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“Sorry, I didn’t see you, Brantley.” I glance at the equipment bag slung over his shoulder. “Just finishing practice?”
“Sure am. And we’re going to be on fire this year.” He gives me a smug smile. “We’ve been training with a new forward who just transferred from the University of Washington—Matt Johnson. The guy is a machine—totally untouchable.”
I stiffen, my body vibrating with shock. Despite the common name, there probably aren’t that many Matt Johnsons who play college-level hockey. It has to be him.
But why is he here?
I glance at Sebastian, noting the angry set of his jaw as he eyes Brantley before sliding his gaze to mine.
“Cool,” I say with a tight smile, trying to mask the panic rising in my chest. “I’m just showing my brother around campus, so I’ll see you around.”
“Yeah, see you around, Charlie,” Brantley says with a coy wink, walking in the other direction.
Seb blows out a slow breath. “Did you know he was here?”
I shake my head. “I had no idea.” I can tell my overprotective brother is watching my reaction closely, and I put on my best show of nonchalance. “But who cares? He’s a hockey jock, so we probably won’t even run in the same circles.”
Seb looks dubious but lets it go. My phone buzzes, and I glance down, seeing a text from Fiona.
Fiona:
Party toniiiiiiight! I’m coming right now to convince your sorry ass to go.
I sigh.
“What is it?” Seb asks.
“My friend wants me to go with her to a party.”
“Oh, you should definitely go.” He pushes his shoulder into mine playfully.
“But aren’t you staying for dinner?”
“Actually, it’s fine,” he says, running his fingers through his hair. “I’d rather try to get into Seattle before rush-hour traffic snarls up I-5.”
The thought of a party has my anxiety spiking. I text Fiona back.
Hard pass.
Fiona
Nope. Unacceptable. See you in five.
I text her several angry emojis.
I have a visitor. Give me five minutes to say goodbye.
Fiona
What visitor?? Is it a he?!
I roll my eyes.
It’s my brother.
Fiona
I want to meet him!!
