Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I ’m Just a Boring Dude

Finn

The guys are in a good mood after winning the first game of the season.

“Let’s go out to party,” Aaron suggests. “The bus isn’t leaving until 9:00 a.m.”

“I’m in,” Cade says.

“Me too,” Macklin agrees. “I’m so pumped, I need to get laid.”

“You always need to get laid,” I remind him.

“Me too,” Hayden says.

I need to get laid too, but the particular girl I want to have sex with is outside the locker room door with the rest of the social media team.

“Are you in?” Aaron asks me.

“Nah, bro. I have some philosophy reading to catch up on and I have to read some articles for my thesis” I explain.

Aaron leans his head on his shoulders and begins to snore. “Boring,” he chimes. “You can do that shit when you get back to campus tomorrow afternoon.”

“It won’t be enough time to get ready for my Monday classes,” I explain, knowing the guys are going to think I am boring as hell.

“Fuck, this is your last year at Riverside U. You need to party hard before you have to adult,” Macklin complains.

After watching my brother’s hockey career come to an abrupt end early on, I know I need to have a backup plan. For me that plan is scientific research. Jacob may eat, breathe, and sleep hockey, but it isn’t my endgame. I will give hockey my best go, but I don’t want it to be my whole life. I remember Jacob’s injury and how hard he took the loss of his career. He completely shut down and was downright depressed. I know he loves coaching, but for him, playing the game was everything. For me, hockey isn’t my everything. It’s a way for me to make some good money so I can go on and contribute to science. Which means I will come back to university as a mature student and finish my studies. For now, it is important I get good recommendation letters from my lab supervisors.

“I’m just a boring dude,” I voice what they are all thinking. “I’m heading back to the hotel.”

“You suck.” Cade laughs.

“Thanks, bro.” I laugh too.

We all get dressed in suits and head out. There are some reporters around who ask me a few questions about the game, and about how I feel about being captain this year. I keep my answers short and to the point. I head out of the arena at the same time as the guys, who all get into an Uber together. I consider walking back to the hotel to save the money, but then I opt to take an Uber too because I can’t get back to Charlie fast enough. Thinking of her writhing beneath me and making those sweet sounds she makes causes my dick to stiffen. I take a deep breath as I wait for my Uber to arrive.

My cell rings. It’s my sister.

“What’s up?” I ask as I answer the call.

“Nice goal,” she cheers.

“Thanks, it was a good start to the season,” I tell her.

“Jacob was looking so serious.” She laughs.

“When is Jacob not serious?” I reply. My brother is a serious grump. I am pretty grumpy too, but he takes the cake.

“I mean he could have cracked a smile when you made that goal,” she states.

“Nah, he’s being a hard ass with me and the whole team, really, but I get it. He wants to whip us into shape. Ohio University isn’t the strongest team. The win wasn’t that hard, he doesn’t want us slacking,” I explain.

“Gah! I better go, the kids are fighting,” Willow says.

“Give them hugs from their uncle Finn,” I say as my Uber pulls up.

“Will do. Proud of you, Finn,” she praises and then she goes off, raising her voice to my niece and nephew, who are climbing furniture and pushing each other.

I end the call and get in the Uber. I hope Charlie is back at the hotel already. I didn’t want to risk texting her from the locker room and have one of the guys looking over my shoulder and seeing the interaction.

Just as the Uber pulls up to the front of the hotel, I get a text from my mom congratulating me. I’m sure she didn’t watch the game, but she must have checked the score.

I send her a thank you text. After thanking the driver, I get out of the car. The air is cool as I make my way into the hotel. I don’t see our coaches or any of my teammates as I make my way to a restaurant in the lobby. I order the turkey club sandwich with a side garden salad, and then I text Charlie.

Me: I’m back at the hotel.

Charlie: Me too.

Me: Just grabbing a quick bite to eat at the restaurant. Should I come to your room after?

I stare at my phone, waiting for a response, while wondering if she is having second thoughts.

Charlie: Room 219

Fuck yes. I don’t know what has gotten into me, but I want Charlie bad. She’s different from the girls I’ve hung around for the last three years. She’s also a polar opposite of Chelsea, and not just in the looks department. Chelsea is a blond bombshell, she’s tall and she was spoiled as hell. She was used to getting what she wanted. Charlie has dark hair, she’s short, has the most intoxicating green eyes, and she seems completely oblivious to her good looks. I’ve also heard her on the phone with her father. I don’t know what the story is there but she isn’t spoiled, sounds like she is quite the opposite. She cares for her father and helps him, she’s compassionate and is so full of passion.

My waitress brings my sandwich and salad and I blink to clear my thoughts. I need to stop thinking about Charlie. Tonight, we will have sex once and for all and I will get her out of my system.