Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
I ruffle Cole’s hair affectionately as he looks up at me. “See you later, sport. I’m supposed to be at school, okay? Be awesome for Luci.” He beams at me, giving a thumbs-up, which means he’ll keep our secret from the dragon lady. I leave with a smile, my heart full. I love that kid.
As I skate onto the ice, Easton’s narrowed gaze finds me immediately. “Where’d you go?” he demands, suspicion etched on his face.
“Forgot my new hockey pants.” I tap them, and his eyes bore into me, unyielding for what feels like an eternity.
“Go stretch them out then.” He turns and skates off, leaving me to deal with Kingston, who shoots me a look that clearly says, ‘You’re full of crap’ because he saw me pack my bag this morning.
I glide behind him, whispering, “I’ll tell you later. You can ride home with me.”
Kingston mutters under his breath as I finish my story. “East needs to talk to him. He’s old enough to know the truth. I know he wants to protect Cole, but this will only end up with him creating his own version of the truth and getting hurt. She did a damn good job being thrown into the deep end. So Julian wasn’t just being a jerk; he was his usual self when he called her a throwaway foster kid last year. What a piece of work.”
“She doesn’t want to talk about it. I promised to keep quiet,” I warn him.
“Like I ever talk about others. I can’t wait to see how you bring this up at some point. He sounds as excited about it as I am.”
“It’s not happening tonight. I want to talk to Cole first.”
Luci
I settle into my seat, a smile dancing on my lips. I’ve been early to every class today, and I even snagged my favorite muffin this morning. It’s shaping up to be a good day. I pull out my planner, ready to jot down the assignments from the last two classes. Chewing on my pen, I try to prioritize the order I’ll tackle them in. Suddenly, a book thuds onto my desk, and I jump, letting out a yelp as Maxton Porter leans down, effectively trapping me in my seat. He hasn’t been around for the last week, and I’ve honestly grown accustomed to the cleaner air. Julian is still here, but losing one less jerk to breathe in is a small victory.
“You cost me my starting spot on the hockey team,” he hisses through clenched teeth, his eyes blazing with anger.
“You’re the one who thought you had the right to put your hands on that girl,” I reply quietly, trying to keep my voice steady.
“My dad is threatening to cut me off!” His brown eyes flash wildly, desperation creeping into his tone. “Even when Coach lets me come back, Kendall’s going to take my f*****g place!”
I lean back, studying him carefully. Every instinct in my body screams for caution. There’s only one other person in the room, and she won’t be any help. I choose silence, hoping he can calm down.
“You owe me, little mouse.” With that, he lifts the book and snatches my planner. I reach for it, but he yanks it away, holding it high above my head. “Let’s see here. You even write stupid things.”
I stand up, trying to grab it again, but he backs away, tearing a page out near the front. “Stop! What the hell is wrong with you?”
He continues to back up, ripping out another page, a deranged smile spreading across his face.
“Guess this stupid planner is important to you, little mouse. You want it…” Suddenly, someone rushes up behind him, grabbing his arm.
“Leave her the f**k alone! You already got suspended. You want to get kicked off, keep messing with her.” Becker stands there, his other fist clenched, a protective stance that sends a rush of gratitude through me. I shake my head subtly at him; I don’t want Humphries to go off on him for defending me. He snatches the planner from Maxton and holds it out to me in silence.
“He won’t care if I mess with her. It’s not like she counts,” he sneers, and I can’t help but wonder why he hates me so much. Julian, I understand, but this guy? I’ve barely interacted with him.
“Why the f**k are you so hung up on her anyway? You got a crush on her?” Becker raises a finger at me, waving it in warning.
Maxton looks appalled, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “Who the f**k would want her?!”
Now Becker smirks, folding his arms with a confidence that’s almost intimidating. “Makes me wonder. You gave her a nickname and everything.”
“You are out of your f*****g mind!” He screams at Becker, and I hear Easton snarl his name, moving to block Maxton’s view of me.
“No, you are! Leave her the f**k alone and watch your tone with my brother. You want to keep your spot on the hockey team, you’ll mind your s**t. That’s an order from your captain.” Easton moves next to Becker, staring Maxton down with a cold rage that sends shivers down my spine. “She’s off-limits to you!”
Maxton glares at me one last time before storming out of the mostly empty classroom. Easton bends down, picking up the two torn pages and holding them out to me silently. When I take them, he whispers, “Did he touch you?”
“No.” I clutch my planner tightly and return to my seat, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. They stand there for a moment, their protective energy still lingering, before finally taking their seats. A few minutes later, I receive a text. *Watch your back, sweetness. We’ll help, but you need to use all your tricks to stay focused when you’re alone.*
I glance down at my phone, and Easton turns slightly to give me a serious look, his expression almost worried. There’s no way he’s worried about me, though. It’s probably just about Cole being with me. I nod slightly, returning to my writing, determination flooding my thoughts.
Luci
“Alright, boys! Let’s go welcome Sydney in, and then it’s time to eat. I promise, we’ll have a dance party right after that!” I announce cheerfully as I watch the boys perched on the island, their faces lighting up with anticipation.
“But she’s really early,” Barrett protests, his disappointment evident on his face.
“And she’ll hang out while you two finish your playdate. Trust me, she likes me too,” I tease, making my way to the front door, excitement bubbling inside me.
As I swing the door open, Sydney stands there, a grin spreading across her face. I raise an eyebrow playfully at her, and she giggles. “Lab canceled. Thought I’d come supervise your babysitting skills,” she quips, following me into the kitchen.
Baker looks up from his culinary creations, his smile warm. “Miss Sydney, I presume? I’m Baker. Would you care to join us for a meal?”
Sydney’s eyes twinkle as she moves to shake his hand. “I’m just Sydney, and I would love to eat whatever smells so delicious, Mr. Baker.”
“Then I am just Baker. I assume your brother taught you how to shake hands properly?” he replies, a playful glint in his eyes.
“Yes, he did. It’s his mantra,” she laughs, settling down after giving Barrett a quick hug. “I didn’t come to make you leave early, so don’t worry.”