Page 4 of Rule Breaker

I didn’t see any sign of Maddox around, and I was thankful for that. Thinking back to his reaction, a strange uneasiness took hold. Then I remembered he was bitchy like that with everyone on the team, including Coach. I had no reason to feel weird because it wasn’t just me.

Ten minutes later, I headed out of the sports facility and looked for Dane and Jackson.

They were standing at the bottom of the stairs in some kind of intense conversation. But it was the way Dane leaned into Jackson that made me curious. Were they more than friends? Dane was cagey about his personal life, never talking about who he hooked up with. Assuming he did. Then again, he probably thought the same of me. Or maybe I was seeing things that weren’t there thanks to my horny, frustrated brain.

I made it almost all the way down the stairs, but clearly, I was walking too fast (or I was lost in my head), and I tripped on the last one, crashing into my friends.

“Shit!” I blurted out.

“Oof,” Jackson groaned as he pitched forward.

Luckily, Dane grabbed hold of Jackson and stopped his fall. Which was a miracle, given my size.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry,” I explained when I finally caught my balance.

“No worries, Kay.” Jackson smiled at me. “Dane caught me in those massive hockey hands of his. I’ve got no complaints.”

Now, I wasn’t the brightest guy around, but I knew flirting when I heard it.

“Really?” I looked at Dane with one eyebrow raised.

Was his face red from practice or something else?

“Dinner. Then we’ll talk,” Dane grumbled and started off without us.

“Ignore him,” Jackson replied and patted my shoulder. “He’s just hangry.”

We soon caught up to our friend, but as we were walking, someone shouted our names. I turned to find Jace jogging up to us. He looked like your typical student, in jeans, a denim jacket, and a baseball cap turned backwards. Jace was an amazing forward and vying for the coveted center spot this year. I had no doubt he’d earn it.

“I thought you were meeting us later?” Dane commented.

“The call I had scheduled got pushed back to tomorrow,” Jace explained with a smile, then nodded at me. “Everyone in one piece?”

I stared back at him, confused.

“I saw you take that tumble down the stairs, Kay. Poor Jackson was nearly crushed.”

I rolled my eyes and gave him my best finger. Smart ass.

“Thank fuck Dane was there for Jackson to land on,” Jace continued, his cocky smirk in full effect. “Right Dane? Was it good for you?”

Dane grunted and ignored Jace’s comment. And his shit-eating grin.

Crossing the south lawn, we headed through the gates and into the town proper. The campus was crawling with students and the electricity of first-week nerves was in the air. I loved being here in Vermont. It reminded me of my hometown of Wells. Lots of friendly people, quiet streets, and plenty of outdoor activities. But I had to admit that while Lake Kinnear,the one that bordered campus, was beautiful, it wasn’t the same as the ocean in Maine. I missed the briny air and the sand in between my toes. No matter what, the beach was home to me. But this place had its charm. There were green mountains—now turning to fall colors—cool shops, and plenty of places to eat. For any athlete, the last one mattered most.

“What do you guys feel like eating tonight?” Dane asked as we hit Main Street.

“How about Fried Up?” Jace replied. “With the picnic tables?”

My stomach rumbled loudly at the idea of fried chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese. Fuck, any food at this point would be welcome. And the place had heat lamps on its patio for the fall weather.

“Hey, is that Maddox standing over there?” Jackson asked.

I turned my head so quickly that my neck popped. Sure enough, standing in the darkened alleyway beside the pharmacy, was Maddox. He was leaning against the brick wall, smoking, and staring up at the sky like he was mesmerized.

Suddenly, he turned his head and spotted us. I got the same look he’d given me earlier. I wasn’t cold, but I sure as fuck was shivering.

CHAPTER 3