Page 96 of Daring the Hockey Player

Kids these days. I link my pinky with hers before standing. My break is long since done, and Maggie has been kind enough not to point out that I should be on the clock and working.

Did Emerson drop by to invite me to the game, or was there something else that she wanted? She could have just as easily sent me a text. "Thanks for the invite. I'll be there."

* * *

The week drags on. Jasper and I exchange a few brief texts, nothing scandalous or hot. He lets me know that he'll be home late Thursday but not to wait up because their flight is delayed due to storms in North Carolina.

I don't even hear him come in Thursday night, and he's gone Friday morning before I get up for class. But I can tell that he came home last night. There's a suitcase in his bedroom, the door open, and his fresh scent fills the living room, as does coffee.

He put a pot on before leaving, and I swear the man knows the way right to my heart.

My day starts out great, perfect until I head into class for statistics, take a seat, and Atlas Storm decides to grab the chair next to me. I swear, his name is as pompous as he is.

If it's not bad enough that I hate the class, dealing with Atlas puts a damper on my mood. But I don't want it to bother me. He's a nobody—a college athlete who is hoping to bank on his brother's name and fortune.

He could be a decent player. I've never seen him play.

"Are you coming to the Bruisers game tonight,Ice Queen?" Atlas asks.

"You're an asshole," I say, refusing to answer his question.

I should be relieved he's not asking me tohisgame on campus because there is zero chance that I'd want to attend and cheer him on in the stands.

The Ice Dragons are playing the Island Bruisers tonight but not at their home stadium. Since both teams are based out of New York, the Ice Dragons don’t have far to travel. It's practically like being at home without the fans' support.

Which is why Emerson suggested that I come and cheer on the Ice Dragons. They need all the support that they can get. At least, I'm assuming that's the reason for the invite.

Atlas turns to face me. "I can get you seats on the ice, right behind the glass. My brother has connections, which means I have connections."

"I already have tickets for tonight," I say and grimace, wishing I hadn't spoken to him. I don't want to confess that I have plans and will be at the game.

"Are you going with friends or a date?" Atlas asks.

Is he seriously trying to find out if I'm single? What the hell is wrong with him?

I need to put an end to whatever he thinks this is between us because there is zero interest from me. Who the hell gives the nicknameIce Queento a girl he flirts with?

No one. Certainly, not Atlas Storm.

How is it that girls chase after him?

Well, not this girl.

"My boyfriend plays for the Ice Dragons," I say.

"Your boyfriend?" Atlas repeats, and he sits up straighter, his jaw tight. "I didn't know you were seeing anyone. He wasn't at the party with you last weekend."

"He doesn't attend silly campus parties," I say, trying to excuse the whole thing, and I shift, turning my attention to the professor who stalks into the classroom looking disheveled. That's about how I feel, but I try to remain composed. I don't need Atlas Storm making me flustered.

Atlas laughs under his breath and leans back, folding his arms across his chest. "Whoever your little crush is, he isn't your boyfriend. There's no way you're dating an NHL player," he says.

Am I crazy for telling him about Jasper?

We're not technically dating, but we are roommates, and I think he'd do me a solid if I came clean and told him that Atlas Storm is harassing me in class and I need a favor.

Atlas isn't buying my story, but I'm not sure I've convinced myself, either, which is half the battle.

While it's obvious, Jasper has feelings for me. I'm a little worried about how long those feelings will last. He's focused on his career, and, well, what if the sex is mediocre or downright awful? What happens then?