Page 30 of Daring the Hockey Player

"No, I have this thing with my sister at seven." I don't want to elaborate because Charlotte only knows what the media does about Emerson and Kyler's relationship. I can't tell her, and I hate keeping secrets from my best friend.

"Sounds boring. If you get done early, text me."

Work seems to be nonstop, and at six, Samantha is a no-show. I don't know how she still has a job. Anytime Samantha has an evening shift on the weekend, she bails. Rumor is that she's Maggie's cousin, which makes sense as to why she hasn't gotten fired.

I don't get why she doesn't just schedule her for a different day. But Maggie works the evening by herself and insists that she has it on her own.

I hurry across campus to my apartment and change out of my work uniform into a sweater and leggings. I'm not sure what the attire is for tonight. I didn't think to ask Kyler, but it doesn't sound like we're going out.

I put on lipstick and eyeliner before grabbing my purse and phone. I head down to the elevator and hit the button repeatedly.

Jasper will be here any minute, and I neglected to give him my room number on purpose. I like him, but I don't want him mysteriously showing up at my door uninvited.

Not that I think that he would. He doesn't seem the type. But after the disaster with Tripp at the bar, I'm a little extra cautious around guys.

But Jasper isn't my date.

Him, picking me up, is because we're family. It's not because he's hitting on me or trying to hook up with me. He's given no indication of any interest other than that incident on the ice with the jersey.

I'm not sure that it was even flirting.

Jasper didn't want me to support the Island Bruisers. I get it. He's territorial when it comes to hockey. He wants his friends to supporthisteam. I'm sure Kyler is the same way.

I hit the elevator button several times, and it finally arrives. The elevator is slow, but my phone isn't buzzing yet. Hopefully, Jasper isn't waiting for me. I'm not exactly on time anymore.

I head down to the lobby of our apartment and outside.

Jasper climbs out of the vehicle and gives me a wave, making sure that I see him.

In a matter of seconds, I climb into the passenger side. "Thanks for the ride," I say.

"No problem." His phone is geared up with GPS, and he pushes the greengobutton to begin the route to his brother's place.

"Nice ride," I say, not too surprised at the fancy digs.

"Right? I can't believe how many vehicles Kyler has when there's only one of him."

"This is his car?"

"One of many," he smirks.

I buckle up, and he pulls out into traffic, getting us there exactly at seven o'clock. The ride is quiet between us, and he has the radio on, which helps ease the tension.

Although, he doesn't appear tense. Jasper looks confident and relaxed.

My knee bounces the entire drive, and I glance out the window, taking in the sights. As we pull up to the estate, there's a large metal fence blocking the entrance. He punches in a passcode, and the gate opens, allowing us access inside.

"Fancy," I say.

"You haven't seen anything yet." Jasper grins, glancing at me. He puts the car in drive and pulls forward through the gate. There's a long driveway that runs to the front of the property. There are trees at every side, hedges that give off privacy, and a protective fence.

The house itself is huge, as if the property wasn't grandiose already.

I'm not used to such luxury, especially living in a studio.

He parks out front and steps out of the vehicle. I follow him up to the front entrance.

Jasper has a key and unlocks the front door. He gestures for me to step inside first, and I glance around the foyer. This is the first time that I've been to Kyler's home, and it is quite impressive. I knew he was a billionaire, but he lives the part in elegance and style.