Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95559 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
thirteen
Thea
The roar from the crowd is deafening. If anyone passing the arena could hear the noise they would think the spectators were watching the Stanley Cup final. This is how passionate NU supporters are though. We get behind our team and we cheer and encourage them up until the final seconds. I’m sure it’s how all supporters cheer on their team, but somehow this feels special, like we’ve been invited into the inner sanctum for our players and are there to offer each and every one of them everything they need to win the game, win the league, and win the trophies.
We’re in the final period and Northport University is winning against University of Ashbridge. It’s been a close match, but NU is the more superior team and are currently up by three goals. We only have to hold out for another five minutes and we’ll have won. All in all, it’s been a clean game. I say this loosely because it’s not been without a few players being sent to the sin bin, but college hockey is relatively fight free. The rules don’t allow it. Devon and Nolan, together with Mike, Saul, and Brad have skated well, their passes have been on point, and the goals have gone in seamlessly. As for Kyler? He’s been aggressive, purposeful, and focused. Without him, I’m sure the scoreboard would be telling a different story. With the third-period horn sounding, the PA system blares the NU victory song. Whoever chose Irene Cara’s “What a Feeling” should definitely pat themselves on their back. The song is fitting for a win. The boys meet at center ice and congratulate each other before forming a line to shake hands with Ashbridge. All bar one, who has skated off the ice without any fanfare.
As I gather our bags, I feel my phone go off in my pocket and quickly take it out. To my delight, there’s a text message from Adam.
Adam
I’m outside. Can you meet me?
I admit to being a little shocked. It’s a weekday, so it’s unusual for Adam to have made the three-hour trip to Northport, but I can’t hide the fact I’m also giddy with excitement. The last time I saw him was when we had our housewarming party, and we didn’t exactly part on good terms. I tell Millie I’ll meet her outside and race to find Adam. It takes me a few minutes as he’s not standing by the doors—instead he’s by his car, parked at the far end of the car park and looking intently at his phone.
“Hey!” I call out as I approach. “This is a nice surprise.”
Adam quickly puts his phone away and looks up, but I’m not greeted with the usual wide smile I’m used to seeing. Instead, there’s a scowl on his face and he looks behind me before meeting my eyes again. When I reach him, I lean in for a kiss, but mistime the moment due to him turning slightly so get his cheek instead. Weird, but I go with it, because something is clearly bugging him. I also notice he’s dressed in pants and button-down shirt with a tie, so it’s obvious he’s come straight from work.
“Are you by yourself?” he asks by way of greeting, which throws me a little.
“I was watching the game with Millie, so I’m sure she’ll be out shortly?” I reply, but it comes out as a question because I’m really not sure how to take his demeanor.
“I need you to come with me,” Adam says quickly, while looking over my shoulder again. His tone is off, and he seems agitated and I’m instantly on guard with worry.
“What’s happened, is everything okay?” I ask and also look over my shoulder at the doors to the arena. People are starting to leave and I’m sure Millie will appear shortly.
“No. Everything is not okay. I need you to trust me and I need you to come with me. Now.”
“Okay, well, I need to wait for Millie; she’s got my things,” I tell him.
“Leave your things!” Adam replies, his voice rising. My worry turns into defensiveness as the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Something is clearly wrong.
“Adam, what’s going on?”
“Look, you need to move into one of the dorms so we need to go and talk to the admin office and see if we can get you a room.”
“What the hell?” I say, completely shocked at Adam’s out-of-the-blue request. “I’ve got a place to live, why would I want to move?”
Adam rubs the back of his neck, pacing as he does so, before placing his hands on his hips and answering me.
“Because, Thea, I don’t trust that Rose guy and I don’t want you anywhere near him. He’s moody and clearly has anger issues. Not to mention the fact he looks at you like some kind of predator. You’re not safe around him and I’d feel fucking better if you kept your distance.”