Chapter 10
Ten
Two Weeks Later
“Looking good out there, Captain,” Coach Moore says when I approach the box for some water.
“Thanks, Coach.”
“I’d like you to run a two-on-two rush with the guys. Think that’s a good way to end it. We’ve got some new defensemen on the roster, and I don’t think they’ve seen speed like yours yet.”
“You got it.” I smirk, loving the fact that Coach just gave me the approval to fuck with the newbies. I bang on the boards, grabbing the team's attention, put my glove back on, and head to the center.
“Alright, guys, we’re going to run two on two rushes. Me and Cash will be on this side, and Charles and O’Neil will be on that side. Who’s up first?” I ask, looking at the freshmen and the sophomores. Eager for them to take the initiative.
One hand in the back of the huddle raises.
“Jefferies, you wanna go first?”
He skates forward and joins me and Cash. But not before asking a question of his own. “Cap, how’d you earn the name Beauty? I know I'm new and all, but...”
“Because of how pretty he is,” our goalie Hendrix chimes in, and several low chuckles erupt.
“Fuck off,” I bite back, even though I have fully embraced the nickname.
“Uhm,” Jefferies says, still clearly confused.
“Mav is one of the best players I know, on and off the ice. He’s been the Captain of this team for two years now. In my eyes, he earned that name on day one,” Hendrix decides to clarify for him.
We all stand there for another moment, waiting for another volunteer. That is, until Cash loses his patience and snaps, “We don't have all day, fuckers. Who's up?”
Several hesitant hands rise, and Cash divvies up the team to each side. Sending Jefferies and another freshman to our line first.
Cash skates over my way once the defensemen are in position. “How easy are we going to take it on them, Cap?” he asks, and I can see the mischievous glimmer in his eyes.
“Coach said he doesn’t think they’ve faced speed like ours before,” I reply with a smirk.
He waggles his eyebrows and skates away.
I start off slowly, trying to see where my opening is.
As soon as I spot it, I take off. Jeffries is quicker than I anticipated, but I have enough time to send the puck across the ice, forcing Walton to change direction and head toward Cash, who’s gunning for the net.
The maneuver creates just enough confusion between the two of them that I’m able to slide up behind the backside of the net.
Cash passes it to me, and I easily tap it into the goal.
We run the drill two more times before we call it quits, and the four of us circle back to the center, switching out our defensemen.
“We didn’t stand a chance,” Jefferies says, shaking his head.
“No shit,” a disgruntled Walton grumbles.
Cash skates between them and playfully pats their shoulders. “Ah, don’t worry, boys. There’s always next time.”
“Yeah, right,” Walton huffs as they skate off.
I wave on two more to join us, and we continue the drills until we’ve run through the whole line. We even had a few try to face us again, which definitely brought a smile to my face. Glad to see some of the newbies have the tenacity needed to make my approved list.
We hit the locker room after we wrap up. “Great job out there, guys. Enjoy the rest of this fine Friday,” I say while opening my locker to grab my body wash.
Before heading to the showers, I check my phone and see three notifications from Peyton.
Peyton
Why am I so nervous about Monday’s presentation… are you?
Peyton
Well, that’s a silly question, of course you're not. You're you!
Peyton
Ugh, ignore me. Please and thank you.
I chuckle, picturing her while she texted me. A cute blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Me
You okay? Sorry, I was in practice.
Peyton
Was having a mini freak out. I’m really nervous about Monday for some reason. Didn’t mean to bother you…
Me
No bother whatsoever. How about I come over, and we run through it again? I know you got this, but I could use another practice round too.
Peyton
Are you sure? If you had plans, you totally don’t have to.
I peek at the clock and realize it’s almost dinnertime.
Me
My plans now involve you and a pizza. Any topping preference?
Peyton
Ooo pizza! How’d you know that’s my comfort food?
Me
I pay attention! Also, I'm thinking pepperoni…
Peyton
Perfect.
Me
Alright, see you in 30.
Peyton
See you soon. Thanks again Mav!
I place an online order at my favorite pizza place.
It’s just outside Mountain Ridge, but it’s hands down the best one around.
