphere, the music and laughter, the way everyone seemed determined to shed the stress of the semester. And the way Sean looked at me, like there was nowhere else he'd rather be than right here with me.

"Why not?" I agreed, setting down my still-mostly-full cup of deadly punch. "But I'm warning you all now, my hand-eye coordination is abysmal."

"That's why you have me," Sean assured me, guiding me toward the table set up for the game. "I'll carry the team."

"My hero," I replied dryly, though I couldn't help smiling at his confidence.

The game was predictably disastrous on my part, though Sean did indeed manage to compensate for my terrible aim. Nate was surprisingly good, and Zach played with the focused intensity he brought to everything competitive. The trash talk flowing between all of us grew increasingly ridiculous as the game progressed.

"Is that the best you can do, journalist?" Zach taunted after I missed an easy shot. "Maybe stick to typing words instead of throwing balls."

"Big talk from someone who missed the net four times at practice yesterday," Sean fired back. "Maybe stick to running your mouth instead of playing sports."

"At least I can walk and chew gum at the same time," Nate interjected, landing a perfect shot that made Sean groan. "Unlike some people who need tutoring in basic coordination."

"Says the guy who tripped over his own camera bag yesterday," I pointed out.

The back-and-forth continued, drawing a small crowd of spectators who cheered and jeered along with every shot. By the time Zach sank the winning cup, narrowly defeating us, I was laughing too hard to be disappointed by the loss.

"Good game," Sean conceded, high-fiving both Nate and Zach. "We want a rematch next time, though."

"Anytime," Zach agreed, his arm casually draped around Nate's shoulders. "We'll be happy to destroy you again."

"In your dreams," Sean scoffed. "We were just warming up."

As the tournament continued with new teams, I stepped outside onto the back patio for some fresh air. The night was clear and cold, stars visible above despite the ambient light from campus. I took a deep breath, enjoying the contrast between the crisp winter air and the chaos inside.

"Too loud in there?" Sean's voice came from behind me as he stepped outside, immediately wrapping his arm around me. "Or hiding from a rematch?"

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