49. Tyler

"Baby, did you read this?" Hunter called from the stool as I made breakfast.

"Read what?"

"This article about you." I looked up to see his beaming smile. I walked around the table to rest my chin on his shoulder. Front and center was a picture of me from our latest win, shooting a goal from the blue line.

"I don't read articles about me," I answered, about to circle away when two large hands grabbed at my hips and brought me between his legs.

"Well, you should, Mr. Bigshot. Listen to this."

He held me tight, not letting me budge as he began to read aloud.

Australian Sensation Tyler Riley Dominates American College Hockey Scene

"In a remarkable turn of events, nineteen-year-old Tyler Riley, has become a rising star in the American hockey circuit. Having honed his skills on the beach coast of Western Australia since the tender age of four, Riley's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

As the former captain of the under-eighteen international team, Riley has not only amassed multiple state competition victories but also led the Australian team to their highest-ever win in the nation's history. Now donning the colors of Boston University (BU), Riley has seamlessly integrated himself into the college hockey scene, making a significant impact from the left wing and eventually maneuvering to center.

His ascent to the forefront has not gone unnoticed, especially as he pushed out seasoned player Colton Sanchez, who had been under the watchful eyes of NHL scouts. Riley's record-breaking performance this year includes scoring a goal in every game he has played, showcasing his unparalleled grit, strategic prowess, and uncanny ability to seize goal-scoring opportunities.

Coach Rod Martins of BU speaks highly of his prodigious talent, stating, "It's been a great pleasure to have this kid on the team. He has brought a different mindset to his teammates, one where the communication between the lines has vastly improved. He has a lot of potential and his growth has only just started. His stats speak for themselves. I have no doubt his dreams of being in the NHL will come true."

As the spotlight intensifies on Riley, all eyes are set on the upcoming Frozen Four competition. Having propelled his team to a winning season, the young Australian phenom faces the ultimate test to showcase his skills when the pressure is on. With expectations soaring, Tyler Riley's journey through the American college hockey ranks continues to captivate fans and industry insiders alike."

I read along as Hunter spoke with added drama. I tried not to let the positive feedback get to my head, tamping down my excitement as I wiggled out of Hunter's grip. I didn't say a word, because what was there to say? I couldn't jump for joy just yet; I still had to prove myself—now more than ever. As the article said, I needed to show that I could handle the pressure.

"Baby, come on! This is amazing! It's going to throw you into the spotlight!"

"Hunter, it's just an article." I couldn't let someone's nice words get to me because I needed to focus on pushing harder to show them that he was right. I just needed to focus on hockey.

"Baby, stop and think about everything you've achieved. You've got good grades; you aced hockey and you're a great boyfriend."

I looked at him at the last remark and he simply glared at me, daring me to question it.

"I didn't ace my grades," I said instead.

"If you weren't so cute I'd punch you. You got high marks in all but one of your exams—and that was still well over a pass."

I rolled my eyes because we'd had this argument before. It was biochemistry, which made no sense to me whatsoever. I didn't remember learning any of the stuff in high school, and suddenly I had to teach myself a lot of nonsense the Australian school system failed to offer. If it hadn't been for Hunter, I would have failed.

So, I wasn't just angry at my grade—I was pissed that I couldn't show him how good of a tutor he was. I wanted to ace that stupid exam for him. He spent way more time than he had available teaching me and I'd let him down.

"Baby, you knew fuck-all to begin with. A ‘B' is an achievement on its own. If you'd only gotten a pass, I would have been proud of you."

I hated that he knew me so well.

Cal appeared by the door, holding his bag in his hand. "Tyler, are you still good to drop me to the ice?" His bunky old car had broken down last week, and I promised to help him since he did the same for me. I checked the time, spitting out a curse when I realized I was behind schedule.

I quickly got myself ready and headed for the door. When Hunter stopped me with an arm around my waist, I tried to fight him—I didn't have time to be late. I needed to drop Cal off before we had to be ready for the trip to Minnesota for the Frozen Four.

I stopped fighting when I saw my large coffee thermos in his hand. "Take this, grumps." He swatted me on the ass and kissed my cheek. "You will be on time, and everything is going to be fine."

My anger and anxiety dispersed to make room for the tingling on my cheek.

Cal's competition wasn't too far from our college, and I drove in silence. Yes, I said silence. With Cal in the car.

"Okay, you've been M.I.A for a while now, and you're really quiet today. Have I done something to piss you off?"

