Page 71 of Cheap Shot

“Would you do things differently if you’d known sooner?”

He shook his head quickly. “No, I still think he was out of line trying to dictate your life, but I get where he was coming from. If you were my sister”—I cringed and he chuckled—“I mean if something like that happened to my sister, I would do everything I could to make sure she was never hurt again.”

“Would you call her stupid or a disappointment?” I couldn’t hide my bitterness.

“Absolutely not. What happened wasn’t your fault, at your last school or at that AGN party. Both times someone took advantage of you. They did something illegal. They violated your rights and your body by putting something in your drink. They took away your agency and control. That’s completely and one hundred percent on them. Not you.”

I hadn’t realized how badly I needed to hear that until the words sunk in. “Thank you for believing that. Sometimes I can’t help but look for ways to blame myself. Like if I’d been more aware or tried harder to get away.” I shook my head, “But all that does is cause more pain.”

“Please don’t do that anymore. If you ever start to think like that, talk to me. I’ll remind you every single day if you need me to.” That was a promise. He would live up to that if I needed it.

“Okay.” I dropped my head back on his shoulder.

We stayed like that for several minutes until he jerked and pulled his phone from his pocket and groaned. “I forgot. I have a presentation I need to work on for my next class, so I’ve got to head over soon.” He paused. “As long as you’re okay. If you need me to stay with you, I can.”

I shook my head and stood. “No, I appreciate the offer though.”

He smiled and flinched. “Ah, that hurts.”

“Are you giving the presentation today?” I asked, eyeing his colorful bruise.

“Yeah, I was going to go over it with my partner a few times before the class starts.”

“Do you have a few minutes to come up to my room with me? I think you should try to cover that up.” I gently touched the skin on his cheekbone.

“It’s already that bad?”

I shrugged. “It’s not black or purple yet, but it’s definitely noticeable.” The angry red mark stood out on his tan skin.

“I could claim it was a hit or something during practice. Most people in my classes are used to me showing up a bit beaten up after games.”

I hated that truth. “Right. I forgot this was a normal look for you. I just didn’t want your professor thinking you got in a fight.” Even though it was the truth.

“Nah, it will be fine. Hockey players are supposed to be a little roughed up.” He winked and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on my lips before straightening. “Can I see you later?”

I nodded, unable to keep the grin the thought of more time with him off my face. “Yes, please.”

I watched him walk away before heading in the opposite direction back to my dorm. I’d been in the middle of writing an essay when he’d messaged, and I had to get it finished. Although, focusing on the meaning behind a boring nineteenth-century poem was going to be difficult with the memories of our kiss filling my thoughts.

“My, my. Someone looks happy.” The teasing voice behind me broke through my daydreaming.

Krystal caught up with me as I waited for the elevator and wagged her brows. “What’s going on?”

I didn’t bother trying to come up with an excuse. I was done hiding. Ethan knew Reid liked me, and as soon as I saw him, I’d tell him the feelings were mutual.

“Oh, nothing. Just experienced the best kiss of my life.”

Her eyes widened. “Excuse me? What? With who?”

She took my elbow and pulled me toward the stairway. “We don’t have time for this. We need to call an emergency meeting.”

Once I was following her without her tugging me along, she dropped her hand and pulled out her phone, and I had a feeling she was sending out a text to the rest of our friends.

By the time we reached our floor, the other three were in the hall practically bouncing with excitement.

“What’s the big news?” Ella looked back and forth between me and Krystal.

“Yeah, what’s going on? You’re not supposed to use nine-one-one unless something big is happening.” Cassie gave Krystal a pointed look.