Collide (Off the Ice, #1)

by Bal Khabra

Kian Ishida: Shhh. I swear the man can somehow read these. Kian Ishida: Coach if you’re reading this, I love you <3

Dylan Donovan: How’d you know he’s pissed? Eli Westbrook: Heard he broke a junior’s hockey stick. Kian Ishida: So? He’s broken like 6 of mine. Eli Westbrook: Over his own head. Kian Ishida: Oh yeah, he’s totally pissed.

Summer doesn’t answer. She also doesn’t look at me. My confidence is withering by the second. “Can I at least apologize?” Silence. “Come on, Sunshine.” Her head snaps up so suddenly, I take a step back. Wrong thing to say. “Don’t call me that.”

“I know you’re the captain, and you think people should bow at your feet when you ask for something, but you won’t get that from me. I don’t care if you feel bad now or if you’ve decided to retire that asshole behavior and turn a new leaf. You made your decision, and I made mine.” She opens the front door. “You’re free to go. Don’t waste your breath on me.” I watch her in a trance. There’s so much fire in every word she spits at me, it’s like watching a captivating performance.

Her gaze drifts to the flowers in my hand. I extend them to her, but she doesn’t move to take them. “You got me a mourning wreath?” A what? I look down at the flowers again and blink at her.

“Whose funeral did you go to?” I give her a strange look. “What?” “You’re holding a mourning wreath. Like the ones at funerals,” she explains. Now that I really look at it, I realize I’ve seen the wreath before. That explains all the looks and condolences I received on my way here. I try to recover. “I’m showing just how sorry I am.” She chuckles, her expression contemplative. “You’ll need that when she’s done with you.”

“So, I heard about your assignment. If Aiden doesn’t help with your project he’ll be on probation, and considering you study sports you should know how much it would suck for the captain to be gone.” I raise a brow. That guy seriously won’t quit. First the dorm, now sending his friends to me? “What are you, his lackey?” “Teammate, best friend. Either or.” He smiles, not even slightly offended. “Seriously, I know he’s an idiot but if you could reconsider.” “You just called him an idiot. Why would I want him on my project?” “Cause he’s your only shot to get into the program.” How the hell does he know that? My plan to create an alternate proposal failed. I knew it when Shannon Lee came fuming out of Langston’s office after trying to get her to take back the ultimatum. I tossed my alternate proposal in the trash and got the hell out of there. “How do I know that? I have my ways, Sunshine.”

“Yes, as long as you let Aiden in. He’s a good guy and you'll find that out soon enough.” “Are we talking about the same guy? Because the one I met insulted my career and told me he wasn’t my research experiment.” He winces. “It sounds a lot worse when you explain it like that, but his intentions are pure.” “You can save that for his best man speech.” “He’s a genuine guy,” he argues. “And let me guess. He saves cats from burning buildings in his spare time?” His lips twitch. “Look, he might be intense at first but he's the nicest dude you’ll ever know. Coach is pissed at him for the parties, but those weren't his fault. Since he’s been captain, he makes sure we stay within our limits. The only reason he loosened up is because the guys were having a hard time at home, and he didn’t want them to lose a place where they could forget about all that.”

“He would kill me for telling anyone this, but he’s the same guy who got a job freshman year to pay my fees when my dad died. I would’ve lost my spot here when I left for Japan, but he told me I got financial aid.”

“Thursday,” I state, ignoring his question. “Our first session We’ll meet at the rink.” His entire face lights up. “I’m in?” He takes a step forward like he’s about to hug me but stops when I take one back. He clears his throat. “What changed your mind?” Kian’s little speech had a lot to do with it, and when I look at Aiden I know Kian wasn’t lying. There’s something about his eyes that makes me believe it. “Your desperation,” I say instead. “Pity? I’ll take it.” He beams. I purse my lips to keep from smiling. “Don’t get too comfortable, you’re on thin ice.”

