Page 13 of Enemy Games

“Exactly. I know what I’m talking about when it comes to drama.”

I ignored them. I didn’t date. Not in the way that would lead to a long-term relationship or anything serious. It could just be fun. Casual. Being with a girl on the team just made sense. She wouldn’t think I was making excuses when I said I had to train again. She wouldn’t accuse me of lying or cheating when I didn’t answer all of her calls and texts within seconds.

It sounded pretty perfect. I just had to choose which one I wanted to test this theory with.

“Don’t forget Haley’s birthday dinner is this weekend.” Reid drew me out of my head.

“We know. You’ve told us every day for the last two weeks.” I rolled my eyes.

“I just don’t want anything to go wrong.” He glanced at Ethan. “Kennedy will be there, right?”

“Yeah, she texted me this morning, asking what she should wear. I told her to ask one of Haley’s friends.”

“Good. She still doesn't know, and I want to keep it that way.” Reid shot each of us a threatening look as if any of us would seek out Haley and tell her about the surprise party.

A burst of laughter drew my attention back to the hockey girls, and an idea struck. “Do you mind if I bring a date?”

Reid’s eyes widened. “Are you seeing someone?”

“No, he’s not. He’s going to use this as an excuse to ask out one of them.” Benjamin pointed across the room, then glared at me.

Reid laughed but quickly stopped when our captain turned to him. “Right, no bringing anyone from the women’s team.”

“Well, that’s rude. I didn’t realize you guys were so exclusive,” a voice said from behind me. I turned and grinned when I saw Karly, their captain, put her hands on her hips.

Reid cursed under his breath.

“That’s not what he meant.” Benjamin tried to recover the situation.

“I agree, Karly.” I shot her my most charming smile. “I wanted to invite you guys, but they––”

“You can come.” Reid cut me off. “All of you can. It’s my girlfriend’s surprise birthday party this Saturday night. It would be nice for you all to meet her.”

Ethan narrowed his eyes, and I almost laughed. Why would they want to meet his girlfriend?

Karly turned back to me. “You wanted to bring my team to his girlfriend's birthday party?”

I nodded. See, I was the nice one.

“That’s really weird.” She walked away from us, and about thirty seconds later, the guys doubled over in laughter.

“See, dude! It is weird,” Benjamin pointed out.

“Yeah, inviting their whole team is. Asking one on a date isn’t weird.”

Reid wiped at his eyes. “Well, there’s no way you can now.”

Yeah, unfortunately. “Thanks to you guys.”

“We just saved you. Trust me, you’ll thank us later,” Ethan said before pushing away from the table and standing. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“Don’t forget about the team meeting tonight,” Benjamin called after him.

“Do you know what it’s about?” Reid asked.

He shook his head. “No. Coach sounded annoyed but not angry.”

“That’s all we can ask for.” I smirked and grabbed my backpack before saying bye and heading to my next class.