Hockey With Benefits(20)

“I’ve told him I’m not going to fuck him.”

He grinned faintly, grabbing a hoodie and keys, then going to his door. “That’s the thing with guys. Unless he sees you with another guy, he’s not going to believe a word you say.” He reached for his doorknob but glanced back and gave me another once-over. “Do us all a favor and get a boyfriend. No wonder the guys are jumping over themselves for you. Stay in here a little longer and I’ve half a mind to tell the guys someone else has to go for a beer run.”

Fuck’s sake.

I gave him a hard look, heading for him right as he opened the door. He held it for me, watching me pass in front and he murmured, right behind me, “Pleasure to meet you, Daniels. You can use my room anytime you need.”

I gave him a tight smile. “Thanks.” And decided not to get a refill. I got back to the basement during the third period and right as Cruz shot the puck.

The goalie reached for it, but the light went red.

Everyone went crazy. “GOAL!!!!!”





I gave Miles a ride home. As soon as I pulled up to our house, he jerked up. “What? Another party tonight?”

He looked my way, but I was getting out of the car. “Wade and some girls from class were going to study. I’m not sure if Darren was joining them. I’m guessing the studying turned into drinking.”

He let out a curse, getting out too. “Of all nights for me to lose my phone.”

“You lost your phone?”

“Yeah. If you see an extra phone around the place, it’s probably mine.”

He started for the back door, and I went with him until I veered for the door that was my own entrance.

“You’re not coming in with me?”

I shook my head. “I’m partied out.”

My stomach was still churning a little, but not bad enough where I needed to numb it. I was craving some alone time, and a change of clothes.

“Hey, uh.”

I unlocked my door, and opened it, but paused, holding it open.

Miles winced, before closing his eyes. “Fuck it. I’m sorry, but… I’m wading in. You and Gavin…”

“There’s no me and Miller.”

He was already nodding before I finished. “I’m aware of that. All of the guys in his frat are aware of it, and they were ribbing him before you showed up tonight.”

I deflated. Just a little. “They didn’t bet him to get in my pants, did they?”

“No. Nothing like that, but you know who Flynn Carrington is?”

I shook my head.

“Senior. One of the head honchos in the frat.” He motioned to the back of his head. “Dark man-bun.”

“Oh. Yeah. I met him tonight.”

“Sorry. I, just, you got your stuff about getting personal, but this is kinda serious.”

“It’s fine, Miles. I’m sorry for snapping at you that one time. Just can’t handle questions about my past, that’s all.”

He blew out a breath, looking relieved and his head bobbed a little. “I saw Carrington watching you when we were leaving. He didn’t like that I was going with you, and it’s just a thing. Guys can tell. He–Flynn–he’s got a lot of power in the frat. His dad’s, like, a senator or something, but the guy’s a dick.”

“Miles, just say it.”

“I’m just saying that I could see a situation where Miller will be talking about you when you’re not there, and Carrington’s going to hear. And he could be the guy that says something, making it into a whole different thing. Like betting him to get in your pants or something.” He stopped talking for a second before his eyes flashed something grim. “I didn’t like how he looked at you. You know. I mean, some girls are clueless, but you’re not. You know. He looked like a predator.”

I felt the word in my throat, and it was hard to swallow around it.

Fuck, though. Fuck.

“I’m thinking it’s time we both have a break from the Alpha Mu house.” I amended, “Another break, in my case.”

His grin was sad. “Yeah. And, man. Glad that’s done.” He gestured to the house. “I’m either going to pass out or get a second wind.”

“See you tomorrow.”

He gave a wave, going through his door. I went through mine, and stood just inside, digesting what he told me because fuck. Fuck! Fuck! Was it me? Did I ooze something that attracted drama?

Was I like my mom?





11





CRUZ





My phone was buzzing when we got to the hotel that night.

I checked my texts, taking a seat in the lobby. As soon as I got up to the room, who knew what I’d be walking into. Taking a call up there sometimes was useless. Atwater ran naked through a bunch of connecting rooms one time. Other times, Wes would already be sleeping.

There were a bunch of texts from my teammates, from classmates. Miles Gaynor. Other guys. Girls, but no Mara. I knew our deal. I’d loved our deal when she presented it at first because I didn’t need a girlfriend. Hockey took too much of my time, along with my family. Girls tended to need attention and I didn’t have it to give. I got the benefits of sex without the other needy shit. It was a win win, at least for me. I didn’t know why Mara was how she was. We’d been doing this thing since the end of September, but man, I kinda wished we could amend it a little so we could be friendly at times. I got her worries. Well… I didn’t. She never explained why she didn’t want to be friends, but that wasn’t a stretch. Friends meant feelings could get involved and with sex already involved, I knew the dangers. Though, if anyone could pull it off, it was Mara. She had a steel wall around her heart, I swear, but the girl was cool.