Just One of the Boys (Chicago Falcons Book 1)

by Leah Rooper

“Why did you do that for me? You don’t even like me.” I throw a hand behind my head and look away. “You’re a part of the Falcons. And nobody messes with my team.”

“We dreamt here. Every wish, desire, every ounce of passion…it was cultivated in this home because of them. Because of our mother and father. And now I’m afraid without them”—he shakes his head—“Hayden’s too sad to dream again.”

“So what, I’m not allowed to have friends now, huh?” “Except he’s not just your friend,” Xander says, his words harsh and cutting. “You love him.”

“Look, I can deal with you hating me, but I can’t watch you lose everything you’ve worked so hard for. Don’t pass to me for me—do it for the Falcons. We don’t have to be best friends: you can be the captain of the Falcons, and I’ll just be a player who can help this team win. That’s it. It doesn’t mean you forgive me. But right now, like it or not, I’m your team’s best chance to win this game.”

Just as I’m about to head in, I spot the puck, still in the net. I bend over and pick it up. A memento, from the game where all our dreams came true.

I’m in love with her.

know my sister better than anyone,” he says. “She’s different…in a good way. I got so mad at her. I told her not to get close to you. But she couldn’t help herself. Hockey was Alice’s whole world, until it wasn’t.” He runs a hand through his hair. “She’s my sister, and I owe her for messing with her love life in the wrong way. So that’s why I’m here. To make it right. To see if you felt the same and were just being as stubborn as she is.”

“Alice was willing to give up hockey for you.” I must give him a blank look because he sighs again. “Tremblay, she’s in love with you.” …