“It’s like you’re Romeo and Juliet.”
“They have nothing on feuding football families.”
Harper laughs. “Except Troy plays hockey.”
“Same difference.”
Leaning forward, Harper keeps her eyes on the ice. Marcus has the puck now. “I wouldn’t be opposed to Marcus playing football.”
I laugh. “So we can interchange him with any other athlete and you’d be fine?”
She gasps at me. “Hell no. It’s all Marcus.”
A dreamy look washes over her face. God. I hope I don’t look like that when I think of Troy.
Which I don’t.
Except when I’m working on tutoring plans. That’s it.
The puck is stolen from Marcus but Troy gets it back just as easily. This time, the goalie blocks the shot and a whistle is blown for a time-out.
“They are really good,” I confess.
“Wow. How much did that hurt to say?”
“I don’t know why I’m friends with you.”
“I’m a delight.”
“A delightful pain in my ass,” I mutter back.
She smirks at me, and we both watch the rest of practice in a contented silence, commenting every so often on a good play.
The team gathers at center ice around Troy. He’s no doubt hyping them up after a great practice. They all shout “Sand Sharks” before skating off the ice. Troy lingers on the mascot on the rink, gaze searching the stands.
It has my breath catching and my heart banging around in my chest when his eyes rake over me. He can’t see me from where he is, but it feels like he can. Especially when a smile curls his lips.
It’s not for me. It’s not for me. It’s not for me.
No matter how many times I tell myself that, I reallywanthis smile to be for me.
Damn it.
I’m letting my feelings take over. My head isn’t in control right now. My heart is. It’s what led me to kiss him. What led me to come here today.
What’s controlling every decision I make about Troy now.
I can’t help it.
“C’mon. I told Marcus we’d meet him in the lobby.” Harper’s voice tugs me from my wayward thoughts.
Nerves burble in my stomach. I’m anxious to see him. I didn’t tell him I was coming today. I hope like hell he’s happy to see me.
We’re in his territory today.
I swallow down the nerves the best I can and follow her like a lost puppy.
Harper and I are waiting by the doors when the team starts filtering out. People are fawning all over the guys like they’re rock stars.
