Puck Drills & Quick Thrills (CU Hockey 5)

“It’s something better,” he says. “He ate his words. Whatever you said to him the other day worked. He offered me a take-home, open-book test to earn the extra credit I need to stay in his class and get a C.”

Okay, that I was not expecting. At all. “Really?”

“I was as shocked as you. I’d already decided I wasn’t going to drop the class. Kole’s been tutoring me, and he says I know the material enough to pass it. But now it’ll be that little bit easier.”

I replay the conversation I had with Eckstein and have no idea how any of it could lead to him changing his mind.

Aww, shit. Does this mean I have to, like, thank him?

Fuck my life.

For the second time since being back at CU, I walk the halls of the math building. Only, this time I’m trying to swallow my pride and do the right thing.

I don’t know what made Eckstein change his mind, but I don’t want him to think he’s right about jocks only caring about themselves. The least the guy deserves is some gratitude.

I’m calm enough to use my manners this time and knock.

“Office hours are stated on the door.” His voice is muffled but clear, and I throw my head back. This guy is an ass.

I walk in anyway. What was that about manners? “I’m not here about my grades, sir.”

His head snaps up. “What do you want now? Want me to give Asher an A just for the hell of it?”

I put my hands up like a busted perp. “I wanted to say thank you for reconsidering. I … we really appreciate it.”

I don’t need him to respond, and I don’t want to get into another heated argument with him, so I turn on my heel to leave.

“I didn’t know,” he says softly.

I glance at him over my shoulder. “Didn’t know what?”

“When Asher said he had extenuating circumstances, I didn’t know what he meant.”

I turn to face him. “Did you ask?”

He huffs. “Look, I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion, but after everything I’ve seen, it was the easiest and most logical jump to make.”

“Why do you hate athletes so much? You have to know what’s said about you on campus. What happened? Hockey player break your heart?”

For a split second, I realize he hasn’t told me his sexuality, and I worry that other things I’ve heard about him on campus aren’t true. But what he says is even worse than hearing the disappointing words I’m straight.

“They broke my face, actually. And not just one hockey player. A whole team of them.”

My eyes widen. “W-what?”

“But hey, maybe I should thank them? Their parents paid to fix my teeth, which is good because mine couldn’t afford the braces I needed to straighten them.”

I blink at him. And then blink again. “Fuck, I’m sor—”

“I don’t need your sympathy. I’m sorry for assuming your brother was a slacker and looking for an easy pass when there’s obviously a lot more going on than that. But we don’t need to do this. It’s done. I’ll give him a break, and you can go back to acting like a caveman. Just … not around me.”

“I’m sorry,” I manage. “For barging in here. And thank you. Again. For giving Asher a chance. If there’s any way I can repay you—”

“There isn’t.”

“Not even taking you to lunch?”

“I’d prefer you didn’t.”

I huff a small laugh. “Okay then. If you can think of anything, don’t hesitate.”

He nods, and I leave, but as I walk out, I can’t help hoping he takes me up on the offer.

I’m kind of … intrigued by him? He’s jaded and strict, but I’m sure he has his reasons. My interest has nothing to do with how hot I find him.

Well, not completely to do with how hot I find him.

4

Jasper

The end of the day cannot come fast enough. As soon as class is over and the final students trickle from the room, I hook my bag over my shoulder and head for the next building.

Despite the reputation I have for being a hardass, I get along with most people, and out of everyone on campus, Dave and I clicked immediately.

He’s a six-foot-four, bearded, gay man who teaches fine arts, and when we first met, I was disappointed he was married.

Now, I’m grateful to have a friend to catch up with every week.

He’s in his classroom packing away supplies when I arrive.

“Almost done?” I ask by way of greeting.

He chuckles. “Rough day?”

“I need a drink.”

“Me too, but because I want one, not because I have any sorrows to drown.” He points at a sculpture to one side of the room. “I mean, would you look at this? She’s talented as hell, Jas. And I get to teach that. Damn, we have the greatest jobs, am I right?”