“If you don’t know how to skate, they keep cones for the kids right over there.” “Very funny. I can skate just fine.” I wipe ice from my thighs. “I could probably beat you in a race.” He’s looking down at me with amusement. “Beat me? You’re literally still on the ground from falling.” He offers his hand, but I scramble up on my own. When I regain my balance, I stare into his eyes. “Scared?” “For you? Yeah.” I shoot him a blank look. “You’re serious?” he asks, his tone disbelieving. I nod. “What’s the bet?” “That I win.” An overstatement that I regret as soon as I voice it. I’m confident, not stupid, but right now his smug face is challenge enough. Even if I may not be able to walk tomorrow. “I only play for stakes.” Seriously, is he some kind of gambler? “Fine. If I win…” I think for a bit, then smile. “You have to agree to anything I suggest during our sessions without complaint.” His jaw hardens and I smile knowing I have him. “And when I win, you’ll tell Coach I was so great, your research is complete early.”

“Ready—” “Helmet.” “Huh?” “Put on a helmet or we’re not doing this.” “You’re not wearing one,” I accuse. “Is your massive head made of steel?” “I can manage not cracking my skull open. You, on the other hand, I’m not so sure.” I scoff. “Well, too bad because I don’t have one.” I should really put one on. After attending that brain dysfunction seminar last semester, I know better than to compromise my brain health. Aiden turns to grab something from behind the net. “Here.” I stare at the helmet in his hand. It’s not a cage and instead a visor they wear for some practices. “How is my head going to fit in your helmet?” “Better than slamming your bare head on the ice.”

“That is not healthy, Aiden.” Her concern isn’t something I need. I’ve heard it enough from everyone else around me. “It’s been working fine for me.” “But—” “Are we done here? I have to be up early for more volunteering,” I say, with false excitement. A twinge of guilt hits me when her expression falls, and I have the urge to fill the tense silence. Summer gathers her stuff and exits the office so quickly I barely have time to think. When I follow her out, she murmurs a quick bye when the heavy doors lock behind us and takes off in the opposite direction.

I thought a laugh from Summer Preston was the last thing I’d ever get to hear. I’d made attempts at jokes with her all night and nada, not even a smile. But now that I know what it sounds like, I want to make it happen again.

“Did you date a hockey player or something?” I find myself asking as I pull onto the road. She stares out the window. “Or something.” Ex-boyfriend it is. Clearly, her aversion to the sport is due to a bad experience. It can’t solely be because she dislikes me.

Sophia, my assigned counselor, had a lot to say about how I treated relationships. Apparently, my plan to abandon people before they abandoned me isn’t healthy. Go figure.

“The last time I swam in a pool, I was fifteen.” “There’s no lifeguard. If you drown, I’m not saving you.” He feigns offence. “I’m your research, you can’t let me die.” “A few casualties along the way won’t hurt my application.” He throws me a dark look that pulls a smile from me.

“Last one in the pool has to pay for the other’s dinner,” I say before taking off. Just as I’m about to hop off the edge and dive into the pool, Aiden’s arm hooks around my waist, and we spin into the water, his back hitting it first.

“I don’t lose, Preston,” he whispers against the shell of my ear.

I’d be stupid to think he doesn’t see that my eyes are red, and not from the chlorine. Before he can speak, I sink into the water and start swimming. The burning sensation in my lungs helps me subdue my thoughts. My dad was busy for twenty years, and now he’s trying to pry open the door I nailed shut long ago. It isn’t fair.

“Summer, like the season?” I muse. “As opposed to what? Summer like the…name?” She gives me a sideways glance. “Stalking isn’t a good look for you.” “Not stalking. Just came over to see how you were doing, but I guess Summer, like the season, is doing great.”

“For the love of God, make it stop!” he cries. “Are we in hell?” groans Sebastian from the bottom of the steps. “I’m going to throw up,” says Dylan, ducking back into his room. Suddenly, the noise stops, and Summer appears with a bright smile. “Rise and shine!” When Kian sees her, he pierces me with a glare. “Haven’t you learned not to piss her off?” “What is this about?” Her smile is smug. “Since you missed our session yesterday, I rescheduled. We’re going on a hike!”

