Page 21 of Arresting the Hockey Player

It might be good to stay away from my place for a few hours, especially if Jasmine decides to show up. I can't turn her away, I don't have it in me to be cruel, but I also don't want to face her. Not until I go to the lab, do the test, and get the results.

I need to know what I'm dealing with and not be played by her again.

I follow Coach to the front entrance of our locker room. He glances me over. Am I that much of an open book?

"You didn't play like yourself during practice," Malone says.

"Just an off day," I excuse. "I'll have my head in the game tomorrow when it counts."

Malone huffs. "You better, kid." He doesn't press the issue, and I'm grateful for the reprieve.

I head out, and Kyler is right on my heel. He throws an arm around my shoulder. "So, are you coming over tonight for drinks and dinner?"

It feels like an invitation that I can't refuse.

THREE

Charlotte

He didn't call or message me after last night. I feel like a creepy, obsessed girl who is constantly checking her phone for a text. For the record, he hasn't sent one. I've glanced at my phone every few minutes since I woke up this morning.

Not a single text or emoji.

He's busy. I'm sure that's the only reason I'm receiving silence. I could text him. Maybe I will, tonight, if I still don't hear anything and he's done practicing.

Could he be blowing me off?

He did tell me he puts his career first, and I thought I was okay with it.

I chew my lip raw, confused by the stalkerish feeling that has washed over me since the minute that he left.

I'm notthatgirl.

I've done my share of hookups with no strings attached.

Is that what last night was with Noah? It didn't feel like it, but we barely know one another. His focus is on his career. Mine should be on school and my job.

But I keep staring at my phone instead of my homework, which is boring and complicated.

I finally text Amber because at least she helps keep me grounded.

How long from a hookup to the first text?

My phone lights up, and Amber doesn't bother answering via text. She's calling me.

"You hooked up with Noah?" Amber squeals, and the excited giddiness bleeds off her with excessiveness.

"I don't kiss and tell. But hypothetically, if a girl hooks up with a hot guy, at what point should he text her?" I ask. I'm well-versed in hookups and fun times in the sheets. But I don't usually expect a guy to reach back out because it's always pretty clear it's one night. I never give them my phone number.

"You're asking me for dating advice?" she squeals, and this time I can't tell if it's delight or trepidation. I'm aware she doesn't have much experience in the boyfriend department other than Jasper, who is one hell of a catch.

"I'm asking you to find out from Jasper how long a typical hookup to text message takes."

Amber giggles. "I don’t know that there's a specific time frame, but I'll ask him tonight. We were invited over to dinner at his brother, Kyler’s, place. Do you want to come?"

I'm quiet for a second, considering my options for tonight. "I'm not invited. Isn't it rude for me to show up to Kyler's house?"

"Well, it's my sister's place too," Amber says. "They're talking about wedding stuff. I'm sure Emerson would love another girl's opinion on all the planning."