Cal whipped his eyes to me, and it was then that I noticed the dark rings beneath them.

"What? No, of course not. I've just been busy with practice; this routine is kicking my ass."

Well, I at least knew he wasn't lying about that. The practice he required made me look like a slacker. He was up and out before me most days, only returning after Hunter and I had fallen asleep.

"Everything okay? Other than the routine?"

Cal looked out the window, and his silence made me glance over. He gnawed at the inside of his cheek. He didn't look like my full-of-life friend, and I suddenly felt a wave of guilt. I had been so swept up in my own shit that I hadn't made time for my best friend.

"Other than my piece of shit car breaking? Oh, and my boyfriend cheating on me—again."

Thankfully, I was caught by a red light which let me look at Cal when anger began to boil my blood. "What?"

"Can you tell me something? What is it about me that screams ‘Hey, cheat on me'?"

"Nothing about you screams that, Cal. You're hot, funny, talented—and a great friend."

Cal rolled his eyes., "You've never made a pass at me."

I reared back in disbelief, flinching when a honk blasted behind me. I accelerated but let his words swim in my head, trying to find the appropriate answer.

"Cal, that doesn't reflect on you. Hunter, he—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Sorry, that was a dick thing to say. Hunter is your boo, your everything. I am just feeling insecure. Ignore me."

"Cal, those guys are dickheads."

"I knew Sunday golfer was, but Eric? I thought things were different."

I sighed, navigating my way into the skating rink parking lot.

"Eric was an attractive guy, but he didn't really match your energy."

I parked as Cal seemed to think that over. "Well, I suppose he was more my Joe to my Taylor than my Travis… Why didn't you say anything?"

"You were happy and that's all I could ever want for you. But next time I see that fuckwit, he'll find out what happens to people who hurt my best friend."

Cal leaned over the console and stamped a kiss to my cheek.

"Don't break your fist over someone like him. It just makes me wonder what is wrong with me, like am I bad in bed? Am I too much? Like what is it, Tyler, that makes these men cheat on me?"

"Nothing, Cal. There's nothing wrong with you. And I have seen your dance moves. With those hips, you have to be good in bed. I once remember you telling me you were a power bottom for a reason."

Something in there had its desired effect, and a wide smile brightened Cal's face. There was something wrong about a Cal Johnson not smiling that made things seem… wrong.

"You're right. Well, I am going to win this freaking comp and say goodbye to Miss Susie Q, and get signed to be the next top male figure skater. They can watch this hot ass of mine at the Olympics."

"Damn right." I smiled back and watched him get out of the car, making a show of spanking said ass and going on his way into the building.

I looked down at the dash clock. "Fucking shit!"

I was going to be late. I quickly reversed out of the car park, ignoring a couple of honks that came my way from whomever I cut off. I lifted my hand in apology and got the heck out of there.

My phone rang over the speakers, Hunter's name flashing on the screen.

"Aussie, everything okay?"

"Be there soon; I got a bit distracted. Cal needed a pep talk." I sped through a yellow light and changed lanes, hearing the blast of a horn from the person behind me I cut off without meaning to.

"Please drive safe. Don't worry about Coach; I'll run interference." I heard the worry in his tone but kept my hurried pace, cursing the crazy roads of America. "For fuck's sake! Why can't your roads be simple like Perth!" I hit my hand against the steering wheel. Another horn blared, and I was unsure if it was at me. "Oh, common mate, the light's green!"

"Tyler, calm down. The last thing we need is you getting in an accident."

"Fine," I huffed. "See you soon." I hung up and continued my road rage towards the university ice rink.

I parked, seeing all the guys on the bus and both coaches looking at their watches. More choice curse words left my mouth as I got out of the car, grabbed my belongings, and ran to the bus, looking like a complete and utter drongo.

Coach's angry glare wasn't lost on me as I stowed my things and made for the door.

"If you think you won't be punished for your tardiness, Riley, you have another thing coming."

I mumbled an apology before jumping on the bus, heading straight for Hunter's worried face. I sat down with a ceremonious thud and felt his hand seek me out—but in my rotten mood, I shrugged him off. I could feel his gaze on me from the side of my head, along with many of the other teammates. I couldn't even bring myself to apologize to any of them.

Instead, I chucked my headphones in my ears and blasted music on our way to the airport. I heard the buzz of my phone and didn't dare look at it, knowing full well it was Hunter.

I sulked for the entire journey, thinking of all the ways Coach would punish me for being late.