Page 18 of Daring the Defender

“Ah, I knew, despite all the tattoos, that kid was smart.”

A smartass,but sure.

“Any word from New York?”

“Everything seems to be on track. If we clinch the season and the playoffs, I can’t see any reason for the contract not to go through.”

I’d signed last spring to secure a spot with the NHL after graduation. Unlike Reese, I didn’t feel confident enough to go as a free agent into my senior year. Axel thought he was going back home to work for his father, but there’s no doubt the recruiters are in the stands keeping an eye on him. He’s not just good–he’s the best. Me? I’m good. Steady. A bruiser. But nothing came easy in my life and I wasn’t willing to play the odds.

“Great,” he reaches out and squeezes my shoulder. “I’m really proud of you, son, you’ve come such a long way.”

And then there’s that. My dad is proud. Happy for me, and if I can give that back to him, I’ll do whatever it takes.

“Yo, Reid!” A voice echoes down the hallway. “Bus is ready!”

“Is that Jefferson?” Ronnie asks, perking up. She and the rest of the family have met all of my roommates and I’m pretty sure my sister has a crush on Jeff. This is confirmed by the pink glow in her cheeks. “I’m going to go say hi.”

She takes off before either of us can respond, leaving me and Dad to walk toward the bus behind her.

“Out of all the guys on the team she likes Jefferson?” I whistle, thinking of my roommates exploits. We’ve all had fun during our time at Wittmore, but I doubt Jeff has spent the night alone more than a dozen times over the past four years. “You better keep an eye on her.”

“You don’t have as many kids as we do without having a wild card,” he says, glancing over at me. “You look tired. Sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just that busy time of the year.” I give him my best reassuring grin. “And away games are tough, but I’m glad you guys came. I appreciate it.”

I give him a hug, and drag Ronnie away from Jeff. We get on the bus, everyone pumped from the win, but also tired from the hard work.

Just as the doors close and the driver takes off, Jeff leans over the back of the seat with his phone in his hand. “Party at Gamma Phi tonight. You in?”

I need something to release this feeling in my chest. The pain of losing Darla, of disappointing my family. A hook up may be just the right thing.

“I’m in.”

7

Shelby

As I tugat the mountain bike mounted to the wall, my arms strain against the stubborn weight. The thing seems to cling to the hooks like it’s afraid of the ground. Just as I’m about to give it another heave, a knock on the front door draws my attention away, and the door swings open.

Nadia and Twyler step in the living room, and I’m instantly struck by how the two girls look nothing alike. They’re both pretty and both have dark hair, but Twyler’s is pulled back in an efficient ponytail that matches her skinny jeans and worn Wittmore hoodie. Nadia’s cut is more stylish, bobbed at the shoulders with blunt bangs and her eye makeup is on point. The Wittmore hockey jersey she’s wearing over black leggings is knotted at the waist and stylish boots come up to her knees. I’d never pick these two as having anything in common, but according to my brother they’re actuallybestfriends.

“A little help?” I call, my arms wobbling under the weight.

“Oh shit,” Nadia says, and they both rush over.

Moving to either side of me, we lift the bike off the rack and lower it to the ground.

“Thank you.” I brush back my hair. “I thought the guys may come home and find me trapped under a pile of metal.”

“What are you doing out here?” Twyler asks, looking around the tiny space.

"Just trying to clean up the porch a bit.” I look around the tiny space. “I thought I’d turn it into a temporary bedroom while I’m here." I give Nadia a small grin. “Give Axel back a little privacy.”

“That’s super sweet of you,” Nadia says. “I appreciate it. He will too.”

“You’d just rather sleep in his queen sized bed instead of your double,” Twyler jokes.

“He takes up too much room and he’s so hot at night.” She shakes her head. “Like a freaking furnace.”

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