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From what I know about his famous hockey-playing father, my guess is that the opposite is true.
His brows pinch together. “I…”
An uncomfortable silence falls over us.
In the short time I’ve been around Colby, not once have I ever seen him at a loss for words.
With a tilt of his head, he studies me more carefully. It’s difficult to hold steady beneath the heavy scrutiny.
“No, I haven’t,” he finally acknowledges in a softer voice. I’m trapped within his probing stare and the questions that dance in his eyes. “But my guess is that you have?”
“A long time ago,” I admit.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit a nerve or offend you.”
I nip my lip with my teeth. It’s tempting to tell him that he hasn’t, but that would be a lie, and we both know it.
My muscles loosen as he glances around the lavish suite.
“It would seem like times have changed for the better.”
I release a steady breath and realize that we’re creeping dangerously into a territory that’ll be difficult to navigate my way out of.
And I’m tired of the lies.
My entire existence feels built upon them.
“Yes, they have.” Before he can ask any more questions I won’t want to answer, I change the subject. “Are you ready to go? Everyone’s probably waiting for us downstairs.”
The strain of moments ago dissolves. “Yup.”
I slip into heels and grab my purse off the credenza as we leave the suite behind and head to the elevator down the hall. Colby’s gaze stays fastened to mine the entire ride to the lobby. It takes everything I have inside to tamp down my body’s reaction to him. It’s a relief when the doors slide open and noise pours inside the elevator. The fresh air cuts through the growing tension.
He holds open the door as I step into the corridor and search for our friends.
That thought is almost enough to stop me in my tracks, because over the past months, that’s exactly what they’ve become.
My friends.
Warmth bubbles up inside me before spreading outward at the realization.
One nudge from Colby and I’m brought back to the moment at hand. “Hey, isn’t that the dude from the action movie that released last summer?”
I glance at the guy in question. He’s swarmed by both his entourage and fans. “Yeah, it is. Want an autograph?”
He snorts as his face scrunches. “Hell, no. He can ask for mine instead. Maybe I’ll give it to him.”
From all the gossip floating around campus, it sounds like Colby will end up taking the NHL by storm. If people don’t know him because he plays professional hockey, they’ll recognize him from all the endorsement deals his agent secures for him.
In a couple years, Colby McNichols will be a household name. He’s too hot, talented, and charming not to be.
That combination is a magical trifecta.
We recognize half a dozen famous faces as we move through the crowded lobby before noticing Carina and Ford along with several others.
The blonde dancer waves as she spots us. Her gaze travels up and down my length. “Well, hello there, hot mama!”
I flash a smile. “Thanks. You’re looking pretty amazing yourself.”
She flips her high ponytail over one shoulder. “Thanks.”
Juliette and Ryder stroll through the lobby hand in hand, looking happy. In fact, she just might be glowing. We won’t go into any in-depth reasons for that. Both are dressed to kill. Ryder’s arm is wrapped possessively around his girlfriend. They’re the perfect match.
Maverick, Hayes, and Bridger trail after them. The three of them are laughing and jostling one another like kids. Heads swivel in their direction as they pass by. They’re good-looking guys. Tall, muscular, and handsome. Even if you didn’t know they were athletes, you’d suspect it from the easy way they move.
Ford glances around the group. “I think the only ones missing are the bride and groom.”
“I can just imagine what’s keeping them,” Hayes says with a laugh.
Bridger elbows him in the ribs, which only makes him chuckle harder. Even though Hayes seems chill and is always smiling, I get the feeling there’s more to him than meets the eye. Almost as if he puts on a façade for his friends.
Probably because I do the same.
Like recognizes like.
He’s just as good looking as the other guys with dirty blond hair that’s long on top and has a tendency to flop over his eyes.
“Here they are,” Maverick says. “Guess we’re ready to get this party started.”
“And where exactly are we doing that?” Bridger asks, raking a hand through his mahogany-colored hair.
I’m used to seeing him with a ballcap. This is probably the first time I’ve caught sight of him without one. Like everyone else at Western, I’ve read the mass messages that have been sent to both staff and students and understand that he’s trying to keep a low profile. It’s obvious that someone has an ax to grind with him.
