“You idiot. Did you not just hear Coach?” Silas scolds him.
“Oh, I heard him. I just didn’t realize you were going to listen to him.”
“You have a death wish if you’re going against Coach’s orders,” I say.
“And you’re a pussy. Now that we’ve established our roles, who’s driving?”
I shake my head and laugh. “Sorry boys, no bar for me tonight. One week in and I’m somehow already behind. I’m hittingThe Den, any takers?” I point to them just as Gabe and one of our senior defenseman, Parker, join the conversation. They scratch the backs of their heads, avoiding eye contact with me. I like to think the dynamic between us hasn’t changed since I got named captain, but small moments like this make me realize that in a way, they have.
“You guys can do whatever you want.” I smile. “I don’t care.”
A collective sigh escapes them and even Silas’s shoulders drop slightly. I snap my fingers and slap my fist with an open palm. “Later, boys.”
“Hey, tell Petey-boy I said hi,” Maverick calls out behind me.
The warmth of the coffee shop wraps around me like a cozy hug after trudging across campus in the freezing evening air. But, all the warm air that just filled my lungs escapes me like a punch to the gut when I catch sight of the pretty brunette working the counter tonight.
I’m not sure who I have to thank for this fun turn of events, but Savannah, who has been conveniently avoiding me all week, now stands at the counter with a cute green apron on. She won’t be able to avoid me for much longer.
“Crazy story. I’ve been getting to class early every day hoping to get to talk to you, but you seem to be a chronically late kind of girl.”
“Wow, and here I was thinking The Dancing Plague of 1518 was the craziest story I’d ever hear in my lifetime.”
I have no idea what she’s talking about, but I do know I like hearing the sound of her voice. And while I probably should be offended—hell, I think she would bruise a lot of guys’ egos, I can’t help the way I enjoy the back-and-forth with her.
“What can I get started for you?”
“Sixteen ounce Americano, please.” I stay at the counter as she gets to work on my drink, but she doesn’t look at me.
“The usual routine here is you order a drink, pay for your drink, and then leave the barista alone to make said drink in peace.”
I look around at the nearly empty coffee shop. “It’s got to be boring having no one to talk to. I thought I would keep you company.”
“If by boring, you mean goals, then yes.”
She’s sharp with her tongue, but her delivery is always just slightly more playful than menacing, which gives me just the amount of courage I need to keep sparing with her.
“You know, I don’t think I’m as bad as you think I am.” I lean my hip casually against the counter.
She pauses with the shot of espresso in her hand and she angles her head, clearly not impressed by me.
“I’m serious. I’m loyal, I have a great sense of humor—” I start ticking off my fingers. “I always tip. I floss twice a day.”
I feel triumphant when she bites down the corner of her bottom lip in an attempt to cover up her smile.
“Ask any of my friends, I’m a pretty good guy.”
“While I am impressed by your dental hygiene, forgive me for not trusting the words of your hockey team.” She fits the lid on my coffee and sets it down in front of me before heading back to the cash register.
“Alright, I’ll bite,” I say, taking the lid off and blowing into my cup. “What did you mean the other day when you said you’ve been around guys like me your whole life?”
Her fingers tap the counter where she’s propping herselfup. I bet she’s wishing anyone would come in and order something right now. When I don’t think she’s going to respond, I put the lid back on my cup and reach into my pocket for some cash.
“I come from a hockey family,” she says, without looking at me.
“What a coincidence. Me too,” I say, batting my eyelashes with a small tilt of my head. “It seems we have more in common than you think.”
She shakes her head slightly, but this time when her lips lift and her dimple appear, she doesn’t try to hide it.
