“That’s one way to put it.” I study his face, trying to read what he’s not saying. “The rivalry thing makes family dinners awkward.”
“I bet.” He grins, and it transforms his face. “Though I have to say, it takes guts to go to your brothers’ rival school.”
Something about the way he says it makes me think maybe he understands our family dynamics better than most people. I shrug. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
“Still think so?”
“Most days. Though I’m starting to realize I might have underestimated how complicated it would be.”
Throughout Professor Phillips’ lecture, I find myself stealing glances at Knox. He takes detailed notes for someone who looks like he could crush me with his bare hands. Then he surprises me even more when, after she mentions something about post-exercise recovery, he raises his hand to ask about protein timing.
Once the class ends and we’re packing up our things, he turns to me. “Want to grab coffee sometime this week? We should probably start brainstorming for the project.”
“Sure,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual. “I’m free Thursday afternoon.”
“Perfect. I’ll message you.” He pulls out his phone. “What’s your name on Insta?”
After we exchange our handles, he lifts his massive backpack over his shoulder. “See you Thursday, Leila.”
The way he says my name sends an unexpected shiver through me.No, Leila,I remind myself. Hockey players are off limits. There is no way I could ever take one home to meet my brothers.
As I head toward the exit of the building, the door to the athletic center’s main training area opens, and several hockey players spill out, sweaty and still in their workout gear. I recognize most of them from the game, but my attention immediately locks onto two figures at the back of the group.
One is tall and lean with dark-blonde hair—the goalie, Riven. The other has rusty-brown hair and moves with a cocky swagger that makes my skin prickle, and not in a bad way. Jagger is sexy as hell—it’s a pity he and my brothers are rivals.
They’re laughing about something, but when Jagger glances in my direction, his laughter dies. His eyes meet mine for a split second, and I see something flicker across his face. Then they’re past me, heading in the opposite direction.
I pull out my phone as I leave the building and walk across campus, composing a text to Abigail about my “sports stuff.” I tell her about Knox being my project partner and how I spotted Jagger after class, then shove my phone back into my bag.
The walk from the athletic center to the communications building for my next class takes about ten minutes. I cut through the quad and pull out my phone again to check the time, when it buzzes with a text from an unknown number.
Unknown
Did you manage to find a pineapple yet?
I stop dead in the middle of the sidewalk, nearly causing a collision with the guy behind me. What the hell?
Me
I think you have the wrong number
Unknown
Pretty sure I have the right number, Kane
My heart beats faster. Only one person called me Kane recently, and he was wearing a glowing mask at the time.
Me
Who is this?
Unknown
Someone who thinks you should invest in better running shoes
Oh my god, it’s him. It’s glowstick guy from the party.
Me
