A laugh slips out. “That obvious, huh?”
“Please. I saw the way you were looking at Todd. And you were definitely flirting.”
Ah. There it is.
He grins like he’s cracked some code. “Just…don’t get your hopes up. Captain doesn’t swing that way.”
I let the silence stretch, the hum of the engine and theradio filling the space. Then I glance over, a slow grin tugging at my mouth.
“If you say so.”
Daniel blinks, intrigued, but I don’t elaborate. I just change lanes, sun flashing across the windshield.
He studies me for another beat before shrugging. “Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Captain Stoneface’s basically a monk. Doesn’t date, doesn’t party unless we drag him. Lives, breathes, bleeds hockey.”
“Mm.” I smirk. “Noted.”
“You’re not gonna tell me if I’m right, are you?”
“Nope.”
He groans. “Ugh, mysterious hot new teammate. Fine. But if you’re gonna crush on him, at least let me watch. Seeing him trip over his own skates would be the highlight of my semester.”
I laugh. “You’re an interesting character, you know that?”
“Duh. That’s why people love me.” He perks up, phone already in hand. “Hey, you got Snapchat? The team’s group chat is where all the gossip lives. Gotta add you before someone gives you a nickname you hate.”
I hand him my phone at the next red light. “Knock yourself out.”
He types fast, then flashes a grin. “There. Now you’re officially part of the chaos. Also—dibs on being your first real friend here.”
“First?” I glance over, amused.
“You think Todd’s gonna take you under his wing? Please. The guy barely talks to anyone except Peter, Eli, or me—and I’m not even sure that’s voluntary. It’s either me or the freshmen, and they still thinkFortniteis a personality.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “All right. You win. First friend.”
He fist-pumps. “Yes! Full loyalty. And maybe some transfer gossip later. Like who you dated before this. Also, are you on Prism? Because my gaydar doesn’t get this excited for no reason. Oh—and Eli Starling, our goalie? He’s family too, but he’s taken. His boyfriend’s our old trainer. We call him the Grinch.”
I don’t answer—he doesn’t need me to. I just keep my eyes on the road, lips twitching. There’s definitely a story there, but I’m not the gossiping type.
For the record, yeah, I’m on Prism. Haven’t hooked up in months, though. Maybe a new city will change that. Then again, it’s probably the same shit everywhere.
When I pull up in front of the dorms, Daniel hops out, waving like we’ve been friends for years.
“Later, new bestie!” he calls.
I can’t help the laugh that escapes as he disappears inside.
The Jeep idles at the curb, warm sun spilling through the windshield. I lean my head back, letting the hum of the engine settle into my bones, the morning finally starting to quiet—except for the name looping in my head.
Todd.
Three years later, and here he is.
Hotter than ever. Wound tighter than before.
I glance across campus, watching a couple students bike past, and my grin spreads slow and sure.
