Page 19 of Guarded Love

I jump slightly when Kate Alonso's, our editor-in-chief, voice rings out before Ari can respond. "Alright, everyone, gather 'round for assignments!"

I quickly brush granola crumbs from my shirt and swivel my chair toward the center of the room where Kate stands with her phone at the ready. She's wearing her signature blazer-over-graphic-tee combo, hair pulled back in a tight ponytail that somehow manages to look both professional and like she didn’t try too hard to be just that damn cool.

"Housing scandal article update, Sanchez?" she asks, eyes already moving down her list.

"Final draft by tonight," I confirm. "Got a quote from the student government president that's basically political dynamite."

Kate nods approvingly. "Perfect. That'll be our lead for Monday." She continues down her list, assigning stories about the food health inspection results and the upcoming poetry slam.

I zone out slightly, my mind already racing ahead to the edits I need to make. I'm startled back to attention when I hear my name again.

"Sanchez, I need you on something new," Kate says. "Senior Night for the hockey team was last week. I want a feature on the team's impact on campus culture, with a focus on our graduating seniors. Reactions from students, staff, that sort of thing."

My stomach drops. "Hockey?" I force out, trying to keep my voice casual.

"Yes, Willow. The sport with the sticks and the ice," Kate says drily. "I need quotes from the seniors. Plus, isn’t your brother on the team? Should be pretty easy."

I can't help the audible groan that escapes my lips. Ari shoots me a quick side-eye because she knows I should have kept my mouth shut.

"Problem?" Kate asks, one eyebrow arched high.

"No, no problem," I say quickly, though every cell in my body is screaming otherwise. "Just, you know, sports. Not exactly my beat."

"It's time you branch out," Kate says, checking something off on her phone.

"But—"

"Besides," Kate continues, steamrolling over my protest, "I need someone who won't just fawn over them. Your critical eye is perfect for this."

I slump in my chair, defeat settling heavy on my shoulders. "Fine. When's the deadline?"

"Thursday. And I want interviews with Levi Jamison, Asher Bennett, Knox Sanchez, Blaise Dalton, and Wilder Blake specifically. They're the big senior stars everyone's talking about. I’m sure the interview with your brother will be special."

Yeah that’s not what makes me panic. My heart stutters at Blaise's name. Of course Kate would single him out. The universe really is determined to torture me today.

"Got it," I mutter, scribbling the assignment on a fresh sticky note while my brain screams in protest.

Kate moves on to the next person, and I turn to find Ari giving me a look that's equal parts sympathy and amusement.

"Don't," I warn, pointing my pen at her.

"I didn't say anything," she whispers, raising her hands in mock surrender.

"You were thinking it very loudly."

Ari leans closer. "Just saying, karma's finally catching up with you for avoiding every hockey game since you got here."

"I went to one last week FYI. Besides, I've been busy," I hiss back. "Actual journalism takes time."

"So busy you couldn't watch your brother play?" Ari whispers, her voice gentle but pointed. "Or is this about something else entirely?"

I glare at her, but there's no real heat behind it. Ari knows me too well. It's both the best and most annoying thing about our friendship.

"It's about professional boundaries and you know how I feel about sports after Leo," I mutter, scribbling Blaise's name on my sticky note with more force than necessary. The pen tears through the paper. Perfect.

"You can't avoid all athletes forever," Ari whispers as Kate continues down her list of assignments. "The campus is crawling with them, and they're not all like Leo."

I crumple the torn sticky note and grab a fresh one, refusing to meet her gaze. "I'm not avoiding all athletes. Just football and hockey players." I pause, then add more quietly, "And one in particular."