Page 13 of Cheap Shot

That seemed to squelch any interest in me, but Ethan took it a step further. “She’s off-limits, just in case any thoughts about her dare to enter your mind. Although, I know how rare your thoughts are, so I’m not too concerned.”

The dozen of them burst into laughter, hooting and shoving the guy that asked.

Ethan hit him on the shoulder. “Seriously though, make sure the guys know to stay away.”

“Yeah, man,” one of the others called, and they headed off, calling their goodbyes to Ethan.

“Really?” I glared up at him when he faced me.

“What?” He grinned and wrapped his arm around my neck. “I’m just watching out for you.”

“I don’t need you to warn every guy away. I can do that on my own.”

“I know, but I’m just worried about you. After last year. . . I just don’t want anyone messing with you.”

Me either.

“I’ll make sure the guys on the team know to watch out for you too. You’ll have an army of brothers as backup.”

“Great,” I muttered and pulled away from him. I wanted to fly under the radar, not have his teammates babysitting me.

My transfer was a necessary move, and I had no choice but to accept that this was my home for the next three years, but that didn’t mean I had to include Ethan or this aspect of his life in mine. I didn’t want anything to do with hockey players or any athlete. I had enough experience with them, and I wasn’t going to make that same mistake again.

Last night had been a mindless mistake. I was too hyped up on being somewhere new and got caught up in the moment and Reid’s hypnotizing eyes. It wouldn’t happen again.

After we found my next class, another girl ran up to Ethan, and this time, I stayed back. It was exhausting talking with so many new people, and I wasn’t even the one having to deal with the attention. Once he shook off the girl clinging to his arm, he fell into step with me. “Sorry, it’s not usually this bad.”

I didn’t believe him, but after today, it wouldn’t be my problem to deal with since I planned on steering clear of him in public as much as possible. “It’s fine.”

“We didn’t really have a chance to talk over the summer. How are you doing?”

We didn’t talk because he hadn’t come home. He’d stayed and trained with some of the guys on the team. They hired a fancy coach that treated them like they were in hockey boot camp, according to Mom. I didn’t know for sure since Ethan never returned my calls. Fine, I only called him twice and sent one text, but still. I put forth some effort, and he gave none in return which was why this sudden change was confusing. Since when did he care?

“I’m okay.”

“Mom and Dad said therapy was working well for you.” He stared straight ahead as we went to my first class of my Tuesdays and Thursdays schedule.

This wasn’t something I really wanted to discuss out in the open where one of his groupies could spot us, but at least we could get it over with.

“Yeah, it’s helped a lot.” I stopped walking, and it took him a few steps to realize and turn around.

“What’s wrong?” He looked me over with brows pulled together.

“I don’t want another ambush, so let’s just do this here.” I crossed my arms, and he shifted closer.

“Do what?”

“The awkward conversation we never had, but need to do now that we’re going to be close”—I glanced around—“at least by proximity.”

A flash of hurt crossed his face. “Fine, you’re right. You never talked to me about what happened last year. You didn’t tell me what you went through after either. Everything I know came through Mom and Dad.” I opened my mouth, but he held up his hand and continued. “I know that’s partially on me. I’m sorry I never reached out to you. I didn’t know how. I didn’t know what to say to make it better. When Dad asked if I thought it would be a good idea for you to come here, I agreed, but only because I thought it was what you wanted. Then it was like I blinked, and you were already here. I should have called. I should have figured out something to say. I should have checked on you, and I should have made sure this was what you wanted before encouraging them.”

I dropped my gaze to the sidewalk. I never expected an admission like that from him. I assumed he simply didn’t care. That if something happened that didn’t directly affect him, he dismissed it. I never would have guessed he felt bad about how he ignored me. “It was the least terrible option they gave me.”

His mouth twisted into a knowing smile. “I know what you mean. Staying at home was never a serious option, I wouldn’t let them do that to you.”

“And thanks for apologizing.” We’d never been super close, but it felt like he was at least trying. Now. “I don’t think I would have talked to you if you had called me before I went home for the summer. I wasn’t ready to talk to anyone about it.”

His jaw rocked back and forth. “I’m so sorry, Haley.” He blew out a breath and pushed his hand over the top of his hair. “You’re the strongest person I know.”