Page 19 of Players Always Win


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“My mom owns an online newspaper. If you ever need an internship, she would help you.”

What am I doing?

My mom has never met any of the girls I hooked up with. Well, technically, we haven’t hooked up, only kissed.

A smile illuminates her face. “Thanks. I would love that. We’re supposed to find an internship next year. Everyone on campus already applied for the school paper. So, that doesn’t leave me with many options. And I don’t know many people in Philly.”

“My mom owns Sports Buzz. Do you like sports?”

Jemma shrugs. “I’m a fast learner.”

“Do you have another class today?”

She shakes her head. “I have a ton of homework and a meeting later at the chapter house.”

“You don’t seem like the sorority type.”

“I’m not,” she admits. “But my mom is a Kappa Delta legacy, and my sister is the Queen of KD. So I guess you can say it’s in my blood.”

“It’s like that for me,” I offer. “Hockey is in my DNA.”

She chuckles. “Why do you say that?”

“My dad played in the NHL for fifteen years. Now he’s the general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers.”

She bobs her head. “Do you want to play pro hockey like your dad?”

“It’s the only thing I think about… other than you.”

She snorts with laughter, swatting her hand at me. “Stop trying to impress me.”

“Are you impressed?”

“You’re off to a good start.” Jemma turns left, dragging me with her. “I live in Penn Hall. You can walk me home.”

“I’d walk with you to the end of the earth,” I joke.

She laughs. “You’re cute.”

“You’re beautiful.”

A smile tugs at her mouth.

As we walk through campus, her fingers brush along mine. Our instant connection sparks a shock of electricity that burns my skin. I’m tempted to hold her hand because I want more of her heat. But I don’t want to make her uncomfortable or give her the wrong idea. I don’t date, at least not in the traditional sense, and Jemma seems like a traditional girl. So, why can’t I leave her alone?

We stop in front of Penn Hall, the tension between us palpable. I consider bending down to kiss her but think better of it. The first time was for a dare, the last time for charity. She might not take too kindly to me claiming her in front of everyone in the Quad.

I slip my fingers between hers. “Come to a party with me this weekend.”

Without hesitation, she says, “Where?”

“Delta Sig. It’s their annual Halloween party.”

“I was already planning to go.” She smiles. “What costume are you wearing?”

“Legends of hockey past.” She scrunches her nose, and I clarify, “Dead hockey players. It’s the team tradition. Think zombie hockey players.”

Jemma raises her hand to her mouth and chuckles. “I can’t wait to see this.”