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My hockey star continued his bland stare.
Laughing, Thatcher pulled me into the crook of his arm, disconnecting my hand from Rhys’. “Go. Have fun. Bond with potential teammates. And we’ll be in the stands cheering you on.”
“I’ll see you all in a bit,” Rhys said as he shook his head and went into the locker room.
Dressed in an oversized sweatshirt, black jeggings, and a pastel beanie, I was still cold as we sat down. But maybe it was my nerves for Rhys as he got ready to practice with the team.
There were only a handful of people in the stands. Probably friends or girlfriends from the look of it. Everyone was college age, and most had a textbook or laptop in their laps.
“Sit up close?” Thatcher glanced over his shoulder as he led me down toward the glass.
“Yes, please.” I tugged my sweatshirt up my neck.
Before long, the team was skating out, and Rhys was smack in the middle. It was crazy to see him practicing with these guys. Not that his team back home wasn’t talented, but when he was stacked against college athletes, it just seemed like a whole other level.
“He’s really good,” Thatcher said quietly as he wound his arm around my back.
Even trying to be cautious, Rhys had no problem keeping up with the team. His movements were effortless. His aim impeccable. He was born to be on the ice, and it was never clearer than seeing him right now.
My sad heart twinged in my chest.
I wanted good things for Rhys, happy things. No, I wantedeverythingfor him. Like all the guys, he deserved to find happiness and to reach his potential despite everything and everyone that seemed to be working against us.
Regardless of my brittle hopes for him, I couldn't help feeling a little down. This was his dream school. It was the best hockey program, according to Rhys. But if he came here, there was a very real possibility that he would be coming alone.
Out of state tuition was too much for me and completely out of the question for Jonah. Thatcher would want to stay close to Trinity. Beck was the only one who could make the move without anything holding him back, but I doubted he would leave Jonah. Or me, if I was honest with myself.
“Yeah, he really is,” I whispered and gripped Thatcher’s free hand with both of mine.
We didn’t talk the rest of the practice. When Rhys found us out in the lobby, he was nearly glowing with left over adrenaline.
He didn’t get a word out before a few of the players came up to him, offering back slaps, fist bumps and handshakes.
“You were awesome. I hope you’ll pick our school.”
“Damn, dude. I wish I’d had players like you on the team when I was in high school.”
“Coach loves you. There’s not a lot we can negotiate with, but I bet if you named your price to the coach, he’d bend over backwards to get it for you.”
Typical Rhys, he handled all the attention with the ease of someone who grew up in the spotlight. A few thirsty girls hovered on the edges by the glass doors shooting ravenous looks his way, and he completely ignored them.
It shouldn’t have felt so good to know other girls were a non-issue, but the warmth unfurling in my chest was building with every second he paid them no attention.
He must have seen them though, because he pulled me into his side and pressed a soft kiss to the top of my head. Then he started introducing me to the team. Thatcher too, although he didn’t share the inner workings of our relationship.
We didn’t leave the rink for another fifteen minutes with all the players that wanted to come and chat with him.
Corey waited at the curb with the team car, ready to chauffeur us around. This time, Thatcher took the front seat so Rhys could pile into the back with me. I was great with that. Suddenly, I needed that bit of extra closeness with my hockey star.
Corey wasn’t as pleased, but Rhys ignored his questioning looks and asked him to drop us off downtown. He squeezed my hand as Corey jumped into all the great things about the University of Michigan.
When Rhys glanced at me, I quickly rearranged my face into a pleasant smile. I was shit at hiding my emotions though, and he must have seen some of my worry written all over me.
“What’s wrong?” he mouthed.
I shook my head and smiled a little wider. It didn’t have the effect I wanted because he narrowed his gaze on my lips.
Whatever. I wasn’t about to ruin this for him. If this was what he wanted, we’d make it work. We’d meet on the weekends, over breaks, and spend summers together. Eventually, we’d all be able to be in the same place, and our relationship was strong enough to withstand the distance.