Rumor has it that the owner moved here from New York and gets the restaurant's water delivered from there. Whatever he’s doing, he’s doing it right, because I’ve converted everyone I’ve ever brought to Rocco’s pizza.
After a quick shower, I wave goodbye to the guys. Hopping into my Tahoe, I head home to pick up my notes, then run to get our dinner. Halfway to Peyton’s apartment, I realize I haven’t stopped smiling, and deep down, I know it’s because I get to spend the rest of my Friday evening with her.
Peyton
Mav
Pizza’s here
Shit, he’s here already! I glance around my place, hoping like hell I cleaned up enough that he won’t think I'm a total disaster.
Me
Be down in a sec.
I stop by the mirror near my main door and quickly fix my hair.
Oh, who am I kidding? I’m still a mess. It was between cleaning up my place or fixing myself up, and the apartment clearly won.
Anxiousness runs through me. This is the first time we’ve ever hung out in private.
Granted, we're doing school-related things, but usually we're on campus or surrounded by other people, never truly alone with one another.
That thought has me doing one final mirror check. My hair is in a crazy bun, and I’m rocking my thick-ass glasses that no one ever sees me in. Thankfully, I did have enough time to change out of my dirty sweats and into a pair of black leggings and my favorite MRU sweatshirt.
Releasing a long breath, I head down the stairs to let him in. When I open the door, I’m awestruck. It’s like a ray of light was illuminating the gorgeousness that is Maverick Leblanc. Highlighting his perfect jawline and lips, which slowly curve into his signature knowing smirk.
“Hi to you too,” he says with a chuckle, and the scent of cinnamon swirls between us.
I tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “Heyyy,” I say before motioning for him to come inside.
He follows me up the stairs to my apartment, and I swear I feel his eyes on my ass the whole way. I let my imagination run wild with what I think may be a spark of more than just friendship between us.
Once we’re inside, Mav finds the kitchen easily enough, placing the pizza on the counter and grabbing one of the plates I left out.
“I'm sorry, I'm starving,” he says before taking a huge bite.
I laugh. “Don’t be sorry. I know you’re usually hungry after your practices.”
Jutting his chin, he indicates for me to dig in along with him, and I oblige.
When I reach for the box, I immediately spot the Rocco’s logo and look up at him. There’s no way he knew this was my favorite pizza place. Not many people care to venture outside of Mountain Ridge for pizza, considering there are two decent places right here in town.
“You went to Rocco’s?”
“Hell yeah, best spot. You know of it?” he asks as he takes another bite.
“It's only the best place around. You know, I heard he imports his water—” I start, but Mav finishes my train of thought.
“From New York.”
“Whether that’s true or not, the place is legit. You got good taste.” He smiles, and my stomach does one of those girly-flippy things. Damn you, traitorous emotions.
Grabbing a slice, I head toward my couch, and Mav joins me.
“Thanks again for coming tonight. I really don’t know what came over me.”
“No need to thank me. I'm glad I was able to. Like I said, I could use another practice run anyway. I was going to FaceTime my Papaw and Gigi this weekend to run it by them, but coming here sounded like a better idea.”
I smile at the thought of him practicing his broadcasting final with his grandparents. It’s so damn cute. Even though I’ve only recently gotten to know Maverick more, I’ve learned that his family means everything to him.
I wish more than anything that I had that too.
“Hey, where’d you go?” he asks, gently lifting my chin, clearly detecting the shift in my mood.
“I'm sorry. Got in my head there. I was practicing in the mirror earlier and felt like a complete fool. Hence my panic texts.”
“No worries, glad I'm here to help.”
“Wish everyone had that mentality,” I huff out before I realize what I'm admitting.
His eyebrow quirks, and he waits for me to elaborate.
“I… I don’t have that.” I wave my hand around. “I don’t have the kind of support system you do. It’s just me… Always.”
Mav watches me for another few seconds, deliberating how to respond. “Do you not speak to your family?”
I shake my head. “My mom and I rarely talk, and when we do, it’s her bragging about one of her new boyfriends. Her being a single teen mom caused a rift between her and my grandparents. I speak to them on holidays, but it’s all surface-level. I haven’t been home since I started at MRU,” I confess.
