Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
I continue watching, my eyes drawn to this guy who’s so adept, so lightweight on his feet. He’s a dichotomy on the ice—like a hardcore figure skater—making every corner, every stroke of his blade look featherweight. He has the focus and determination of someone who will take no prisoners and won’t stop until the puck hits the back of the net. To say I’m mesmerized is an understatement. Even Jude doesn’t hold my attention this strongly when he’s playing.
The coach blows his whistle to signify the end of training and the players congregate at the edge of the rink, with Kyler being the last to pull up. Even now, he stands slightly separate to the others, refraining from the back patting at the great session they’ve just had. Slowly he removes his helmet and shakes his head and immediately I’m taken back to Millie’s comments at lunch. She’s right, his hair does need taming but it’s because it’s wet and sweaty from training. When he looks up and our eyes meet, I realize Millie’s clearly undersold them. They’re the type that can pierce you to the spot, like a dagger to the heart with one fleeting glance, and while I can’t comment on the beauty of their shade of green from this distance, I already know they are the type of eyes that will take no prisoners. Maybe it’s a good thing he’s elusive because I, for one, cannot afford to be distracted.
Damn, Millie was right about him.
four
Kyler
The on-ice workout our captain put us through was brutal. The first day of pre-season always is, because none of us actually do anything worthwhile over the summer except sit around and play video games all day or work. I worked more than I sat around, but the result is still the same. The timed line drill about killed me but I loved knowing I’m still the fastest on the ice. I know our captain means well starting us off like this, but damn, it would’ve been nice to ease my muscles back into shape. Once practice starts, we’ll focus on plays, strategy, and going for the power play kill. Our team has one goal: to bring Northport a national championship.
I opt to shower in the locker room versus at home. I grew up with a sister and she hated it when I used all the hot water. Jude may have forced his sister to live with a bunch of guys, but it doesn’t mean we need to leave her with a cold shower.
When I get back to my locker, a few of the guys are still lingering. It’s the first day of school and they’re already talking about who is throwing parties this weekend, what girl they plan to hit on, and who they’ll be able to pay to do their homework.
“What about you, Ky?” Mike Dowling, our starting right defensive man asks me.
“What about me?”
“Big plans this weekend?”
“It’s Monday,” I remind him. “A little too early to be making plans for Friday.” I grab my deodorant and spread it under both arms before putting the cap back and tossing it on the top shelf of my locker.
“Nah, it’s never too early to plan.”
“I don’t know about you, but I’m on a mission to find the new girl,” I hear Justin Barbarisi say from behind me. I shake my head. It’s the start of the school year. There has to be a thousand new faces on campus, half of which are female.
“Oh yeah, I know her,” Marty Edwards tells Justin. Marty’s a freshman and plays defense. Last year, when I lived on campus, he stayed with Justin during his overnight tour. He’s an all right kid and will be a big asset to the team once he learns the system.
“I need more deets,” Justin replies, clearly wanting to get the intel on his next pursuit.
“She’s in my nutrition class. There’s got to be at least five guys in there who have a hard-on for her,” Marty says.
The mention of nutrition causes me to focus a bit more on what they’re saying. Normally, I wouldn’t care, but after meeting Jude’s sister a few days ago, I find it a bit odd I’m hearing about this class again.
“You gonna make a move?” Justin asks.
“Hell yeah. She’s hot,” Marty replies, and Justin whips him with a towel. Juveniles.
“What’s her name?” Justin is nosey.
“Thea,” Marty says with confidence.
My body stills at the mention of Thea’s name. I’m assuming there is only one female on campus in a nutrition class named Thea, and the fact Marty has a thing for her is making my blood boil. For some reason I feel protective over her, especially from these clowns.
The boys laugh until I slam my locker shut. They freeze and stare at me as I scowl at them. “Don’t fucking talk about Thea ever again,” I seethe. “If I were you, I’d watch yourselves because she’s Jude’s little sister.” With those words I storm out of the locker room and head to my car. I keep my head down while I work through my emotions. My reaction to Marty saying Thea’s hot was a bit over the top. She’s a roommate, nothing more. And it should be Jude who sends a stiff warning about his sister. Hell, for all I know she digs hockey players and wants to date one, and I don’t want to stand in her way. I stop, turn around, and stare at the rink. None of the guys are behind me and are likely scratching their heads at my outburst. It’s rare I say anything about anyone, let alone get involved in any of my teammates’ antics. They can do whoever and whatever they want as long as it doesn’t affect me, my ability to play, and the team. If they want to act like douchebags, that’s on them. Not me.