Page 53 of Hot As Ice

Ten minutes later, I’m driving back toward campus. I texted Ryder before I left and he told me he’s at our usual hang. That’s good enough for me. I pull into the parking lot and hop out of my car, feeling a weird mix of emotions. Adrenaline is still shooting through me after our win, but I’m also agitated and on edge. I should be having mind-blowing sex with Stevie right now; instead I’m at a bar I’ve been to a million times, not at all interested with having some meaningless hookup. I shouldn’t have left the house.

Jesus, I’ve never been so indecisive in my life.

I spot Ryder and some other teammates at our usual booth. They’re surrounded by people. Ryder pushes some girl who’s sidled up next to him out and makes room for me. She gives me a disgruntled look then her eyes light up when she realizes who I am. I give her a little mock salute. That seems to mollify her and she giggles, leaning against the booth.

“Great game tonight, guys,” some guy I don’t recognize says. “You wiped the ice with them.”

“Thanks, bro.” That comes from Martinez, who’s got two girls draped over him, a beer bottle in his hand. His eyes are already glazed over, a satisfied smile on his lips. At least somebody’s happy. ‘Cause it ain’t me.

“You’re gonna go straight to the Frozen Four this season,” the fan says. “I can feel it.”

“Hey, don’t jinx it,” Sean Dickinson, one of our D-men, says. He’s one of the most superstitious players on the team. Maybe the most superstitious. He has a gold Cuban chain necklace he literally never takes off. Told me an ex-girlfriend gave it to him in high school and it’s given him good luck ever since. I have my own superstitions and rituals (we all do), but it’s nothing like some of the crazy shit he does. He wears the same pair of socks every game. I’m not sure they even qualify as socks at this point. Did I mention he never washes them? Yeah.

“I’m not jinxing it,” the guy replies, looking mildly terrified. “You guys are fucking killers.”

Sean grunts, and eventually the fan walks away after another “good game” comment. The waitress comes over and hands me a Coke without my having to ask, giving me a cheeky smile as she does so. Ryder clinks his beer against my glass. “To staying undefeated,” he whispers so Sean won’t hear. I grin and take a sip of my drink.

I don’t know how I spot her in the crowd. But it only takes a glimpse of her blonde hair for my senses to tingle. Yup, that’s Stevie all right. She’s not with her roommate Becca this time. It’s some other girl. They’re sharing a basket of fries and chatting, and Stevie won’t even look in my direction. A surge of anger slices through me. I’m pissed that she’s ignoring me, even though I’m ignoring her too.

I don’t even understand how it came to this point. Maybe we both simultaneously realized this thing we got going on was getting too intense. Or we’re both being stubborn idiots. I know I’m a stubborn idiot, but I really thought Stevie would’ve caved by now. It’s been four days since we’ve spoken, and she hasn’t reached out in any way. I’m not used to that. And when it comes to her, I don’t like it. At all.

I grab my phone, about to shoot her a message. Then put it back in my pocket again. I’m just glad Jamie’s not here. He would know exactly what I’m thinking. Ryder, though? He doesn’t give a shit about anybody’s personal problems. That suits me just fine tonight.

“Which chick you gonna take home tonight?” Ryder asks.

“Haven’t decided yet,” I say, pretending I’m even considering it. There’s only one person I want in my bed. “You?”

He shrugs. “Maybe that brunette in the shorts over there.” He nods toward a girl standing by the jukebox to our left, wearing the shortest denim shorts I’ve ever seen.

“Nice choice,” I say, willing myself not to look towards Stevie.

“She’s my sister’s friend.”

I look at him in surprise. “Jewel won’t like you messing with a friend of hers.”

“I don’t give a fuck,” he says, scowling. “I’m not letting my younger sister boss me around.”

“You know how she feels about you hooking up with her friends.”

Ryder rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”

“I’m just saying, man.”

“Then she needs to stop having so many hot friends.”

I snicker. “You’re fucking crazy.”

He leans forward in his seat, resting his forearms on the table. “Her name’s Kaia,” he says. “She’s a dancer and a DJ.”

I raise my eyebrows. “A DJ?”

Ryder nods, throwing a quick glance in Kaia’s direction. “I think I’m obsessed with her.”

I look at Kaia again. She has long black hair that reaches her waist, nice long legs, and a golden-brown complexion. She’s pressing buttons on the digital jukebox, oblivious to us talking about her.

“I see your dilemma,” I tell Ryder. “Why not just be upfront with Jewel that you’re interested in her friend?”

“I’m sure Jewel will be okay with that. Right after she bites my head off and uses it as a soccer ball.”