Line Mates & Study Dates (CU Hockey, #4)

by Eden Finley

Kole pauses and glares at me. “That was a joke. Geez. Calm down. Five Guys is much better. And you can say things like ‘Five Guys filled me up, and now I can’t even walk.’” Kole pats my shoulder. “You’re really selling me on this date thing. It’s going to be so hard for me to say I don’t want another one by the end of it.”

Prepare to be wooed, Kole Hogan. I’m bringing out the big guns.

I have committed the ultimate friends-with-benefits crime. I’m not just falling for the guy. I’ve fallen. And now I have to hope it doesn’t freak him out completely.

“If our date consists of your dropping me off at some rando’s house and expecting me to find my way back, I’ve gotta say, I don’t think I love it.” He laughs softly and pulls into a free spot. “Definitely not what we’re doing, but it’s great to know you have such a high opinion of me.”

“You’re not going to start crying on me again, are you?” “Well, now I know how much it turns you on …” He pretends to sniff, and his lip quivers.

“Do you think Santa’s fucking that reindeer by choice?” Asher asks. “That’s what I was wondering. Either way, Mrs. Claus doesn’t look impressed.” “Maybe that’s her turned-on face.” “You know, I always wanted to visit the North Pole as a kid. Now, I’m having reservations.”

“Well, I figured if I wanted a second date, I had to emotionally manipulate you into it, so—” “Nope.” I pinch his cold nose. “No joking it off. This meant a lot.” “Shut up.” “You’re doing that vulnerable thing with me again.” “You’re gross.”

“And I’ll never say you make this shit easier because eww, emotion, but sometimes it’s maybe sort of cool the way I don’t have to think about who I should be when I’m around you.”

“You’re coming back to my house,” I say on the way home. “Kidnapping is a crime.”

“Still, you’re way too young for this kind of responsibility. Even teen parents aren’t thrust into raising five kids at once.” “Unless somehow they get pregnant with quintuplets.” “Not my point.”

“You’re forgetting one very big important element here.” “What?” I smile. “I was a thirteen-year-old boy once, and I know what I got up to. If I find you doing half the shit I did, I’ll kick your ass. Got it?” “What kind of stuff?” “Please, I’m not going to give you ideas.”

“Thank you.” I pause and look over my shoulder. “Thank you?” “You’re the only one who’s honest with me.” I spin to face him completely. “You do realize I just lied to you to get into your messages, right?”

“Where were you last night?” I ask. He scowls. “Where did you disappear to after practice?” Nice try at deflecting, Westly. Really. “Out. With my boyfriend.” I wave in Kole’s direction again. “I didn’t realize I was needed here or I would’ve come home.” West’s face slowly falls from deflective anger to something worse—utter confusion. “B-boyfriend?” He groans. “Coach Hogan is going to kill me.” “And me, but that’s not the point. Where. Were. You?”

“West!” one of the twins calls from upstairs. West sighs. “Which one was that?” I snort. “I can tell the difference between their faces, not their voices.”

“Before you get too turned on, there’s something I wanted to ask you.” “You’re an idiot if you think I’m not hard already.”

I could tell him now. Four words. I’m dating Asher Dalton. But he’s driving, and I don’t feel like ending up in a ditch.

Besides, should Asher be here with me? Should I give him the heads-up? Check the house for potential weapons first?

“First, cool it on the boyfriend thing. He’s a friend, and he lost his parents, and I thought it might be nice to get him away from his house for the day.” “That’s horrible. Of course he can come. We have plenty of room.” “Enough room for a few more?” “How many more?”

“He has some brothers and sisters … who are obviously just as lonely with no parents.” “How many brothers and sisters?” she asks cautiously. “Uhh, there’s seven of them altogether.” “Seven?” “It’s Christmas.” I’m trying not to laugh at her shock. “The more, the merrier.” “You had to lead with the orphan thing, didn’t you? There is no possible way for me to say no to that.”

“We’re already late! Rhys, you can’t wear a shirt that says, ‘Fuck Christmas.’ Where did you even get that?

Whether or not Kole’s told them we’re together isn’t clear, but it is obvious he played up the orphan angle because Kole’s grandparents’ eyes soften in sympathy. It looks like they’re two seconds away from getting out of their seats and fussing over us.

No, we should. Maybe. How about at the very end. Like, after I leave, you can tell him. Give me a head start. I don’t really want my younger siblings to witness my murder. They’ve already been through enough. Think of the kids!”

I’m guessing Kole had something to do with you showing up home half-naked that day.” “What day?” Kole asks. “The day he was fleeing a hookup.” “Rhys,” I groan. “Please for the love of everything, shus—” “So you’re the one who broke the porch gutters.” The deep, authoritative voice almost makes me shit myself. Coach Hogan is back. Oh goodie.

Merry Christmas, Dad, I’m dating the team brat.

“Rhys, we’re supposed to be on best behavior for Asher’s boyfriend.” My stare immediately darts to Asher, who goes so pale he looks like he wants to be anywhere but here. Hades growls at the lack of attention, and Zoe squeaks and slaps her hand over Emmett’s mouth.