“Come on guys! I thought you were D1 athletes.” Summer glances over her shoulder. “There’s a reason we skate on ice, Summer. If I wanted to wear sneakers and walk in the woods, I would be a serial killer,” argues Dylan.

I’ve been hoping I can at least talk to her today, but Kian’s been on her like a leech this entire hike. There’s something about her voice that makes me itch to hear it.

“I haven’t talked to you all day. I’m thinking this punishment is a bit cruel,” I whisper against her ear. She shifts to look at me. “Not talking to me is punishment?” “The worst kind.”

“Fine,” I say, lowering my voice. “Then I make you nervous.” She swallows when her eyes level with mine. “Nobody makes me nervous.” “Yeah?” I take a step closer and her foot hits a branch. She lets out a squeak when she topples, but my hand hooks around her waist. “Careful, Summer, or I might think you’re nervous.”

“You twisted it," I say, lifting her into my arms. “I’m fi—fuck,” she curses. “You don’t have to carry me.” The words barely leave her mouth with how hard she clenches her teeth. The guys are already a few feet ahead of us. “Is she okay?” “I’ve got her.” I’m moving fast down the slope. Fast enough that Kilner would kill me for risking an injury.

“I haven’t had enough caffeine today, and you’re giving me a headache.” “I thought you didn't drink coffee.” She massages her temples. “Chai. I need like two cups a day, more if I’m dealing with you.”

“I like it down.” She snorts. “Good to know. I’ll throw out all my hair ties because Aiden Crawford likes it when girls wear their hair down.” Wrapping the bandage around her ankle, I glance at her. “Not girls. You.”

“What’s that?” “For you.” I peer into it. “You…made me tea?” “You said you drink it twice a day more if you’re dealing with me, and I was already here.” He shrugs, and the air of nonchalance throws me off. “Didn’t know which one you liked, but I didn’t open this.”

Aiden’s standing at the counter, my cup in hand and a look of disbelief on his face. “This is disgusting.” With a sour face, he places the cup in the sink. “It’s a good thing I already ordered you an actual drink and some food.” “You didn’t have to do that. It wasn’t that bad.” “Summer, it was so bad that you were being nice to me. That tells me everything I need to know.” “Hey! I can be nice.” His barbed look irks me. “The only reason you’re here is because I was being nice by giving you a chance.”

“Tell me what’s wrong.” “You know you’re not my captain, right? That whole demanding thing won’t work on me.” He leans in, eating up my personal space. “Won’t it?”

His earnest look kindles a warmth in my stomach. “That is really nice of you.” “Don’t be fooled, I’ve been told I’m an asshole.”

“I’m starting to get your whole stay inside and not have a life thing. It’s kind of fun.” “I have a life, asshole. In fact, I met up with someone last week,” I lie. Well, not entirely. Connor sat with me in the cafeteria. It’s the closest thing to a date I’ve had all year. Pathetic, I know.

“Walk me to my truck?” “Scared?” I follow him into the parking lot. He appears deep in thought. “Something like that.” “Don’t worry, Crawford. I won’t let the boogeyman get you.” At his car, Aiden tosses his bag in the back seat, and locks it. I stare at him. “What are you doing?” He stretches his legs. “Running.” “You just had practice.” He walks past me. “Aiden, I’m not running with you. You said you were exhausted.” “Did I? I feel great. I’m just running the path over there.” “That’s my path!” He throws me a grin over his shoulder. “What a coincidence.”

“This is another thing I can hold over your head to make you do what I want.” I flutter my lashes. “You don’t need blackmail to get me to do what you want, Summer.”

“So, let me guess, you’re going to say I’ve been a difficult asshole.” Recovering rather quickly, I follow him. “Far from it.” “Is it because you’ve seen me shirtless?” “You are so full of yourself.” “Someone has to be,” he mutters before clearing his throat. “So, what did it?” “You care,” I say, sitting on a bench. “About hockey, about your team and your friends. You would do anything for them. You’re a great captain, and probation is the last place you belong.” His eyes flicker with surprise. “With an evaluation like that, Coach might think I’m bribing you.” “Now that you mention it, I wouldn’t mind a tip.”

