3. LANE
LANE
What the fuck was that? It’s like I attract things, or people, that will get me in trouble. Lee seems too good to not be trouble.
Glancing at my watch, I’m surprised we’d been together for over an hour.
I'm walking down the street with my hands in my pockets, wishing I could snap my fingers and be back in my new apartment. It’s only a ten minute walk—something I know will come in handy in the future compared to the inconvenience it is now.
This is the only opportunity I have to reach the NHL.
I haven’t met my coach in person yet, but he was scary as fuck on the phone, making it clear what kind of short leash I'd be on at Great Lakes U. Even though I'm from a rival school, I’ve always respected the hell out of Coach Banks and know enough to stay on his good side. He built something from nothing; there’s no way it was easy.
Then he went and picked me up when no one else wanted anything to do with me. Even giving me a scholarship to cover tuition. This shot? It's everything. It’s the only thing I've ever wanted. Plus, this is a second chance players only dream of.
Fuck.
I can’t stop thinking about the girl from the bar. Why does it feel like her lips are still on mine? I can feel the place where she playfully bit and it makes me want to run back. Still, I trek forward, leaving the bar behind.
I’m only a minute from my place when the streetlight turns green and the crosswalk flashes for me to stop.
The air is thick and warm, humid from being near the lake, and envelopes me.
Groups of friends walk together, couples hold hands, and it reminds me how alone I am.
There’s no one else cheering me on. No one is looking out for me. Not here.
I didn’t even get her number. Or her last name. Is it possible that I won’t see her again? The thought hits me like a check to the boards, the one you don’t see coming and feel for days later.
I’ve kissed many girls in bars but no one has left me with this feeling in my chest—tight, strained, like breathing is something I need to actively think about doing. Her body flush against mine, the smell of vanilla and peaches, still has my body thrumming.
There’s no way. This can’t be it.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I'm headed back to the bar. I don’t run, but I’m hoping she’s still there. The pull gets stronger as I get closer, until I’m almost jogging like a fucking nimrod.
I keep my eyes glued to the sidewalk as I speed walk, thinking of all the reasons I should–and shouldn’t. It’s not like dating is against the rules.
I have no idea what I'll say when I see her. If she’s even still here. Maybe she’ll tell me to get lost; that she wants nothing to do with me after leaving the way I did.
Luckily, I make quick work of the way back and throw open the door to the bar. I walk in, breathing heavier than I’d like, and search for the inky black hair in the sea of people.
Found her.
The guy from earlier is talking to Lee in the back hallway, where she and I were kissing. He’s leaning on a pool stick and from here I can see she’s not into it. A flame of anger burns in my ribs and I take a long breath, keeping it a flame and not an all-encompassing fire before I walk toward her.
When her eyes land on mine, I see her shoulders drop and almost slump away from her ears. It makes me feel fucking good that I came back. It’s almost like I'm useful. Needed.
“I really should go,” she insists, trying to get around this guy but he awkwardly steps in front of her, taking up her space.
That’s not how this is going to go.
I walk right to Mr. Can’t Take a Fucking Hint and tap him on the shoulder. He turns, his eyes widening to the size of dinner plates when he realizes it’s me.
I make my voice as cold and flat as the ice I plan to make a living on and say, “Doesn’t seem like you’re very good at listening.
” I enunciate every letter like an asshole.
“I told you. She’s with me.” He shrinks back with each syllable, his friends stopping their game of pool to watch.
“Here’s some free advice,” I snap, clapping my hand on his shoulder harder than what would be considered friendly, “when someone tells you no, they mean it.” I end the sentence with a squeeze, reiterating my point.
Now, I absolutely can’t get into fights, especially on campus, but he doesn’t know that. I step closer to him, invading his space like he was doing to Lee a few seconds ago, and force him to step backwards. He stumbles, his cheeks turning red.
I laugh him off with an eyeroll. He doesn’t say anything as I put my mouth on Lee’s, long enough to know she wants me to pull her away from this asshole.
She kisses me back, her hands resting on the sides of my face as my arm wraps around her lower back. I dip her back a little, leaning all the way into the kiss. Cutting it short, I pull back and put my hand in hers.
We’re out the door and down an entire block before she pulls me down a side street. I'm still getting used to the area, and I like that she’s taking control.
Lee tugs me closer before pressing my back against a brick wall. It’s just the two of us.
“You came back,” she says, her lips close enough to brush mine when she speaks.
I nod, because there are no words.
“Why’d you leave in the first place?” Her eyes search mine for an answer.
“Because I need to stay out of trouble.” I tell her the truth—well, part of it at least.
Her lips crash into mine and it takes the fucking air out of my lungs. She presses herself into me, my shoulder blades digging into the bricks behind me.
I spin her around, pressing her back against the wall. Her arms find my neck, skin on skin, and she jumps to wrap her legs around my waist. I catch her effortlessly and she moans into the kiss. If my dick wasn’t hard before, it is now.
My hands hold her hips and find her ass, grabbing a handful as her tongue finds mine. She falls into me and it’s fucking more intoxicating than any drink you could order.
“Do you live far from here?” she asks between feverish kisses.
I slowly set her down, reach for her hand, and head for the street. “Let’s go.”