I watch Mav carefully, gauging his reaction. “Well, there’s always room at the Leblanc dinner table,” he replies with such sincerity. I search his eyes for the pitiful look I usually get when people find out about my family, but there’s just kindness reflected back at me.
A genuine smile forms on my lips. “I appreciate that. I might take you up on the offer,” I say, then take my first bite of pizza.
We chat for quite some time before we begin running through our presentation. Mav, of course, shines like the natural born star he is, and I don’t embarrass myself half as badly as I thought I would.
“I just don’t understand how someone can be as charismatic as you are, literally all the time. Do you get tired of always being ‘on’?” I ask after we finish our third practice round.
“Honestly, I don’t even realize it sometimes. I like to see people smile, so I do what I can to make sure everyone does.”
“Well, it works, for sure,” I reply as I watch his massive body lean back along my thrifted couch. His size makes it look a tad uncomfortable, but he doesn’t complain.
Mav reaches for my laptop on the cushion beside him, and without realizing it, I snatch it up before his hands can grasp it.
“Sorry, I was going to ask if we could watch the original game day video again. I have it on my Google drive.”
Geez, way to overreact, Peyton.
“Oh, uh, I'm sorry I reacted that way. I just don’t know what was left open on there. Could be top-secret Howler Reports or something,” I say, trying my best to cover the awkward-as-fuck moment.
Any other time, I wouldn’t care about someone using my laptop, but I know what was left open…
and I'm not ready for that fantasy to end. I was in the middle of replying to my last Gossip Guy email when I got the text from Mav. So, I abandoned the task and went about frantically cleaning. It wasn’t until I saw him reach for the device that I remembered what was last on there.
As time progresses, I'm still unsure about who’s behind the emails. I should just flat out ask Maverick if it’s him, but I'm enjoying the mystery of it all a little too much to ruin the surprise just yet.
Mav is sporting an I-call-bullshit face. “Miss Whitmore.”
“Mr. Leblanc,” I reply innocently, biting the inside of my lip. “No need for my laptop, I have the video on my phone.” I change the subject quickly.
We settle in to watch the tape. Even muting it halfway through to give our own commentary.
“And according to my co-host, Miss Whitmore…we’re over gray sweatpants. Gray polyester pants are the new it fashion for the fall season. Gentlemen, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to become a piece of man meat.”
I burst out laughing as he waggles his eyebrows at me.
“You're literally the worst,” I say through my laughter, then followed by a big yawn.
Mav feigns offense. “Oh, really! I'm that bad, I made you fall asleep. Fuck, I really am going to fail this.”
“I'm so sorry. No, you’re not boring at all. I was up early for Pilates an—” Another yawn creeps in before I can stop it.
Mav checks the time on his phone. “Well, shit, it is almost midnight.”
“See, you’re not boring. It’s just late,” I beam at him.
He stands to collect his things, and I grab some of our dishes to bring to the kitchen. When I turn around, he’s standing right beside me, sporting a cute-as-ever look on his face.
“I don’t think I told you earlier,” he starts, and lightly taps on the frame of my eyeglasses. “You look really cute in these.”
A nervous giggle bursts from me, and I try to tamp it down.
Shoot me dead now.
“I really appreciate you coming over tonight. Pizza was great. We’re totally ready for Monday, I can feel it,” I say, unable to keep the words from flowing at a normal speed. Instead, they spill like the word vomit they are.
He chuckles at my awkwardness before tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I had a great time tonight, too. Let’s do this again, maybe watch a movie,” Mav suggests, and for the briefest of seconds, I swear I see uncertainty cross his face.
Is he nervous I’ll turn him down?
Before I can let his doubts sink in, I reply, “I would love to. My treat this time since you wouldn’t let me pay you back for the pizza.”
“We’ll see about that.” He winks.
Maverick leans down and presses a lingering kiss on my cheek. One I feel down to my toes. Geez, get your shit together. He literally kisses his grandma on the cheek.
“Goodnight, Peyton.”
“Night, Mav. See you Monday.”
He leaves me with a smile and a reminder to lock my doors, while I try to keep my flush from deepening.
Who am I kidding, thinking I have the power to refuse Maverick’s charm. I'm flustered after an innocent night of studying. If that’s the case, I'm afraid of what a movie night will bring…