Chapter 22 #2
I don’t want to talk about this.
“For now. That’s hormones talking. Nothing else.”
Not for me. But that’s my problem.
“You’re a smart guy, Jett, so why’re you acting dumb?” Hudson replies.
“What the fuck, Hud?”
“Open your eyes, buddy. Ethan’s crazy about you.”
I scoff at that.
“And he better treat you right,” Hudson continues. “If not, me and him, we’ll have a problem.”
“I can take care of myself, but thanks.”
There’s a sudden blast of music followed by the announcer’s booming voice welcoming the crowd.
For the next half hour, I’m sitting on the edge of my seat, shouting, cheering, and clapping as loudly as I can.
The Cougars are up by one in the first period, thanks to a goal by Jace, but their opponents, Wisconsin College, are playing fast and hard.
By the end of the period, things are getting tense between the teams. Dane gets slammed into the boards, and while he looks rattled at first, he raises a hand and skates off the ice, all in one piece.
Axel nearly gets into a fight with the offender until Silas steps in to calm things down.
Wisconsin comes roaring back in the second, scoring twice. With the Cougars behind 2–1, the mood in the rink quiets to a dull buzz. I notice Kayden talking to Maddox after they pause for intermission. Ethan and Dane too.
Archie and Hudson head off to grab snacks, but I stay in my seat, scanning through the pics I’ve taken of the game. And yes, Ethan’s in every shot. Fuck, he’s something else. So passionate. It shows in every play, and every expression that crosses his gorgeous face.
I’m so busy looking at my phone that I don’t even notice that Archie’s already back, taking the seat beside me.
Until I look up and realize, it’s not him.
It’s Renner.
“What are you doing here?” I demand.
“Can’t I watch the game too?” Renner replies as he wraps his arm around the back of my seat.
I’m repelled by him and lean forward. I don’t want him to talk to me, never mind touch me.
“Since you hate sports, I find it kind of odd,” I snap. “Have you been at the game all this time?”
“I was sitting three rows behind you. You didn’t even notice me.”
That’s fucking creepy.
“We have nothing more to say to each other,” I hiss. “Go away.”
“No. I need to talk to you.”
“And I’ve told you over and over that I have nothing more to say. So, what? Now you’re following me around?”
“I figured it was the only way, since your guard dog is busy on the ice.”
“Don’t insult Ethan. And leave me alone.”
“You’re such an idiot, Jett, and you’re making an ass of yourself over Ethan.
I know you’ve been fucking around with him; I’ve watched you.
Hell, you guys are the hot gossip on campus, didn’t you know?
But guess what? He’s also been screwing other people.
The guy can’t keep his pants zipped. You think he’s into you? He’s into everyone.”
I don’t believe Renner, but a niggling doubt at the back of my mind flares to life.
After all, Ethan and I have made no promises to each other.
He’s free to do whatever and whoever he wants.
Then I remember that Ethan insisted we be exclusive.
He wouldn’t lie about that, and if he’d changed his mind, he’d have said something. He’s not shy.
“What Ethan and I are is none of your business,” I hiss.
Why can’t Renner leave me alone?
“If you don’t believe me, ask Hailey. She screwed him this week.
Her and Willow. Ethan likes threesomes, or didn’t you know?
” Renner laughs. “You’re an experiment to him.
He’s not actually going to come out for you.
He’s a hockey player for fuck’s sake. All the queers in that sport are in the closet. ”
“Not here at Sutton. Things are changing.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Is that all? Are you done now?” I scoff. “Go mess with someone else’s head.”
Renner snatches my forearm and grips it so tight that it hurts. I try to pull away, but he won’t let up, and I can’t risk hurting myself. Not when I have races to win this week.
“Ren, I swear to God, if you don’t let go in the next five seconds, I’ll fucking scream my head off.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“I said let go of me!” I roar.
Even though the crowd is thin because of intermission, those who remain in their seats turn to stare at us. Renner finally drops his hand and stands up. I rub my arm, hoping he didn’t leave a bruise.
“You’ll come crawling back to me when Ethan humiliates you.”
“I’d rather sit in a vat of snakes.”
“I’m right. You know I’m right,” Renner hisses. “Ethan’s not into guys or monogamy. He’s using you and you’re making a fucking fool of yourself.”
“The only fool here is you.”
“Renner, what the fuck are you doing here?”
I finally breathe a sigh of relief when I hear Hudson’s voice. My friends stand at the end of the row, their arms full of chips, chocolate, and soda. They’re both glaring daggers at Renner.
“Renner was leaving,” I reply, my voice surprisingly calm.
“This is not over, Jett. Do you hear me? It’s not over,” Renner adds before pushing past my friends.
“Are you okay?” Hudson asks as he and Archie take their seats.
I’m shaking, but I’m fine. I will be, if I never have to talk to Renner again.
“He was running his mouth. It’s alright.”
“He followed you here.” Archie shakes his head. “It’s not fine.”
“It’s a school event, I can’t stop him. He told me he was sitting three rows back until intermission. I never even noticed until you guys left and he ambushed me. I should’ve been paying attention.”
“We saw him grab you,” Hudson states. “That crosses a line.”
I push my shirt sleeve up and stare at the red marks on my forearm.
“If this keeps up, contact the school’s HR and go a step further and get a restraining order,” Hudson offers.
That’s Hudson’s law school training kicking in.
“I don’t think I need to go that far.”
“I’ll go with you. Say the word.”
“Thanks, but it’s not necessary.”
“What was Renner saying?” Archie asks.
“That Ethan’s using me and fucking other people behind my back.”
“Do you believe him?”
I glance at Archie and then stare at the ice.
“No. Ethan’s been honest about what this is, and if he’s changed his mind, he’d tell me. I’m under no illusions. And since Ethan and I have spent most days and nights together, Renner is full of shit.”
I hope. Self-doubt is a sneaky pain in the ass, and he’s trying to rear his ugly head again.
This time, I don’t want to let him win.