Bound Together (Torn and Bound Duet 2)

“Dean Carter,” Drew rasps out. “I was—”

“My brother,” I choke out. “Comforting me about my brother. He knew him too.”

I feel like shit throwing Ben out there, but I sure as hell don’t want Drew to get his ass reamed for hugging me. We were friends long before he was my coach. But, to an outsider, I know it looks bad, especially since I’m half-naked from my shower.

“I’m sorry,” Dean Carter says to me before turning his attention to Drew. “I just came by to congratulate you on the win. Again. This is going to be a great season.”

I throw on my shirt and then scoop up my bag. “Later, guys.”

I’m buzzing with worry as I head for the tutoring center where I have an appointment with Mia. Now that I’ve put some distance between Drew and me, I can’t help but mull over his words. She’s probably feeling all kinds of betrayed. Not only did she catch the boy she’s stupidly in love with kissing someone, but it had to be me. The same guy who flew all the way out to California to surprise her. The same guy who took her on a date and was intimate with her. The same guy who broke things off with her in order to pursue something with Drew.

I’m a fucking mess.

Mia doesn’t deserve this.

If Drew and I will be okay, maybe Mia and I can be too. She’s sweet and trusting and caring. Not the type to hold grudges forever. Maybe one day we can go back to being friends. I owe her an apology and I won’t feel right until I’ve made it.

I bump into a girl and steady her so she doesn’t fall. It’s a familiar girl I’ve seen around a few times.

“Sorry,” I grunt out. “Didn’t see you there.”

“Brayden Murphy?”

I grin because it’s what my fans expect. “That’s me.”

“Sasha. Remember me?”

I’m nodding even though I had no fucking idea what her name was. “That’s right. How’s it going?”

“Just busy. My daddy’s been planning the athletic program’s annual fundraising event, so I’ve been hunting down items for the auction.” Ah, I don’t know her, but I do know her dad. From what I’ve heard, he graduated twenty years ago and still holds half the football records. Could’ve gone pro, but he blew out his knee. Now he’s just an old man living vicariously through the younger generation. Can’t complain, though… It’s because of the fundraising events he organizes that the hockey team got all new equipment and uniforms this year.

“I’m planning a dating auction.” She smiles, batting her fake lashes at me.

“I’m sure you’ll earn lots of money with that.” I scan the tutoring center behind her, looking for Mia. “Let me know how it goes.”

Her fingers wrap around my bicep, stopping me. “I thought maybe you’d like to offer a date for an auction item. A portion of the proceeds do go toward hockey after all.”

“Me?” I frown at her. Drew’s already told the team we have to go, but I was just planning to make an appearance and then dip the fuck out.

“You’re the most loved hockey player this school has,” she explains, her pink lips quirking up on one side. “I’ve already wrangled the quarterback of the football team and the starting center of the basketball team. I tell you, it’s fate we bumped into each other. Literally.”

“Uhh,” I groan, running my fingers through my wet hair. “I guess, yeah.” Anything to get the hell out of here.

“Wonderful,” she says, flashing me her mouth full of perfect veneers. “It’s a good thing this is for a good cause. I won’t mind one bit outbidding everyone for a date with you.”

The thought of going on a date—albeit a paid-for one—with this chick is nauseating.

“Right,” I grunt out. “So I gotta go.”

“I’ll have my assistant, Bianca, email you with the details.” She gives my bicep another squeeze before releasing me. “See you soon.”

Glad to be away from her, I stalk over to the guy running the tutoring center reception desk. Some nerd with glasses and a face full of pimples. As soon as he sees me, he blushes.

“What?” I demand, confused at his sudden embarrassment.

“N-Nothing,” he croaks out. “Can I help you?”

I study this dude for a second. He’s nervous and his face keeps turning redder by the second. Is he afraid of me?

“I’m here to see Mia Livingston.”

He averts his gaze to the computer. “She’s not in today. Looks like her appointment with Brayden Murphy—”

“That’s me,” I confirm.

“Canceled. It looks like it’s been canceled.” He blushes again. “Depending on the subject, I could tutor you.”

All the puzzle pieces snap together. He’s attracted to me. Something, before all this recent shit with Drew and then Ashton, I would’ve chalked up to him being a dweeb. Now, I recognize it for what it is. This guy is apparently also into guys, namely me. I’m slightly annoyed at the fact I’m starting to notice the opposite sex—even when not attracted back. I feel like I should blame Ashton for this. Definitely Ashton.