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“I usually just go by Rylan,” I say. “Team captain.”
Conor smirks. “Touché. You here to see your dad?”
I nod. “You here for extra practice?”
The team’s practice ended a couple of hours ago. I know the hockey team’s entire schedule now, thanks to Aidan. He sent me his so we could reschedule the study sessions we’ve missed lately. Sent me hisentireschedule. Classes, practices, games. Basically a map of his whereabouts, but I haven’t orchestrated bumping into him.
“Yeah,” Conor replies, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. “Can’t prepare too much before the next round. Or if you can, I am.”
I smile. “Well…good luck.” I’m nervous around Conor, and it’s not the awkwardness of him being one of my dad’s players or a really hot guy. He’s Aidan’s best friend.
“Thanks,” he says.
I smile again before continuing toward the doors.
“Rylan.”
I still with surprise, then turn back around.
“I just wanted to say thanks.”
My forehead wrinkles. “For what?”
“For tutoring Phillips. Knowing him, it probably hasn’t been the easiest job in the world. He loves to fuck around and to stir shit up, but he’s one of the best guys I’ve ever met. I don’t want to win a championship without him, and you’re why he’s still on the team. So, thanks. I’ve walked in on Aidan actually studying at least a dozen times this week.”
“That’s all him,” I say, almost defensively.
It’s nice of Conor to credit me, but I’m a terrible tutor. I haven’t responded to Aidan’s email with his schedule because I know the conviction about staying away from him will disappear as soon as we meet. When I woke up on Wednesday morning, well-rested and clear-headed, all the uncertainty his presence chased away reappeared.
I couldn’t think past pleasure when he was in my bed. When he was touching me.
But since then, all I’ve done is second-guess what happened. And it’s not just the complications that Aidan is on the hockey team or the guy that I’m tutoring. Hooking up with Aidan didn’t just happen because I’m insanely attracted to him.
I like him.
He’s not just the confident, gorgeous guy I encountered in the woods. Or just the carefree, popular player who sauntered into the library for our first tutoring session.
He’s considerate and funny and intriguing.
All good things.
Toogood.
I’m not concerned about his connection to my dad or the dubious ethics of hooking up with my tutee, even if Conor’s praise makes me feel way worse about how I’ve handled that.
I’m worried Aidan is going to break my heart. I’ve spent way too long staring at hisThey’re not youtext, and those are just words on a screen.
“If you say so,” Conor says. “See ya ’round, Rylan.”
“Bye, Conor,” I reply, watching him head toward the lot.
He’s wearing the same Holt Hockey jacket Aidan often wears. Aidan’s hair is a lighter shade of brown, but he and Conor are about the same build.
It’s easy to imagine that’s Aidan walking away from me.
Which is exactly what he will do, at some point. Either because I give in and he gets bored or because I don’t give in and he gets bored.
I need to be prepared for that outcome either way.
