On the Ice (Stick Side, #1)

by Amy Aislin

Alex didn’t mention the book. And he didn’t ask Mitch for his story. Free tutoring in exchange for some background on his tutoree was a great idea in theory, until he found out his student was Mitch Greyson, whose walls were sky-high and made of Kevlar. Alex had a feeling Mitch wouldn’t appreciate him digging into his personal life. Instead they passed the five-minute drive in Alex’s rental car from campus to Mama Jean’s in awkward silence. The change in circumstance meant Alex would be left tutoring in exchange for nothing, but he didn’t mind. He was happy to help out JP, even if Mitch wasn’t too receptive to the idea. Only a few tables were occupied at Mama Jean’s, so they snagged a private booth at the back of the restaurant. Smells of tomato sauce and baking dough reached Alex’s nose, making his stomach rumble. Alex dropped his bag on the bench seat and removed his wallet from the inside pocket. “I’ll go order,” he said to Mitch. “What can I get you?” “A beer and a personal-sized Meat Eaters.” Mitch fished a twenty out of his wallet and held it out to Alex. Alex waved it away. “It’s on me.” “Why?” “Why not?” Mitch continued to eye him with suspicion. “My treat, okay? An apology for what I said to you the other day.” Without waiting for an answer, Alex turned and headed for the order counter. He returned to the table minutes later with a beer for himself and a soft drink for Mitch. Mitch poked at his glass. “This isn’t beer.” “How observant of you,” Alex teased. Mitch w...