Page 64 of Breakaway Hearts

“Nah, Hargraves showed up.”

“And told you to fuck off?”

“And she turned back into a pumpkin.”

“But she was into you?” He seems surprised by this fact.

“She’s always been into me,” I say exasperatedly. “She just needs to let herself.”

“Good luck with that, man.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Madison

I need to get laid

Ihave three textbooks open in front of me, trying to make sense of the class my advisor says will best prepare me for law school and being a lawyer, but I’ve been at it for hours. I’m about to call it a day and get food when someone places a blue thermos in front of me.

I’m not the least bit surprised when Owen takes a seat.

“What’s that?” I ask, but he’s already opening it, and the smell is amazing.

“Chicken noodle soup. My mom’s recipe, which is probably spicier than you’d want on a normal day, but perfect to clear up a sore throat, runny nose, or whatever you’ve got going on.”

His smile is warm, kind even, but he must know I lied about feeling under the weather last night so I wouldn’t have to eat with the team at Slapshots. I needed some distance after the party.

“You can keep it,” I say, harsher than I intended, but he’s either making me feel bad on purpose, or he’s that clueless and sweet, which also makes me feel bad, and I don’t like it. I don’t owe him anything, but that crushed yet understanding look on his face…

“I’ll close it up and you can have it later,” he assures me. “I only know how to make enough for like eight people, so we have more than enough at home. This one’s for you.”

“You didn’t really…” I nod to the thermos.

“Make it myself? I wouldn’t pretend if I hadn’t,” he promises. “Make it just for you in the hopes you’d warm up to me…” He takes a tight breath, like he’s deciding how honest he should be. “You might have been the inspiration behind the dish, but it was also my turn to cook, so…”

“You guys have a chore chart?” I keep my face straight, but that sounds like the cutest thing ever.

“We hide it in the pantry when there’s a party.” I think he’s pulling my leg, but I have to remind myself not to smile.

“Gold stars?” I ask.

“And temporary tattoos if we go a whole week without accidents.”

This time I do laugh. “What?” I ask

“Sorry, nieces and nephews. Stickers and tattoos are the best way to bribe them.”

“What about hockey players?”

He looks at me and takes a breath, biting down on his bottom lip like he wishes it were mine, and I see I’ve made a grave mistake, but Owen ignores all the innuendos he could make.

“Alvarez and I would take real ones, if you’re offering.”

“I’m not,” I say, but I want to ask about the tattoos. David has some on his arms, and possibly his chest, but I’ve never noticed any on Owen.

“One so far,” he tells me anyway. “Maybe I’ll show it to you someday.”

“I’m good,” I say tightly. “I was actually trying to study,” I tell him…and remind myself.