Page 2 of Arctic Titans of Northwood U: Volume 2

“How so?” I asked flatly.

“Simple. If you keep pushing that we’re an unsinkable ship, I am willing to bet we’re on a collision course with an iceberg. However, if this is just a test of your daring, then it’s got no reason to tickle any hockey god’s wrath.” Spencer laid his case like he was a tribe shaman.

“We athletes really are a superstitious bunch,” Cole huffed.

“You know what? Whatever. I’ll prove it to you.” I drained my beer, set my cup on the windowsill, and crossed my arms. “Let me hear your terms, traitor.”

Spencer narrowed his eyes. “If we win the third game against the Titans, I’ll never again question your prophetic powers.” He bit his lip, then added: “For a month.”

Cole snorted and I shook my head. “Nah, if I’m right, you’ll wear their jersey in public the weekend after.”

Spencer’s eyes widened. “You are cruel.”

“You wanted to make it personal,” I said with a shrug.

“That’s actually fair,” Cole offered.

“Easy for you to say,” Spencer said.

“And if we lose?” I asked, putting a stop to their banter. “What do I do?”

Spencer glanced around. I felt a moment of dread before he spoke. And when his words poured over his lips, my fright was justified. “Easy enough. You have to hook up with one of the Titans.”

Cole’s eyes widened with shock and then a grin split his face. “Nice.”

“Out of the question,” I shook my head. “I’m not sleeping with anyone on a dare. What if none of them want it? Do I lose?”

Spencer raised his hands in defense. “Fine, alright. Take one out on a date, then.”

I considered it. A date could be anything. We could see a movie or have dinner. It didn’t necessarily have to be the most romantic night of our lives. As my eyes narrowed, Spencer inhaled to continue.

“But I mean the mother of all dates, do you hear me? Cole and I will be nearby to make sure you are doing everything in your power to seduce him. Fair enough, you don’t have to get into his pants, but you have to do your best.” He crossed his arms and pushed his chest out.

My lips pursed in thought. Most of the Titans were probably more gay than straight, so much so that I had heard them called the Arctic Unicorns once or twice. Aside from the coupled ones, there had to be one willing to go out on a date with me. Not to brag, but I was a cutie when I dressed up and a hottie when I dressed down. I had never gotten a ‘no’ in my life. At least when it came to taking someone out on a date.

“Which one?” I asked Spencer. “Or is at least that much up to me?”

My best friend sucked his teeth. “Jones.”

I threw my head back and laughed out loud. “And here I was, thinking this would be fun.”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” Cole asked.

“Too easy,” I said quietly. “But I wouldn’t trust you to pay attention. Caden Jones has been on a bender since before the season kicked off. I can go over there and get his number before you even finish your beer.”

Spencer bristled, but Cole cocked his head. “How about one of those two?” Cole pointed at the defensemen, Tyler and Sebastian.

“Nah, we don’t want to create friction in their relationship,” Spencer said.

“They’re straight, dude,” I pointed out.

“How do you keep tabs on everyone?” Spencer asked, mock concerned about his privacy.

“We have a mutual friend,” I said. “Those two have girlfriends.”

“So, Jones is too easy. Defensemen are too hard. Who else?” Cole summarized.

I looked around the room, my gaze landing on the Mount Everest of all dates. He had slept with a guy I knew, although discreetly, so he wasn’t totally straight. It was just that we had fought against each other so many times that it was all we knew.