Griffin met Emily during move-in week, and she’s had her claws sunk in him for the past two years. I never met her personally, but Katie despised her, and that was enough for me. It had nothing to do with the fact that I’d been pining over him for years.
According to Katie, Emily was territorial, controlling, manipulative, and jealous. Not exactly the best traits for someone dating the face of one of the best college hockey teams in the nation.
As I wrap my head around Griff being single, Katie continues, “Yeah, I guess he broke up with her a few months ago. Thank god. Since the draft last summer, she had been crazier and more possessive. If that’s even possible.”
Griffin was drafted last summer to the Colorado Summits. He opted to finish his college career before he signed his contract with them.
But I’m sure when the time comes for him to play in the National Hockey League, the fans will go even crazier for him.
“I know this probably comes off as biased, but I never did like Emily,” I admit sheepishly.
As cliché as I feel for crushing on the boy next door, I’ve never kept secrets from Katie. My crush on her brother is old news to her.
“Mack, I’ve always known you had a major crush on G. You haven’t exactly been subtle with your heart eyes,” she teases.
I chuck a throw pillow from my bed at her. “Stop it!” I say as I cover my face to hide my embarrassment.
“It’s adorable how much you’re blushing right now. I mean, don’t let me stop you from finally going after him. I would absolutely die from excitement if you officially became my sister by marriage!”
“Pump the brakes, princess! Just because I’ve had a slight crush on your brother does not mean I will do anything about it. And marriage? Are you high?”
“Mhmm, slight my ass.” She rubs her hands together and says, “Oh, this hot girl summer will be good. I can’t wait to see what G will do once he sees how the guys follow you around like little puppy dogs waiting for you to give them an ounce of attention.”
I flip my hair over my shoulder to feign indifference. “I’m not sure how the guys that chase after me this summer have anything to do with your brother.”
“Mack, I say this with love. You’re delusional if you think your crush is one-sided.”
I guess I’m delusional then because my crush has always been unrequited.
But if seeing other guys hit on me is what it will take to finally get Griffin Turner to see me as more than just his little sister’s best friend, then let the hot girl summer commence!
2
June
Itook my time showering and changing into my board shorts after Carson and I did our morning lifting and cardio sessions.
Living next door to a former teammate and now a fellow D1 hockey player has had its perks over the years. One is that I’ve always had someone to train with. Carson may be two years younger than me, but he’s a hell of a hockey player and never stops striving to be the best.
He’s eighteen now, so I was surprised to hear at his graduation party that he’s waiting another year to enter the NHL draft. I hope we play on the Summits together someday. We’ve always had a great connection on the ice—it just clicks when we play together.
I cross our yard and punch in the code to open the side gate to get into the Wilder’s backyard. My favorite pup ever, Kenna’s dog, Ranger, greets me by jumping up on his hind legs and licking my chin. “How’s my Goodest Boy doing today? Huh, buddy?” I ask, petting behind his ears, just the way he likes.
“She’s here, isn’t she? Am I screwed?” I ask Ranger. His response is a bigger tail wag.
Turning the corner of the house, I stop in my tracks when I see her.
McKenna Wilder.
I’m so fuckedthis summer.
McKenna has grown up over the past two years, and it shows. I know it’s not just that enticing hot pink bikini, or this summer heat getting to me. Ever since I saw her at her graduation, Kenna has had my full attention.
It felt like torture trying to play it cool at their graduation party. Guys were hanging off her every word, totally entranced by her. And who could blame them?
Let me preface this by saying, I’m not the kind of guy who gets jealous because of a girl. I’ve always told myself that I’d get over my feelings for Kenna—that they were fleeting; they needed to be. She’s my little sister’s best friend, and she’s two years younger than me. The four of us have always been close—me, Katie, Kenna, and Carson.
But seeing her in that red outfit at her graduation party, with her honey-blonde hair curled in waves down to her waist, I was feral each time a guy approached her, touched her arm, or made her laugh.
