Page 103 of Treacherous
“No, I don’t think so. I’ll remain in the sport but instead of on the ice, I’ll be on the sidelines. I study nutrition and dietetics, so the plan is to work for an NHL team.”
I keep my voice steady, hiding the misery that consumes me every time the future is on my mind.
Losing my love for hockey is the worst thing that has happened to me, but I try to mask it and my pain with confidence, hoping no one will notice the cracks in my façade.
Cooper scoffs. “But you’re an amazing player,”
A soft smile pulls on my lips, as I mutter. “Sometimes that isn’t enough when you’re a woman.”
Cooper tries to talk but is cut off by loud voices. Three other guys enter the house, my boxes in their hands. I chuckle. Sam must have put them to work, which I’m not mad about.
“Who is the guy and why do they have so many fucking boxes?” One of them says.
“That’s becausesheisn’t a guy,” I say.
The three heads snap towards me, surprise written across every crevice of their face. I barely stop myself from rolling my eyes. I let my gaze fall down their bodies. Most of them look like a typical hockey player: tall, muscular and conventionally attractive.
Is there some unspoken rule about athletes being hot?
My eyes lock onto the guy in the middle, a smirk forms on his lips. Add in his olive toned skin, piercing green eyes and his tawny hair pulled into a man bun–I’d bet money he is the fuck boy of the team.
“I’m Aiden—”
Called it.
“––And this is Hayes and Conner.” Aiden says, pointing to each of the boys.
“I’m—”
“Willow Rogers. We know,”
I tilt my head to the side, puzzled at their knowledge of who I am. Obviously, we have played against each other, but I didn’t think they would take that much notice.
“Seems like I’m famous around here?” I joke, yet I’m intrigued.
All the guys share a look. I narrow my eyes, annoyed that I’m clearly missing something. “Anyone want to tell me why you are all acting weird?” I tap my foot against the floor, impatience snatching at me.
Hayes’ reply is slow and cautious. “We hear about you all the time,” He glances around the room as if he was looking for someone.
Aiden takes over from Hayes, his words blunt. “Basically, Jayden always has something to complain about, and the rookie is obsessed with you,”
Rookie? Who is that?
“I’m not obsessed with Willow,” Cooper quickly replies.
Right. That makes a lot of sense. Cooper does seem younger than everyone else in the room. Plus, I don’t recall playing against him last year. He must be a freshman or a sophomore. I can’t help but grin.
“She is just a really good player,” Cooper says, turning his head up with confidence. “I’m sure I can learn a lot more from her than you guys. Plus, I already know Willow would be a better teacher,”
A laugh falls from my mouth, while I shake my head. This kid. Warmth creeps into my chest, settling like it belongs there.
I’ve been at Lakewood for barely two hours and I feel more accepted than I ever have. Usually, I don’t like to rely on optimism yet, I’m really hoping it stays.
Sam enters the house, placing a box with the rest. He sighs, rolling his shoulders back. “That’s the last one, Willow.”
“Oh, thank you.” I glance up the stairs and back to the boys. “So, how big is this house?”
“It’s massive. We are super lucky to have this place, one because it’s great for extra team bonding and two, it’s the best place to host a party.” Aiden says.
