Her brow arches, her lips curling into a playful smile. “Definitely not.”
I chuckle. “Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that.”
I like Isabella. A lot. But I know better than to act on it. We both do. Hooking up with her would be a mistake. There are just too many lines I can’t cross.
And besides, I agreed when I met her, I’d be her friend.
And that’s all I can be.
10
ISABELLA
Ishould be used to this by now.
The sea of guys in my class doesn’t faze me anymore, but I still feel the pressure. Being the only woman in a room full of sports management majors is like wearing a neon sign that saysOut of Place, even though I know my stuff. I can name more hockey teams than half these guys can name cities. Last season’s stats? I could rattle those off in my sleep.
My mom always thought I’d be a figure skater. After all, I spent more time on the ice than most kids did on their bikes. But instead of gliding gracefully, I spent most of my time knocking my brother over at every chance. Of course, that only lasted until he got bigger than me, and then I spent way more time picking myself up off the ice than I care to admit.
Dad’s been a coach for as long as I can remember. He spent my whole childhood teaching us both. Playing hockey was never my thing, but the strategy? The plays? That’s what always interested me. I loved figuring out how everything fit together, how the right pass at the right moment could change the entire game.
Being the only girl in this class isn’t always easy, but I’m not backing down or cowering away. This is my dream, and I’m not going to let anyone make me feel like I don’t belong.
So, when I catch the guy in the back corner of the room staring at me, I don’t flinch. I’ve gotten used to it by now. But his gaze lingers longer than usual, and I can’t help but wonder what his deal is.
When the professor finally dismisses us, I grab my things, mentally preparing to get out of here. But just as I start to stand, I feel someone approach.
“Hey.” I turn to find the same guy from before, grinning at me. “I’m Luke. You new here? Haven’t seen you around before.”
I pause for a moment, glancing up at him. “Yeah, just started this semester.”
He nods, his eyes scanning me thoughtfully. I do the same. He’s tall, maybe a little over six feet, with broad shoulders and dark hair that’s a little messy, like he’s just run his hands through it, with a slight stubble grazing against his jaw.
“I’m not going to lie, you kind of caught my eye,” he says, his gaze lingering a little longer than necessary, making a small flutter of warmth spread across my chest.
I can’t help but laugh at that. “Guess being the only girl in a room full of guys kind of does that to you.”
“Not complaining,” he replies, leaning in slightly, his grin widening, the playful glint in his eyes making something warm settle in my stomach. “I like it. Makes things… interesting.”
I roll my eyes but can’t fight the smile tugging at my lips. “You don’t get enough of that from the rest of your classmates?”
“Eh,” he shrugs, the movement causing his muscles to shift under his fitted shirt. “They’re not exactly my type.” His grin deepens. “You, though? I think I could get used to that.”
I laugh again, shaking my head. “Is that supposed to be a pick-up line?”
“I mean, it’s working, isn’t it?” he teases.
My lips twitch. “Maybe a little.”
I like how effortlessly he’s flirting with me, like it’s second nature to him. It’s kind of refreshing, actually.
But then, the thought of Ryan pops into my mind. I shouldn’t be thinking about Ryan. He’s not an option. He never was.
Aurora was right. I need to have some fun. Figure out who I am outside of all the baggage of my ex. I need a distraction—someone like Luke.
I glance back at him, letting my eyes drift over his broad shoulders and sharp jawline again. He’s definitely attractive, no doubt about it. His smile’s a little cocky, but there’s a warmth to it that makes me want to get to know him. “Guess you’ll have to try harder if you want to impress me.”
Luke chuckles, stepping closer, but before he can say anything else, another guy walks up, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. He glances between me and Luke. “You coming?” he asks Luke.
