Kane
I’m turning my phone off now
GlowStick
But then how will we send you inappropriate messages during class?
Harry
We’re not sending inappropriate messages during class
Breadstick
Speak for yourself
I’m still grinning at my phone when I walk into the classroom. Knox is already there, sitting in our usual spot, and he gives me that gentle smile that makes my stomach do weird things.
“Good morning, project partner,” I say, sliding into the seat next to him.
“Morning. You look like you’re in a good mood.”
“Coffee helps,” I say, taking a sip.
Class goes by quickly, with Professor Phillips explaining the finer points of post-workout nutrition timing. Knox takes his usual detailed notes, asking questions that show he actually understands this stuff better than most of the class.
When we’re done packing up after class, we walk side by side toward the exit of the athletic building, and as we near the door, I bump his shoulder with mine. “You know, for a big scary hockey player, you’re kind of a nerd.”
He raises an eyebrow. “I prefer the term ‘academically inclined athlete.’”
“That’s definitely nerdier.” I laugh, reaching out to pat his arm. “But it’s cute.”
The moment my hand touches his biceps, I feel that familiar electric spark. Knox goes still, his eyes meeting mine, and for just a second, I wonder if he feels it too.
“What the hell, Leila?”
My blood turns to ice.
I know that voice, and it does not belong anywhere near this building. I turn around slowly, and sure enough, there are my brothers standing in the doorway, both very pissed off. Levi’s face is already turning red, which means someone’s about to get murdered.
“Hi, guys,” I say weakly. “Fancy seeing you here.”
“Fancy seeing us?” Landon crosses his arms. “We’ve been texting you since last night.”
“I’ve been busy?—”
“Busy flirting with Gravepoint players,” Levi interrupts, his glare shifting to Knox, who’s gone completely rigid beside me.
Then Knox straightens to his full height, which is considerable. “Problem, Kane?”
“Yeah, actually.” Levi steps forward. “My problem is you putting your hands on my sister.”
“She touched me,” Knox says. “And it was on the arm, not exactly X-rated.”
“I don’t give a shit what it was,” Landon chimes in. “You need to stay the hell away from her.”
“Excuse me?” I step between them before this escalates any further. “I’m standing right here, and I can make my own decisions about who I talk to.”
“Not when it comes to him,” Levi says, not taking his eyes off Knox. “You know what team he plays for.”
