Page 79 of Collide
“Shower girl.”
Summer would kill me if she knew that’s her nickname. I nod, even though it isn’t a question. Coach is like an all-knowing wizard, and lying to him has never been something I’ve accomplished. Though, I won’t reveal that shower girl is also Summer Preston.
“You gotta get your head on straight, boy. You’re never like this. You’ve been showing up to all the kids’ lessons, you’ve completed your part in Summer’s project, and the team has been playing great. Do you wanna lose your balance for a girl?”
“She’s the reason I’ve been on top of all that. It’s just…different today.” Different because I think I might combust if I don’t have her under me tonight. And on top of me, and on my face. My heart thumps in my chest like I’m going to lose my damn virginity. This girl clearly has my balls in her fist.
A calculating look passes through Coach's eyes. “Get your ass back on the ice, or I’ll have all of you on bag skates for the rest of the week.” He walks out of the locker room.
The remaining hour of practice flies by, and I manage not to focus on one girl. The time shifts closer to eight, and my phone is still as dry as ever, aside from texts about a party and a few sorority girls letting me know they’ll be there.
“You good, cap?” Kian runs a towel over his hair as he watches me carefully.
“Fine. Just thinking about an exam I have tomorrow.”
“Same. Summer and I have been cramming for psych.”
My head snaps up. “You talked to her?”
“Nope, she’s still pissed at me. But I see her in class.” He scrutinizes me. “Why? You in the doghouse again?”
The proverbial dog house would be an appropriate appraisal if I’d seen her. “Nah, just wondering.”
He nods, slinging his hockey bag over his shoulder. “Are you gonna be at the house for the party?”
This time the party isn’t due to the bet. I put an end to that immediately, and because the guys have been on their best behavior since, I’ll let one or two parties slide before quarterfinals.
“I’ll be out. I’m not trying to be the designated Dad tonight.” I follow the guys out of the locker room and pull Kian aside. “Watch him for me.” I nod toward Dylan who sits in his car.
His drinking is getting out of hand, but since he’s playing at his normal level there isn’t much I can bring up with him. He’s been controlling his anger on the ice, and he doesn’t come to practice hungover anymore, which means our talk helped. I care about being a good captain but being a good friend is more important.
Kian groans. “I don’t babysit for free.”
“You do now.”
He grumbles before shoving his things in the back of the car.
“Aiden, you’re not coming?” Dylan asks, lowering the window.
“Nah, I’ve got something to do.”
“I bet you do.” He winks and my answering middle finger has Kian’s eyes narrowing in suspicion. Summer is adamant that we keep this a secret, so my lips are sealed. I head to my truck, chucking my bag in the back and checking my messages yet again.
“Your truck is easy to spot.”
I startle at the sound of the voice that’s been haunting me for days. Summer leans against the door, arms crossed, and dressed in one of her impractical outfits. The skirt is short, and her sweater is entirely too thin for this weather. But she looks so good I find it hard to swallow. Fuck, even if I wanted to be mad for being ignored all day, I know I wouldn’t deny her a damn thing.
“You didn’t answer my texts.” The words come out accusatory.
“My phone’s been dead since this morning, so I couldn't tell you that my place isn’t available tonight. I came straight here from my lab. Been waiting for twenty minutes.”
The elation that melts over me from her words excites something in my pants, too. She waited for me. I fail miserably at keeping any grudge towards her, once I see her sincere face.
“Get in. You’re probably freezing.” I unlock the doors, and instead of going to the passenger side, she pulls open the back door and climbs in.
“What are you doing?”
“You ask too many questions.” She smiles seductively, patting the seat beside her. I scan the deserted parking lot before climbing in, too. This isn’t the best place to be alone, considering Coach is a few feet away inside the arena, and we’re near a busy street.