Everyone in the room is so. Damn. Tense. I can’t help it. I burst out laughing. Asher’s looking at me like he’s asking what the fuck I’m doing, and Dad seems concerned for my sanity. But honestly, screw this. Me having a boyfriend shouldn’t stop time.

“Dad, you’ve met my boyfriend, right?” “This is how my life ends,” Asher mutters, which only makes me laugh more.

“Sup, Dad?” “Cut the shit, Kole. You’re dating Asher Dalton?” “That is usually what the word ‘boyfriend’ means.” “What part of ‘leave the kid alone’ didn’t you get?”

“I thought you hated hockey. What’s going on here?” “I do hate hockey. Playing it, anyway. Watching isn’t so bad.” “I just don’t get it. You’re a smart kid. What the hell could a hothead—a talented hothead—like Asher Dalton have to interest you?” I’m thinking his dick isn’t the correct answer here.

Dad walks straight up to him and hands over the sweater with a grunted “Here.” He leaves, and Asher walks over to me. “What the hell is this?” “Hmm …” I tap my chin. “If only there was something we could do to figure it out.” Asher rolls his eyes and tears open the paper. “Oh no …”

“Oh yes. Reindeer knit is my kink.” He groans as I take the sweater and force it over his head. “Why do you hate me?” Despite his words, he shoves his arms into the sleeves.

Then I take out my phone. “Oh, hell no.” He lunges for it, but even with his hockey reflexes, he’s too slow, and we end up play fighting in the kitchen while he tries to wrestle it off me. “Just one picture,” I say. “No.” “But you’re my boyfriend. It’s basically a requirement.”

I’m sitting at Coach’s dining table. Next to my boyfriend. And I’m breathing. I was not expecting that. Though I can feel Coach’s stare from the head of the table.

I take his plate and separate his food so it’s not touching each other the way he likes it and then scrape a good chunk of the stuff I know he won’t eat onto my plate. And now West is glaring at me too.

At this rate, Kole will be next. Maybe by the end of the meal, everyone will be glaring at me.

“Kole’s been a good influence. It’s the first time I haven’t had professors tracking me down and telling me how poorly Asher’s doing in school. Well, apart from one …” “That’s because Eckstein’s a …” Do not swear, Asher. “Hard professor to impress,” I finish and give myself a mental pat on the back.

Having a shitty attitude doesn’t get you far in this world, but that’s all I know. It’s all that I am.

“You do realize you threatening to kick my boyfriend in the balls in no way solved any of my problems, right?” “Oops, I guess? Looks like you’ll have to sort this thing out like a big boy. Bye!”

“Yep. Who wants apple pie?” West stands. “I’ll go dish them out.” “I’ll help.” Asher follows his brother into the kitchen, leaving me with the kids. They’re all silent and … calm. It’s freaking me out. I take out my phone and send Asher a text: I think your family has been taken over by pod people.

“I think it’s funny that Dad couldn’t tell us apart,” Ben adds. “Just like West.” West shifts. “Dad couldn’t tell you apart either?” “Nope. And then when he could, we’d pretend we were the other one to confuse him.” Asher’s lips purse like he’s trying not to laugh. “You don’t do that to me, do you?” West asks.

“What about his horrible cooking skills. His specialty dish is anything burned.” Asher cracks up. “You’re not much better,” Zoe mutters to him, and his face falls. The rest of the kids think it’s hilarious.

“Wait. You just said logically and then made the very insightful argument I was going to make. Who are you, and what did you do with my hothead boyfriend who should be jumping to all kinds of conclusions right now?”

“That the only reason I’m with you is for the team?” “You hate hockey. I don’t see you pimping yourself out for the sake of it.” “Oh good, you don’t think I’m a whore.”

“Eh. I expect it from him. Last year, he literally forced me and Cohen to get to know each other better—” “Did he lock you in my dad’s office too?” “No. He did the adult thing and set us up on a playdate like we were two-year-olds.” “In his defense—” “Ha ha, I am a two-year-old. You’re funny.”

I understand all through last season too, it’s good to see you find your passion again. And be a nice human being.” I poke him. “You take that back. I’m not nice.” “Oh no, never. And you’re definitely not the most adorable part-time guardian to your younger brothers and sisters either.” “Shut up.”

“I think we need a safeword when it comes to all this emoting. No more.”

I have a piece of paper shoved in my face. “What’s this?” He doesn’t answer. Then I note the giant grade at the top. “B plus?” A burst of elation hits me at how happy Asher looks with himself. “Best grade ever,” he says. “That’s incredible.” “Borderline miracle.” “You’re right. Must be a total fluke.”

“Aww, are you nervous?” “No. I don’t do nerves. Shut up.” I pat him on the head, and he gives me a blank cut the crap look. “Of course you don’t, sweetie. You’re a big bad hockey player.”

Coach can’t look at Asher without scowling, more so than usual, and if I have to hear the phrase Kole said one more time, my brain will start leaking out of my ears.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Asher says casually. “Did that make you uncomfortable?” Simms gives him a deadpan look. “You really think we’re not used to your shit by now?” “Worth a shot.”