Line Change, page 18
She turns her head toward me slowly. I can’t tell if she’s mean, glaring, or shocked I’m speaking to her. Her expression says nothing. “Can I take a picture of your notes after class?”
“It’ll cost you,” she says.
Great, money I don’t have. “How much?”
“An invite to your next party at the hockey house.”
Easy. “We don’t send invites. People just show up. You’re welcome anytime.”
She studies me for a minute. “Not good enough, then. I want to go on a date. With you.”
“Uh, I don’t date.”
“You do if you want my notes.”
The professor dismisses our class before I form a rebuttal or ask the guy next to me to copy his. However, this girl isn’t taking no for an answer and sets a piece of paper down in front of me. The writing is girly, done in pink ink, with hearts around her phone number. When did she have time to get this creative?
“Dude, did you take notes?” the guy next to me asks.
I look from him to my very blank page of paper and then back at him. “I did. Do you want them?” I rip the paper from the notebook and hand it to him. I’m up and out of my seat before he can say anything to me.
I see Jude in the hall, coming toward me. “Hey, we’re gonna be late.”
“For what?”
“We have a Blue Line luncheon today.”
Shit. I fall in step next to Jude. It’s unlike me to forget about events where the hockey team has to make an appearance. “Did Coach remind us this morning?”
“Yes,” Jude says.
Double shit. I rub my hand over my face to clear the cobwebs. As much as it’s going to pain me to have this conversation with Thea, it has to happen sooner rather than later. I can’t afford to mess up.
Jude and I make our way to the fieldhouse. Inside there are tables lined up for us to sit and eat. We find our table, which donors of the Blue Line Club surround. Most people are former hockey players, a hockey player's family, or people from the community who love supporting athletes. However, you get the occasional man who never made it as a player, which is a way of staying relevant. Anytime the Club sponsors an event, we must attend or at least make an appearance.
We shake hands and shoot the shit with the folks from the Club, and then we sit down at our table. I can’t believe I forgot about this. I text Thea, letting her know I can’t join her for lunch, and she tells me no problem. I think it’s a problem because I want to see her.
The rest of the guys and the girls' team show up, and the place gets loud. The members of the Blue Line Club tell us the same stories we’ve heard before. Yet, we sit and listen, ask questions, and make everyone happy because they donate a crap-ton of money to the program.
Between eating and listening to the old-timer sitting across from me, the chair next to me moves. I smell her perfume before I lay my eyes on her. Thea’s hand rests on my leg, and without thinking, I push my leg toward hers. Then, when there’s a break in the conversation, I glance toward her.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’ve been out in the lobby, hanging out. I saw Jude leave, so I thought I’d come in and say hi.”
“Hi,” I say to her quietly. I want to kiss her but know it can never happen.
“Hi,” she says back.
We sit like this for a few minutes, with her watching as I finish my conversation. When it’s over, Thea and I excuse ourselves and head toward the door. I step away from her when I see Jude, and she continues to walk by and heads for the bathroom. I think we’re in the clear, but Jude stops and eyes us both. Fuck.
“Hey, can I talk to you?” I motion toward a conference room which athletes can use to study. He nods and follows me.
As soon as he closes the door, he asks, “What’s going on with you and my sister?”
“I like her,” I say, cutting to the chase. “I like her a lot, actually. But, if you tell me to stay away, I will.”
Jude stands there, appraising me. The silence is almost too much to take. He comes closer. Chest to chest. He’s fuming. “How long have you been screwing her?”
“We’re not having sex, Jude. She’s not some fling or someone I’m going to toss out in the morning. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”
“You’re my best friend, Ky. But your life—”
“It’s messy. I know. And she knows. Thea knows everything. I’m not keeping secrets from her.”
“What about the chick you hooked-up with over Thanksgiving break?”
I shake my head. “There was no hook-up. She brought me home because I was too drunk to drive. We didn’t do anything. Not even kiss. And Thea knows this.”
“Mhm . . .”
“I swear to you, Jude. What I feel for Thea, I have never felt before. But if you tell me to stay away from her, I will.”
