Torn Apart (Torn and Bound Duet 1)

“I just extended the invite,” I tell him.

“Well, thank you,” Curtis says. “Maybe him living with a responsible role model will be good for him.” Ashton rolls his eyes, but his dad doesn’t notice. “I need to get home to my wife. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Mia, as always, it’s lovely to see you. Keep my boy in line.” To Ashton, he says, “Remember to come by and see your mother. She misses you.”

Once he’s gone, Ashton points an accusing finger at me. “You lied. There were no hot, sweaty dudes fighting on the ice.” He crosses his arms over his chest and glares.

“You must’ve misunderstood,” I say with a laugh. “When I said fighting, I meant fighting for the puck.”

“Not cool,” Ashton grumbles.

“Hey,” Mia says, looking past me. “Good game.”

I glance back and see Brayden, freshly showered and dressed in a pair of jeans and an Ice Hawk’s shirt that stretches across his muscular frame.

“Thanks,” Brayden replies, raising his hand to adjust the beanie on his head. His shirt rises with the action, exposing the thick happy trail leading down to… As if he can sense me checking him out, his eyes quickly dart over to me, before he gives Mia his full attention. “So, what do you say? Have dinner with me?”

What the hell? When did they get close enough he would think he could ask her out and not get slapped? The last time I was with them together, Mia was telling us off and then stomping away from us at the tutoring center.

“I can’t,” Mia says, almost sounding like she’s upset about that fact. “But you could join us.”

My gaze darts over to Ashton, who is intently watching the exchange. I expect him to jump in, but he remains quiet.

Brayden glances at me briefly, before he says, “Nah, I’m good.” A wave of emotion passes through me at his words. I prefer asshole Brayden over the one who looks like his puppy has just been run over.

“Dude, you’re going,” Ashton says, shocking the hell out of me. “The girl gets what the girl wants. You’ll learn. It’s best to give her her way or she’ll attack you with those mean ass feet of hers.”

Brayden’s brows furrow in contemplation, as if he’s actually considering joining the three of us for dinner. And then Mia places her hand on his shoulder and says, “Please, it will be fun,” and his face completely softens, reminding me of what he looked like before life got rough and hardened him.

Brayden takes her hand in his and entwines their fingers together, and my stomach twists into a knot at the sight. The worst part is I’m not sure if it’s because she’s touching him. Or if it’s because he’s being touched by her. Either way, I swallow down the raw emotion I shouldn’t have toward either of them touching each other. I’m the coach, and Mia is a student, and Brayden is my player and a student.

Fuck, this is all so fucked up.

“All right,” Brayden says, giving in. “But this doesn’t count as our date.” The corner of his top lip tugs into a half-smile and he shoots Mia a flirty wink, making her giggle.

“Fine,” she retorts. “Let’s go.”

“Where are we going?” Brayden asks, throwing his arm around Mia’s shoulders. I hate how good they look together. Smart, gorgeous Mia with the good-looking jock Brayden.

“Somewhere expensive,” Ashton remarks. “Mr. NHL is buying, and he owes me for not coming through with what he promised.”

Mia snorts out a laugh. “Don’t be such a whiny baby. That’s what porn is for. Plus, you totally enjoyed the game.” She glances up at Brayden. “He even cheered when you scored.”

“Mia, you’re riding with me,” Ashton states, ignoring her comment and pulling her out of Brayden’s hold. “Where are we eating?”

“How about Kuboki?” I suggest, loving their Pad Thai.

“Fine. Meet you guys there,” Ashton says, wrapping his arm around the back of Mia’s shoulders and guiding her away.

I stare after the two of them, as they walk back down the hallway toward the exit. Ashton says something, and Mia throws her head back in a laugh. I find myself smiling, wishing I were a part of their conversation. The last year has been hard, and I haven’t had much reason to laugh or smile, but when I’m around the two of them I find myself doing both, and I have to admit, it feels damn good. Like a little bit of the weight I’m carrying on my shoulders has been removed.

When I glance over at Brayden, I notice he’s watching them as well, only his one brow is cocked up and his lips are formed in a flat line.

“You’re not worried about Ashton, are you?” I taunt, unable to help myself.

Brayden scoffs. “In case you missed the memo, he’s gay.”