“You ready to go have some fun?”
I’m starting to wonder if this was a good idea, but I nod anyway.
Because I have a feeling I already know who I’m going to see when we get there.
Chapter Five
Cooper
I noticed her the second she walked in.
Not because she made a scene or anything dramatic, but because she doesn’t fit with the rest of the crowd.
Most girls who showed up to our parties dressed for attention. Brinley wasn’t. She’s not wearing heels or overly done makeup. She’s in jeans and a black T-shirt, sneakers that look like they’ve been through a few things already.
It didn’t stop people from turning to look at her, though.
She broke through the crowd with her arms crossed, shoulders set like she’d already braced herself for the stares and decided ahead of time that she doesn’t care enough to hide from them.
My eyes track her across the room before I even realize I’m doing it.
She ends up near the wall, pausing to take everything in. Not nervous exactly. Just…watching.
The room didn’t shift. The music didn’t falter. But something in me did. My heartbeat kicked up, sharp and sudden, like my body had clocked her before my brain could catch up.
“You know her?” someone asks.
I glance that way and catch Wren leaning toward Talon, following the same line of sight I had. I don’t hear his answer over the sound of one of our teammates shoving through the door, announcing he’s arrived with another keg.
I barely register it. I’m too caught up in Brinley to pay attention.
“Isn’t that the same girl from practice?” Owen asks.
He’s leaning forward with his elbows on the table, eyes moving between Brinley and me.
Kade shifts slightly, his focus sliding across the room until it lands on her. He studies her for a second longer than necessary, lifting his drink.
“Heard something earlier,” he says, almost like he’s thinking it through as he speaks. “Pretty sure she’s Coach Dawson’s daughter.”
I blink.
“What?” My head snaps toward him. “Coach doesn’t have a daughter. He’s got two sons. That’s it.”
Kade nods once, unfazed. “Yeah. That’s what I thought too.” His eyes flick back to her. “But then you said her name at practice.”
Something in my chest tightens.
“Brinley,” he adds. “That rang a bell.”
I don’t say anything.
Kade exhales lightly, like the pieces are settling into place for him.
“Guess she just transferred in,” he continues. “Probably why she was hanging around the rink.”
Owen leans back slightly, still watching her.
Neither of them look convinced. And they’re not studying her the way they were before.
