Goal Lines & First Times (CU Hockey, #3)

by Eden Finley

A college hockey player’s practice schedule is grueling, and in real life, these athletes practice like crazy, even during school breaks. The CU boys get to enjoy their holidays because … we said they could. If we’re putting them through the trauma of falling in love, the least we can do is let them have winter & spring break.

“I’m really sorry that my need for an emotional connection and lack of sex was inconvenient for you. But guess what? It’s not so great for me either.”

Richie: Pandas are so dumb, they’re carnivorous but eat plants. Because … plants are right there. Einstein: That sounds more lazy than dumb. Richie: When Sloths climb trees, they sometimes think their own limb is a branch and fall to their death. Einstein: LMAO! Oh wait, I mean … I shouldn’t laugh at that, right? Richie: Turkeys drown by staring up at the sky when it’s raining. Einstein: And we have a winner.

Ace Valentine’s Day cards. They should be a thing. I like you a lot, I think you’re hot, but I don’t want you near my spot.

My high school obsession with Supernatural and Dean Winchester.

Zach has half the hockey team chasing after him to make sure he’s okay, and who do I have? I don’t need to check behind me to know the answer to that question.

“Incredible. Impossible. So fucking turned on. You’re perfect. So fucking perfect, Einstein. Maybe I wasn’t being dumb all these years, after all. Maybe I was waiting for you.”

“Eh. I’ll still love you anyway.” Seth lets out a little gasp, and my eyes widen. That didn’t just fall out of my mouth, did it? Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. “You’ll what?” Seth’s lips curve upward. “I’ll still … uh, like you? Very much. Yes. That.” His smile only widens. “You love me?” I swallow the large lump in my throat. “Umm, no?” He cocks an eyebrow, and his lips press together. “Yes?” “You sound confused.”

I press my grin into his shoulder. “Thank you.” “For?” “Needing me.” “Always.” He kisses my ear. “Only you, Einstein.”

“Sometimes I come out with super smart and insightful things.” Seth smiles. “Other times you ask where your phone is when it’s in your hand.” “Damn straight.”

“Me too,” he whispers. He turns in my arms. “I lived for so long thinking I was broken, and then you came along and showed me that I’m valid, my identity is valid, and proved that with the right person, the right connection, I could have everything I was missing. I crave love and want to feel needed.” “I do need you. More than I ever thought I would need someone. And I love you even more than that.”