He nods and steps away. “If you hurt my sister, I won’t hesitate to beat the shit out of you. Best friend or not.”
“If I hurt her, I’ll stand there and take the beating.”
“Just . . .” Jude pauses and then looks at me. He grimaces. “I don’t want to hear you having sex.”
I chuckle. “No worries there.”
twenty-three
Thea
It’s Saturday morning, and as is a tradition in our house, I’m in the kitchen preparing breakfast. It’s rare to have all of us around for breakfast at the same time, but the waffle mixture keeps well in the fridge, any one of them will be able to quickly prepare some scrambled eggs and bacon and put the mixture in the waffle iron Nolan gave me at Christmas. While beating together the eggs, flour, and milk, I sense him walking into the room, and his arms slip around my waist with ease as he leans down and gently kisses my neck.
“Hey.”
It’s funny how one simple word can affect every part of your body, but this is exactly what happens when Kyler greets me. The deep timbre of his voice simultaneously turns my insides to liquid fire and caresses every goosebump on my skin. What used to be the odd flutter has turned into a kaleidoscope of butterflies taking flight in my stomach. There’s a combination of nervousness and exhilaration when I’m near him. I am literally the walking cliché of a giddy teenager with a crush on their favorite pop or film star, and I’m not remotely embarrassed about it because thinking about Kyler twenty-four hours a day has become my new favorite pastime.
I return his greeting by pushing back against him and instantly feel how hard he is for me. We’ve been ships passing in the night for the past couple of days, with Kyler having hockey practice and working at the bar, and the withdrawal symptoms I’ve been experiencing have been ridiculous. I literally yearn for him when I’m not with him. Of course, it doesn’t help that we’re in this weird dating-not-dating scenario. We make out, and we hook-up, and it’s hot as fuck, but we’ve yet to have sex, and it’s driving me crazy. I know we’ve agreed to take it slow, but if we don’t take the next step soon, I’m going to combust spontaneously.
Leaving the bowl where it is, I turn around to steal a kiss because being this close in proximity and not kissing him should be a punishable offense. Is there such a thing as death by hotness? If not, there should be because when I finally look at Kyler, I feel like my heart is about to explode out of my chest. It doesn’t matter what he’s wearing; he just looks so damn good. Kyler dressed all in black when he’s working a shift at the bar—incredible. Kyler dressed in his hockey uniform—hot as fuck. But Kyler dressed as he is now, in gray sweatpants and a white short-sleeved tee—freaking sensational. He’s got that just woken up look going on, with his hair all mussed up, and honestly . . . I just want to jump his bones, right here, right now. God, what has happened to me? It’s like I’ve turned into this sex-starved vixen overnight. I can’t say I’m complaining.
“Hey, yourself.”
“Missed you,” he whispers against my lips. I return the sentiment by granting him entry, and his tongue instantly tangles with mine. What starts as a PG morning kiss soon turns into something far more R-rated. If we were alone, I’ve no doubt the batter would be on the floor right now, and I’d be sitting on the worktop in its place. That’s what it’s like with us. A small innocent peck on the cheek escalates at break-neck speed into something more because we want to make the most of our stolen moments together. Not going to lie, being on the down-low sucks.
Two short but loud claps sound, and we break apart suddenly. Being caught in a compromising position is not high on our to-do lists at the moment, and Kyler moves to the far end of the breakfast bar just as Nolan and Devon walk into the kitchen.
“House meeting!” Nolan announces loudly as Jude joins us. I notice my brother barely glances at either Kyler or me as he takes his seat at the table.
“Since when do we have house meetings this early in the morning?” I ask as I pick up the mixing bowl and whisk and start remixing the batter.
“Since we have very important matters to discuss,” Nolan replies, “and with that, this meeting is in session.”
“This is not a court hearing, dumbass!” Devon laughs and is met with Nolan’s glare.
“As I was saying . . .” Nolan pauses to clear his throat. “Kyler Anthony Rose—”
“Dude, what the fuck? That’s not even my middle name.”
“Can I please get through my speech without you idiots interrupting me?”
