Page 70 of Player Problems

I sigh, packing up my stuff and getting to my feet. Saying goodbye to Isla and Wells, I let Baylor guide me out of the arena and towards his truck. Yet another aspect of my life that has become the norm over the last two weeks, much to my chagrin.

But guilt still prickles the back of my mind that I’ve brought this on everyone around me. The worry in their eyes. The way everyone that lives in the house seems to look over their shoulders a bit more often than rational. Maybe if I had takenit a bit more seriously. Done things a little differently. Reacted more to the threats, instead of just blowing it off as a prank.

I’m still unsure of what to make of the whole situation. But if it makes Baylor feel better to drop me off at my morning classes, the least I could do is allow it after dragging him and his housemates into this situation.

The stalker has been quiet since he left my mom’s earrings in pieces on our door. Who knows? Maybe the security and Baylor’s near constant proximity has made whoever it was lose interest. Perhaps the fear of being caught was enough to deter them from making any other moves with so many more eyes looking now.

Baylor parks the truck and I wrap my thin jacket more tightly around myself as I jump out of the passenger side. Unsurprisingly, his long legs allow him to catch up to me in just a few steps. He tugs on my bag, but when I turn to tell him to knock it off, he pulls it out of my grip and throws an oversized hoodie at me.

“It’s fifty fucking degrees out, Tor. Wear a real damn jacket.”

I’d roll my eyes at him, but he wouldn’t even see it as I pull the sweatshirt over me. It hits me mid thigh and I have to roll the sleeves, but the inside is soft and I’m instantly warmer, surrounded by his scent. “I haven’t had time to buy any new ones,” I grumble. No time and no money. I did finally get word back on my car, but unfortunately they’ve decided to total it. I should be getting a check soon, but it will barely be enough for a down payment on a new one.

Baylor sighs, shaking his head when I try to take my bag back from him. Stubborn bastard. “Keep the hoodie then.”

I eye him suspiciously but don’t argue. The temperatures really have dropped over the last couple of days and are only going to get colder from here on out. He hands me back my bagwhen we reach the door to the lecture hall. “I’ll see you at home after tutoring?”

I shake my head, taking my bag from him. “I’m at Tease tonight.”

There’s something heavy in his gaze as he watches me. Something I don’t recognize or understand. It almost reminds me of Isla. “You gonna make it to the game?”

He hasn’t asked me yet. I know how much this season means to all the guys, especially James. I know how hard they’ve been working to prepare for it. I’ve been right there, watching it in real time for the last two weeks. I nod. “I’ll have to cut out for the celebration.”

His eyes dance with pride and amusement at my assumption they’ll be celebrating. He leans against the wall next to the door, pulling me out of the way of other students. “We’ll just have to celebrate at Tease.” Hunger grows in his gaze as his eyes lock on the hem of his sweatshirt. “Maybe a private dance this time for your favorite hockey player.”

It’s too easy. I can’t resist. “Tate’s coming?” I ask deadpan.

He uses his sweatshirt to tug me against him, growling in my ear, “You think you’re cute?”

I pat him on the shoulder before pulling out of his grasp. “I know I am.”

twenty-five

IT’S NOT THAT WEIRD

Torryn is definitely getting suspicious.

I’m not sure how she couldn't be at this point to be fair. She was immediately on guard when I started walking her to her morning classes but gave in quicker than I thought she would. She studies me with a glimmer of defeat and something else every time I walk her to class. As if she’s agreeing for my sake.

It dawns on me and I can only blame too many hits against the board for it taking so long. It feels that way because it is that way. I really shouldn’t be surprised she knows exactly why I’ve taken up walking her to class. The only question is how much else has she put together? But more importantly, how long will she continue to allow it?

Checking my phone as I walk off to class, I confirm once again with Xander that he has her work schedule and will be at Tease tonight until she gets off. As much as it sucks what he’s going through, it’s worked out in my favor. Never expected one of the best defensemen in college to be axed from Everleigh. Their loss is our gain. Even without the whole story, or really any of it, Xander isn’t a bad dude. There had to have been more at play than what meets the eye, but he won’t talk about it. Orabout the fact he won’t be able to play at all this season, even if his transfer to our school is approved.

He’s quick to respond, confirming her weekend shifts. I had already known she had cut her shift for Saturday night before I asked if she’d be at the game, but she hadn’t said anything to me. The girl works more than can possibly be healthy. If we weren’t forcing her into our morning routines and following her like lovesick puppies, I’d never see her.

I thank Xander again for helping out. We would have been pretty screwed if his life hadn’t taken a total nosedive. I feel guilty about being grateful he’s around, when I know it has to be one of the worst things that’s ever happened to him. I vow to do whatever I can to help him in the future. Extra skate time, a favor, a good word.

Wilder’s message comes in just as I’m exiting out of the thread with Xander. He has his mandatory tutoring session today with Torryn. She’s got two students before him and one more after him, but he’s going to hang out under the guise of getting more work done. Maybe we should switch out who’s watching her in the library. Torryn is sure to start doubting why Wilder has suddenly become such a good student. That’s more suspicious than even all the early morning sessions we’ve been dragging her too.

I start to text Tate before changing my mind and texting one of the other freshmen instead to be at the library today for her first two students. At least we won’t have to worry about this tomorrow. We’ll all be preoccupied with prepping for the game, Tor included.

The rest of the day isn’t remotely as eventful or exciting with our schedules not overlapping anymore. Knowing people I trust have their eyes on her eases some of the anxiety, but nothing is better than when I’m the one at her side. Keeping her safe myself.

“Stop pouting,” Wells scolds, throwing a dish towel at me where I sit at the island.

Karma glares at him so I don’t have to while I check the time again. Still no messages from Xander and it’s only been three minutes since the last time I checked. “I’m just bored,” I say, though I’m definitely not pouting when I say it. It’s just a statement. A fact. A simple utterance of words that happen to be true. Not at all a whine.

The look Wells throws my way is enough to tell me he disagrees, but Karma has my back, hissing at him when he tries to move her off the counter. Okay, well maybe she’s just looking out for herself, but I can lie to myself.

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