“Did you want him to touch your ass?”
He doesn’t answer.
“Did you?”
“No.”
I curtsey and grin. “Hence, your knight in shining armor.”
“Grow up.” He places a hand on my chest, moving me forcefully, yet carefully—if that’s even possible—out of the way, then pulls the door open and walks out.
Okay, so that didn’t necessarily go the way I wanted, but he didn’t run screaming from me like most people do.
That’s a plus. And I can bemature.
I look in the mirror, adjust some wavy strands of hair, straighten my suit jacket, then grab my glass and head out.
Whoever this guy is, he’s stuck on the yacht with me for the rest of the night. Plenty of time to win him over.
Chapter 2
Viktor
My spotlight-stealing performance was the talk of campus for weeks after we won the Frozen Four championship. People who are normally afraid of me smiled and uttered congratulations. Some were even brazen enough to ask for fist bumps.
“Better get it in gear Novy. You don’t want to be late your first day back,” Connor says.
He’s back in captain mode.
Pulling my sweatshirt over my head, I take a second to readjust my pelvic protector, then reach for my goalie pants. “Wonder who our new assistant coach will be.”
Connor runs some clear tape over his socks and shin guards. “Heard the university took care of it this time. No parental input.”
Jackson flinches.
It’s not his fault his dad recommended some homophobe piece of shit. But those sharks were well fed, so at least something came out winning.
Being my friend is still sensitive over what happened, I keep my mouth shut. For once. Only because Eli read me the riot act for sending a shark bait meme in the group chat.
“Think he knows the drill?” I pull on my chest protector, velcroing the straps snugly. “You know, about keeping out of our business.”
“Coach Nieminen will make sure this new dick will get with the program.” Zach smirks as he tightens his laces.
Speaking of Satan, Coach Nieminen strides into the locker room. “Asses on the ice in four minutes or else.”
I give a salute, then blow him a kiss. His fingers tighten around the clipboard in his hand and I’m sure he’d love to smash the thing over my head. But I know the truth—he’ll miss me when I graduate.
Though he can always watch me on TV since the Islanders are still interested in signing me.
Once I’m ready, the four of us make our way out to the rink. I’ve missed the familiar chill of the ice as it permeates the air. Jackson and I talk as we skate to the bench when Zach bumps my shoulder.
“This season should be fun for you.” He juts his chin toward Coach Nieminen and . . .
No fucking way.
Jackson eyes Zach. “Who’s he?”
“The guy Novy was trying to fuck at the gala.”