Jude and Devon laugh quietly into their hands, and I narrow my eyes at both of them because it dawns on me they’ve planned this house meeting together.
“Again, as I was saying, Kyler, what are your intentions with Thea?”
My jaw drops to the floor because what the heck? Judging by the look on Ky’s face, I’m not the only one taken by surprise, but then I notice the glance he and Jude exchange, and it’s clear something has happened between them that I’m not aware of.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Kyler answers carefully.
“Oh please, don’t think we haven’t noticed the two of you sneaking in smooching sessions when you think we’re not looking—”
“Did you seriously just say ‘smooching’?” Devon interrupts again, earning himself another glare from Nolan.
“All I’m saying is, I do not need to see a replay of what I saw in the laundry room last week.”
“Oh, Jesus,” my brother mutters under his breath, clearly uncomfortable by this conversation. I’m not surprised. If Nolan is referring to what I think he’s referring to, then he would have gotten eyeful in the laundry room and witnessed Kyler’s hand working its magic and making me come nine-ways to heaven while I was sitting on the washing machine and hand-fucking him shamelessly.
Running his hand through his hair, I can see Kyler is feeling both nervous and uneasy by this conversation and struggles to develop a response as he tries to explain the situation. But I’m tired of hiding, so I answer for him.
“I didn’t take you as someone who was into voyeurism, Nolan,” I tell him with a smirk, “but, if you’re asking if Kyler and I are seeing each other, then the answer is yes. We are.”
“I knew it!” Devon exclaims, slamming his hand on the counter. “Pay up, Noles. I called it ages ago.”
“Hey, why didn’t I get in on this wager?” Jude pipes up.
“Duh, because she’s your sister. Do you think we’d want you weighing in on this? Listen,” Devon says, turning to us, “Personally, I like the two of you together. Cute couple, you know? But, Kyler, Thea’s the best roommate we’ve ever had—”
“Hey!” the others protest indignantly, but Devon holds his hand up to silence them and continues.
“—and swear to God, if you fuck this up, then you’ll have not only Jude but me and Nolan to deal with.”
“Oh my God, are you kidding me?” I burst out laughing, “Are you seriously giving Kyler ‘The Talk’?” Looking over at Ky, I can see his hand is gripping the back of his neck as he looks at the floor, a small smile on his face. But I can tell by the redness on the tips of his ears he’s finding this conversation hard to deal with.
“We’re giving both of you the talk,” Nolan tells us, “because we love you guys, and you’re good together. And I gotta say, it’s a damn relief to have this in the open because you both suck at sneaking around.”
“Thanks, it means a lot, guys,” Kyler says, but he’s looking at me as he does so, the smile on his face growing bigger as he continues. It’s clear his next words are directed at me. “Because I really like us two together. And I’m not going to hurt you, I swear.”
“I really like us together too,” I repeat his words as I walk over to him and reach up to kiss him.
“Aw, I can’t deal with the cuteness,” Nolan swoons beside us, and we both laugh. “But Thea, you should know, you’re gonna have to endure the wrath of Millie because she is pissed she didn’t know about the two of you.”
Ah, crap. I knew I’d have to face Millie sooner rather than later. I guess I’ll need to find my big girl’s pants and soon.
“Are we done here?” Jude asks. “Because I need a run. And I evidently need to buy some earplugs.” Everyone laughs which causes my brother to flip us off as he leaves the kitchen. I quickly run after him because even though the house meeting turned out to be light-hearted, I still need to check whether he’s okay with Kyler and me being together.
“Jude, wait up!” I call out after him.
“Yeah?”
“You sure you’re okay with this? Me and Kyler?”
Jude pauses. “Are you happy?”
“Yes. I am,” I reassure him.
“And he treats you good?”
“He does.”
“Then that’s all that matters, T. I want you to be happy, and if you are, then I’m happy too.”
Jude leans in and gives me a hug which I return. Relief washes over me not only because I have his approval but also because Kyler and I no longer have to sneak around. Jude lets go and is about to open the front door when it bursts open, and we turn to find Millie standing there, with her hands on her hips, one foot tapping the floor vigorously.
