AllFreeNovel
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When we exit the lobby of my dorm, the cold air hits me, reminding me that the first day of October is just one step closer to winter coming in full swing. Thankfully, I’m a little more prepared today with my puffy black jacket zipped up over my workout clothes, keeping the chill out and the warmth in.
Eli jogs to his truck to grab his hockey gear before he returns to me, effortlessly sliding his large hand into mine, intertwining our fingers. This feels like a very couple-ly thing to do, walking hand in hand, but I love it. I feel safe and taken care of with him.
“So, can I come back over later?” Eli asks as we continue our walk towards the gym.
“I don’t think today is a good idea. I have that study session with Marc later, and I still have to write the paper you wouldn’t let me write last night.” I squeeze his hand in mine. As much as I want to see him later, I have to get my schoolwork done, and his beautiful body is too much of a distraction for me.
“Plus, you need to work on yours, too,” I remind him. “Did you decide what you’re going to write about?”
“Yeah, I have an idea.”
“Care to share?”
“Nope,” he says, trying to hold back his grin as I playfully roll my eyes at his secrecy.
“So, I’m not going to see you until class tomorrow?” he guilts me, trying to change my mind. But I stand firm, knowing I need to make sure I take care of myself first and don’t get caught up in spending all my time with him.
I look to him with an extreme pout on my face, sticking my bottom lip out as far as it’ll go. “Sorry.”
He laughs as he lifts my hand that’s laced with his, kissing the back of it before pecking my exposed bottom lip.
The ten-minute walk to the gym is over much too quickly as the building comes into view around the corner. I’m already sad about saying goodbye to Eli even though I know I’m going to see him again tomorrow.
As we approach the rec center entrance, Cam and Patrick walk up at the same time with giant equipment bags slung over their shoulders.
“What’s up, guys?” Cam asks enthusiastically. I’ve only met him twice, but he’s always so kind and lively. I like his vibe.
Eli instantly drops my hand and puts his in his jacket pocket. I look down at my empty palm then back to Eli, but he keeps his eyes ahead, focused on his teammates.
“Hey, Cali,” Patrick says as Eli stiffens next to me. Eli’s mouth is pressed in a hard line, and I can tell he’s trying to hold himself back.
“Hey,” I quietly respond, still confused by Eli’s urgency in releasing my hand from his.
“Where the hell were you last night, Maddison?” Cam asks, looking between Eli and me.
“I was busy,” he quickly says, keeping his eyes straight ahead, refusing to look at me.
“Mmm-hmm,” Patrick hums as he looks back and forth between us, obviously catching on. He licks his lips as his eyes rake down my body. “I missed you last night, Cali.”
“Let’s go, we’re going to be late,” Eli interrupts, ushering the guys towards the rink. “See you around, Logan,” he casually adds as he walks away.
“Bye, Cali,” Patrick says as he walks backward, facing me, with a flirtatious smirk across his lips.
I can see Eli’s shoulders straighten and stiffen from here.
What the fuck was that? All the security I gained from Eli in the last twenty-four hours just flew out the window. Is he embarrassed to be seen with me? Is that why he let go of me and acted like we were almost strangers? The pit in my stomach grows as I watch the boy I was falling for walk away in the distance, not even bothering to turn around.
I’m in a daze as I wander into the gym. Was it really just about the chase for him? There’s a buzzing in my head and my ears as I walk past the treadmills and head straight for the punching bags. Honestly, I wasn’t even going to box today because I didn’t have the need to work anything out on the bag. But now, all I want to do is wrap my hands as quickly as possible and work through the emptiness and embarrassment I’m feeling. I’m no stranger to feeling disappointed in life, but this one took me by surprise.
“Logan.” I hear my name emanating from the treadmills as I stroll by. I turn to find Ali walking at a high incline on the treadmill closest to the aisle with one of her earbuds pulled out from her ear.
“You okay?” she asks, clearly concerned by my disoriented expression and gaping mouth.
I can’t speak, so I just nod my head as I continue ahead to the punching bags directly in front of the cardio equipment. The gym is packed for a Sunday morning, but thankfully there is an unoccupied bag waiting for me. Pulling off my jacket, I toss it aside, leaving me in only my sports bra and leggings as I begin to frantically wrap my hands.
“Hey, Maddison!” a woman’s voice rings out.
I look up to find Eli rushing towards me, slipping past anyone who tries to get in his way.