“So, you’re like an influencer,” I say. He shoots me an annoyed look and gathers his things. “You are! Do you post shirtless pics? Nude photoshoots? Puck covering the goods?” “I’m out.” He’s already heading to the door. “Was it something I said?” He doesn’t answer. “I just want to know if you skated nude promoting a cereal box!” The door slams shut, and I laugh so hard I clutch my stomach.

“Care to explain why Donny just became a student aide on my paper?” That jackass. I should have known that smirk was bad news. “I didn’t say anything like that to him.” “You said plenty. Don’t try to pretend you didn’t go all macho man and screw everything up.” “I was trying to help.” “I never asked for your help!” “You wouldn’t. You could be hanging off a damn cliff, and you still wouldn’t ask for help.” “But you did it anyway? Maybe I didn’t do anything about Donny because I know how he is. He’s pissed about what you said, and now we’re stuck with him. Why couldn’t you leave it alone?” “You were stressed,” I try again. “And how does that affect you?” “Because I ca—” The creak of the door cuts me off before Kilner’s voice drifts through the locker room.

“So you came to the farthest library on campus?” she presses. “Took me three tries.” “For what?” “To find this one.” “The others didn’t have what you were looking for?” I smile. “Not even close.”

“You don’t have any more questions?” “I do, but that’s for Wednesday.” “Right, cause you can’t stray from your calendar even a little.” “As someone whose head only has a puck running through it, I don’t expect you to understand,” she snipes. “Trust me, I have a lot of things running through my head.” “I’m sure the influx of nudes you get on a daily basis keeps you occupied.”

“Look at us, agreeing on something without bickering.” “We did bicker.” “That wasn’t bickering.” “Yes, it was.” “No—” “We’re doing it right now!” She lets out an irritated breath, but I don’t miss the amused chuckle that accompanies it.

“Not bad. You practice on a lot of girls?” I smirk. “Just you. But I am naturally good with my hands.” “Are you incapable of having a normal conversation?” “No, but I do like seeing you blush.” “I do not blush,” she argues, blushing.

“I forgot my laptop.” If Amara didn’t annoy me earlier, I would have remembered to pack it. “Use mine.” Aiden opens it and puts in his password. I stare at it like he offered me a dead rat. “And see your porn history? No way.” “You think I just have porn tabs open?” When I only stare back, he shakes his head. “Just use it, Summer.”

“You have a sex playlist?” He appears unfazed. “Of course. Some girls are quiet.” “Girls? Do you know how awkward it is when guys don’t make a sound?” He shrugs. “I wouldn’t know. I make plenty.” My cheeks heat. If I’m being honest, a man who isn’t afraid to moan? Hot. I scroll through his music to take my mind out of the gutter.

“What should we do now?” “I’m heading home.” “No, you’re not.” I raise a brow. “What are you going to do, lock me in here?” He lifts his chin in thought. “If it comes to that, maybe.” “Your psychosis is showing.” “Your boring is showing.”

“Need the definition?” he nudges. I speak through clenched teeth. “No. I’m just thinking.” “I’m on the edge of my seat.” He emphasizes that by scooting to the edge of the mattress.

Not the best practice, but when academic validation is my drug of choice, I can’t stop the addiction.

“So am I, but I let myself enjoy college,” he counters. “And what’s your definition of ‘enjoying college’?” Though the answer to that is pretty clear. My first time in this room is proof of that. “Girls.” When he sees my unamused expression, he chuckles. “I’m kidding, but I won’t lie, it is a plus. But mostly it’s making memories with friends, and not having to ask what the definition of enjoying college is. You just know.” “Then teach me.” The smile that spreads on his face almost has me backing out. “Alas, the student becomes the teacher.” “Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m only giving you a trial run, Professor.” “I’ll take it. But only if you keep calling me Professor in that sexy voice.”

Summer is a smoke show, and going out with her only to watch her leave with another guy might be the dumbest fucking thing I’ve done all year. And that’s saying something.