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

by Eden Finley

“You’re going to have to try way harder than that these days,” Simms says. “I’m sure I can come up with something.” “What, you can get even more unpleasant?” “I can try,” Asher taunts. “And yet no one is surprised.”

“Look at you making friends and everything.” “Safeword. Safeword.”

“Yeah, ‘safeword’ isn’t a safeword, and nothing is going to stop me from pointing out how much I love seeing you crawl out of your cocoon to become a beautiful social butterfly.” Knowing how much Asher likes to continue the act of keeping up his guard, there’s nothing more fun than pointing out how amazing he is in front of other people. I just, umm, overdo it sometimes. He sighs. “This is for the sucking cock comment, isn’t it?” “It’s cute you think I’ll let you off that lightly, my snooky wooky … ah, booky?” “Fuck no.” “I’m going to buy pom-poms for your next game and wear a T-shirt with your face on it.” “I will end you.” “But I’m so pretty.”

“Eh,” Rossi says. “You guys can’t be worse than Beck and Jacobs.” “Sounds like a challenge to me,”

“I’m surprised that went so well,” I say. “I’m not. You plus me equals perfection.” “I think I’m beginning to understand why you were failing math.”

“Either you’ve contracted some deadly disease that’s messing with your thoughts, or … you’re in love with me.” The smile slides from his face, and he cups my cheeks in the way that I love. “Definitely the second.” I suck in a breath, because with Asher, I really had no idea if he’d acknowledge it or not. “And I have bad news for you,” he continues. “I think it’s contagious.” A shiver runs down my spine. “Uh-oh, I think you’re right.” “Yikes. Have we caught the love?” “Gross.” “So gross. And so you know,” Asher says, “I blame you for this.” “I am pretty irresistible.”

Coach knows it too. “I don’t want to know what you’re all getting up to on your two days off, but here’s what you’re not going to be doing: no drinking, no drugs, no getting arrested, no—” “Dad, you might be giving them ideas,” Kole says from across the room but sends a pointed look my way. Hey, I’m a good boy now.

Cohen might have warned me against getting into Beck’s car. Apparently two hours in a confined space with him can drive anyone mad.

“Do you think Coach sent Beck to spy on us?” Kaplan asks on the way up north. The three of us laugh at that absurdity. “You have more chance of Kole ratting one of us out, and he loves me,” I say. “You weren’t here the last two years when Beck was one of us,” Simms says. “Trust me. He’s the least of our worries. He’ll always be a man child.”

Beck has been more subdued this past year. “Maybe he’s growing up.”

Cohen still has his kind face and goofy grin. “Rumor has it you’ve stopped being an asshole this year, but I told Beck he’s full of shit because I didn’t think that was possible.” “I’m a delightful human being, you complete cockwomble.”

“This is my boyfriend. Kole, this is Cohen and Seth.” “Oh, so you’re the reason he’s not an asshole anymore?” Cohen asks and shakes Kole’s hand. “Nope. He loves me even when I’m an asshole.” I pull Kole closer. “Unfortunately, that’s true.” My boyfriend

“You do look happy, so that’s something. I’ve also been keeping tabs on your games. You guys are killing it this year.” “Aww, are you checking up on me?” I ask in my flirty tone. Beside him, Seth growls. I throw my hands up. “I’m sorry, but it’s so easy to get under your skin, and I love it.”

Kole nudges me. “I can see why you had the reputation you did when I met you.” “Whatever. I’m totally inno...

“Drinks!” Kaplan yells and puts a tray of shots down. “First ones I bought l...

We all clink the small glasses and throw them back except for Cohen, who hands his to Seth, who downs both. I cock my head at Cohen. “Pregnant?” “I’m on PR duty tonight,” he says.

Ezra Palaszczuk meets his match and goes head-to-head with Anton Hayes. And we promise Ezra isn’t as big a dick as he was in this book. The poor guy just doesn’t have a filter. Or morals. Or standards. We love him anyway.