“Thea Annabel Jenson, have you been holding out on me?”
“Good luck!” Jude whispers as he passes Millie, leaving me to deal with her.
A few hours later, I’m lying in my bed, trying to get a head start on my homework in preparation for Monday’s class. It turns out Millie was equally as happy as the others were about mine and Kyler’s relationship status and was just putting on an act by pretending she was annoyed. Apparently, the four of them concocted this morning’s little charade together, but as Millie so eloquently told me, the consensus is, thank fuck they don’t have to put up with the sexual tension between us anymore. I happen to agree with them. It may feel like a small thing but having my closest friends and my brother’s approval means the world to me. Of course, it also means we no longer have to sneak around, because apparently, we weren’t doing a very good job of it, by all accounts.
A soft knock sounds on the door, and I look up just as Kyler walks in, still wearing his sexy-as-fuck sweatpants. He lies down beside me, and I close my textbook and turn on my side to face him.
“You and Millie okay?” he asks, picking up a lock of my hair and playing with it. The leather band I gave him at Christmas is tied around his wrist. He admitted a few days ago he doesn’t take it off and it’s the most meaningful gift he’s ever received which, in turn, made my heart bloom.
“Yeah, we’re good. She’s happy for us.”
“I’m happy for us too. They took it pretty well, huh?”
“Honestly? I’m surprised at Jude’s reaction. I’d have thought he’d have more to say.” Kyler sits up a little, and I guess he knows more than he’s letting on.
“Oh, trust me, Jude and I had a separate talk. Don’t be mad at him, Thea. He has every right to be worried. But we said what we had to say, and it’s all good.”
“Am I allowed to know what he said?” I ask, curiosity taking over.
“All you need to know is we have his blessing. And it means a lot to me.”
“Me too.” I lean over and kiss Ky, and as is the way with us, it quickly escalates to something a lot deeper. Before long, we’re entwined with each other and breathless from our kissing marathon.
“So, I was thinking,” Kyler says, his hand running up and down my side, gently tickling me. I don’t mind, though, because having his attention solely on me is the best feeling in the world. “How would you feel about coming with me to see Lacey tomorrow?”
I sit up quickly, turning to look at him.
“Seriously? You want me to meet your niece?”
“Yeah. I do. You’re both important to me, and I’d really like it if you met her.”
“Ky . . . I’d be honored. Thank you.” If I thought my heart was full before, it’s positively overflowing now. Meeting Lacey is huge, and for Kyler to suggest it means he’s serious about us, which is just as well because I know for a fact I’m falling for him.
I arrive at the Boardwalk a few minutes early. I offered to go with Kyler to pick up Lacey, but he said it would be easier if he went by himself, and I didn’t push him as I know the subject of his family is a sensitive one. Even though he’s been opening up and has become more relaxed since we’ve been together, I’m still somewhat surprised he suggested I join him on his “Lacey date,” as he calls it. He’s not exactly an open book about family matters, and I know introducing me to her is a huge step. I only hope she likes me. Kids can be very upfront and don’t have a filter, and I know if I’m not up to par, Lacey will almost definitely make it known. So, I admit to being nervous. She’s the most important person in Kyler’s life. If she decides she doesn’t like me, I’m screwed.
Gianni’s Gelato sits in the middle of the Boardwalk and is in a prime location for tourists and locals. According to Millie, it’s the best ice cream parlor in town due to its range of flavors and topping combinations being hard to beat. Kyler, however, said it’s overrated and overpriced, and there are better ones elsewhere. But Gianni’s is his niece’s favorite, which is why we’re meeting here. Luckily, it’s fairly empty inside, given its winter and not tourist season, so I pick a table near the window and sit and wait. Ten minutes turn into twenty, and I begin to think he’s changed his mind when the door bursts open, and Kyler appears holding the hand of his tiny mini-me. He spots me immediately, and they make their way over to where I’m sitting. Lacey is excitedly reeling off all the flavors of ice cream she plans on eating today, and I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
