Page 61 of Breakaway Hearts

“About…”

“The party.”

“No one’s destroyed the place yet,” I assure her.

“Specifically Madison being at the party.”

“Why, does she have a crush on me?” I ask teasingly, but I’m also searching her face for a micro-expression that will reveal how much Madison has told her about me. Because she might have a rule against athletes, but I think she wants to break it as much as I want her to.

“Not even a little bit,” Tab states as if it doesn’t crush my soul a little. “But I think you like her.”

“She’s nice.”

“You like like her,” she emphasizes.

“She’s hot.”

“Ew!” She hits me on the arm with the back of her hand.

“You know where I stand, Tabby Cat.” She rolls her eyes, I’m assuming at the nickname, not my statement, but she’s waiting for more. “I enjoy her company. I think we could have fun, but I’m not…”

“Uh huh.” She in no way believes me. I’m not sure I do, either, but dating is something Madison said no to in no uncertain terms. She was, however, very into me before she knew I played hockey, so that’s what I’m working on.

Some of Tab’s sorority sisters show up, so I let Tab hang out with them while I deliver the ice and drinks where they belong. I make the rounds, stoked to see Sav out and mingling, make sure everyone’s good, that the rookies are behaving, and no one is too drunk.

“Drinking games, seriously?”

I don’t like the tone of disgust, but I smile when I recognize Madison’s voice.

“Not a fan?” I ask, making sure my smile comes off as cocky rather than revealing just how happy I am that she’s here.

“The last thing a college party needs is everyone too drunk to say no,” she says, eyeing me like I personally handed everyone their drinks. I guess I supplied the alcohol, but that’s not at all what’s going on.

“Game drinks are either watered down or non-alcoholic,” I tell her, then laugh when she looks at me with nothing but skepticism. “You can test me on it later,” I promise. “Our last captain’s girlfriend was pretty shy, and always felt out of place at parties, never really knowing what to say. The games were a way that she could be a part of it without feeling awkward. It’s a great ice breaker, you can play, you can watch…” I keep going, rambling, and wonder if this is how Ben felt the night I met Madison. “You can loudly criticize it in the hopes someone comes over to defend it…” The smile she tries to hide feels like the biggest fucking victory.

“I was actually hoping to ruthlessly judge you from a distance.”

“I’m sorry I ruined your plans.” This time the smile tugs at the corners of her lips before she turns from me to hide it.

“Did you want to play? We can do pop or juice if you prefer.” I probably sound like I’m teasing, but honestly, I think I’d rather keep my wits about me around this girl.

“I’m good,” she assures me. “Sorry for mocking your game.”

“It’s a valid concern. One we take seriously.” She looks skeptical again. “Can’t have party guests blackout drunk. They’re hell to clean up after.” She shakes her head at me, but seems to find that answer more plausible.

“So you water down drinks and screw your guests over?”

“Are you reproaching me for not getting them drunk now?”

“Just trying to figure you out.” It’s a throwaway line, but the way her eyes go wide after, like she’s said too much, tells me she means it. That I’m a mystery she wants to unravel.

“Can I get you something to drink?” I offer, noticing her cup is full of the spiked punch, but she eyes it like it’s poison.

“I’m good,” she assures me.

“Is Jason…”

“Over there.” She points to where he’s deep in conversation with Ben, but keeps glancing over to make sure Maddie’s okay, putting up a finger to say he’ll be back in a minute.