Page 17 of The Puck Daddy

Adrian: Do you remember the bar that’s downtown near campus?

Chapter 8

Maybe Hockey Is Still In My Blood.

Theo

“Thanks for the extra time, Professor Higgens,” I say, handing over my exam. “I’ve always been the type of person who likes to double-check my answers by using every spare moment to do so.” I glance behind me and notice there are only three students left in the classroom. “It used to annoy the hell out of my buddies back when I was in college the first time around.”

“Of course.” Professor Higgens chuckles. “I was the same way in school. You know, I have to admit, I was a little star-struck whenI saw your name on my roster this semester. I thought there was no way in hell I’d havetheTheo Walsh in my class.”

I grin, remembering the way the professor seemed to fanboy over Adrian, too. “I’m guessing you’re a big hockey fan?”

“Definitely. What do you plan on doing with your degree?”

“Actually, I’m taking all the necessary steps to become a financial advisor. I know there are so many different ways I could have approached it, but it just felt right to come back to my alma mater.”

Something that looks like shock flickers across Professor Higgens’ face before morphing into excitement. “Please tell me you don’t have an internship lined up yet. I’d love to offer you one so you can get that extra experience you need.”

“That’s very kind, but I’ve actually been working with the owner of the Wyverns and several of my ex-teammates.” My face heats. I really shouldn’t be embarrassed, but sometimes admitting my goals out loud also feels like announcing my failures as well.

Shaking away that train of thought, I straighten my shoulders. I’m proud of the career path I’m taking. “My goal is to help hockey players make sound financial decisions and be the voice of reason. And if a player ever finds himself forced into an early retirement, I want to help him stay on his feet rather than blowing through all his money.”

He nods as I talk and offers me a warm smile. “That’s a wonderful goal. Looks like hockey will always be a part of you.”

I blink. “Anytime I’ve explained my goals to others, they just assumed it’s me clinging to the past. An injured hockey player grasping at straws.” Or at least that’s how my mom acts, wishing I’d stay home here in Brynn rather than move back down to Olivia Cove. I won’t even go into the things Grant said about my career dreams when I mentioned them. The idea of my making millions, only to take a severe pay cut and manage other people’s millions, was beyond degrading to him.

“Bullshit. Just because you aren’t in the NHL anymore doesn’t mean you aren’t a hockey player deep down. It’s natural that you want to help your team. Some players become coaches, scouts, or physical therapists. I can name several football players off the top of my head who became famous sports announcers. There are even some baseball players who became sports photographers.”

Warmth fills my chest. “Thank you, Professor.” My eyes land on the pile of exams, and I remember being shocked to see Adrian in this classroom. I also remember that he was one of the first students to turn in his exam and run out the door like he was on fire. Being a college student and an athlete, I was used to my teammates half-assing their tests and rushing off to practice or some party or another.

It strikes me as odd that Adrian is taking an advanced finance course, yet didn’t put effort into his exam. Why even bother taking such a difficult class when he could take somethingsimpler? But then I remember how familiar Professor Higgens was with Adrian and some of the compliments I overheard.

Raking a hand through my hair, I glance back up at my professor. “Was that Aidrian Walsh I saw in class earlier?”

Higgens’ whole face lights up. “It was. Smart kid. I’m not supposed to say this, but he’s always been one of my favorite students. Very passionate in class.”

Shock reverberates through me. “Passionate?” I blurt. “I’ve never seen him here in class before, and we’re weeks into the semester.”

“Well, you remember how it was being on the hockey team. Most students have to work their schedules around practice and games. Adrian needs this class for his business administration degree, and this was the only time slot I had available. Unfortunately, it’s right before practice. So, instead of pissing off Coach Wilson by being late, he shows up to one of my other classes. Luckily, I’m teaching this particular course at three different times this semester. He always shows up to one of them filled with enthusiasm and knowledge. It’s clear he’s as passionate about things on the ice as well as off.”

I don’t realize there’s a small smile on my face until Professor Higgens clears his throat.

“But something tells me Adrian might make it to this particular time more often than I predicted.”

My head snaps up. “Excuse me?”

Professor Higgens’ eyes are sparkling. “Don’t think I missed that little wink he gave you before leaving class.” He waves a finger in my direction. “And that look on your face? It says it all.”

Biting my lip, I nod absentmindedly and say my goodbyes to the professor. My mind whirls with all the new and unexpected information I found out about Adrian. In such a short amount of time, Adrian has surprised me at every turn. He’s talented, smart, attractive, and an intoxicating mix of sassy and submissive. In other words,exactlymy type and tempting as hell.

I really shouldn’t get tangled up with someone like him. He has his whole life ahead of him. He’s on track to get signed into the NHL, and to the team I want to work for, no less. And what would I have to offer someone as beautiful and talented as him? My last relationship left deep scars, and I couldn’t even keep my boy satisfied. Not saying that Adrian is a boy or looking for a Daddy, but…

Images of him on his knees smiling up at me flood my mind. Maybe it’s because he’s the first guy I’ve been really attracted to in years, but I’m half afraid I’m projecting. I’m seeing Adrian in a light I want to see him in. But could it be possible that someone like me can be a Daddy to Adrian DeLuca?

Professor Higgens’ words echo in my head. I’m so preoccupied that I’m barely aware of where I’m walking until I come face to face with Brynn U’s on-campus ice rink.

‘Just because you aren’t in the NHL anymore doesn’t mean you aren’t a hockey player deep down.’

---