“They get back tomorrow, I think.” Our parents went on some fancy, romantic vacation to Mexico. Initially I’d been bummed that they weren’t going to be able to drop me off at college, but I’m glad they missed seeing me all sad and teary. The day Adam and I arrived on campus, I dropped my things in my room and then fell onto my new bed and sobbed. Poor Ava must have thought I was nuts.

“I’m really glad you’re here,” I admit.

He grins. “Me too. I get to spend the last year of college with my baby sister.”

“You have to stop calling me that. I’m not a baby.”

His mouth pulls into a wider smile. “Come over this weekend and crash at my place. You’ll avoid listening to your roomie’s sex sounds, and I’ll introduce you to everyone. People are always coming and going from our apartment. It’ll be good to meet more people here. Hell, maybe I’ll throw a party.”

“You never let me come to your parties in high school and now you’re practically begging me. I find this quite redeeming even though now I don’t actually want to go. Back then I would have killed to hang with you and your friends.”

“High school was different. No one here cares if you’re a freshman or senior or if you go to college at all. Plus, I want to see that you’re settled. I know the shit with Bryan was rough.”

I groan and Adam laughs.

“Only one condition. Promise me that you won’t get wasted and make an ass of yourself in front of my teammates. I’m captain this year, and I need them to respect me.”

“I promise,” I say as I roll my eyes and toss a fry in his direction.

3

HEATH

“Carry me. My legs are dunzo.” Maverick leans his sweaty, heavy frame against me.

“Get the fuck off. I’m barely standing on my own.” I wobble and take a seat in my stall.

The first week of hell training is done and we survived… mostly. Coach Meyers likes to start out the year with a shit ton of conditioning and weight training. We won’t even be allowed to step on the ice for another two weeks.

My buddy falls into the seat next to me and pulls a T-shirt over his head. “Wanna grab a drink at Prickly Pear?”

“I can’t. Scott’s called a house meeting,” I say, annoyed and loud enough so Adam can hear me.

“Four-thirty. Don’t be late,” Adam says sternly. The rest of the guys are scared of him, being our team captain and all, but I know better. He’s all talk. I push his buttons on a regular basis and I’m still standing despite him having a good three inches and fifteen pounds on me.