Page 127 of The Risk Taker

I didn’t realize how different that was from what I had with Nathan until now.

“Trevor,” I say, lifting my brows. “Long time.”

“Guess so.” He swings his backpack off his shoulder and drops it onto the chair across from me. “Didn’t really expect to see you here.”

I huff out a laugh. “Yeah, well. That makes both of us.”

His eyes flick over me. “You look… rough.”

I snort. “Thanks, man. Real confidence boost.”

“Just saying.” His grin tilts sideways. “I’ve seen you after practice, drenched in sweat, and you looked better than this.”

“Wow.” My brow quirks. “Didn’t know I had a fan club.”

“You always did.” His tone makes it clear he’s not just talking about my hockey skills.

He grins and just like that, we’re back in old territory. Bullshitting about classes, party stories, people we both know.

But then he glances at my mouth instead of my eyes, and he leans a little closer over the table.

I know that look. I’ve worn that look.

He’s flirting.

And once, that would’ve been the cue for a little distraction. Now, it just makes everything inside me go tight.

He tilts his head, lowering his voice. “Alright, what’s going on? You look like you haven’t slept in a week.”

I consider blowing it off. I could make a joke, say I’m allergic to studying, but my throat aches from swallowing all of this down.

“It’s nothing. It’s stupid, honestly,” I mutter with a shake of my head.

He shrugs. “I’ve got time,” he says, shooting me a teasing grin. “I love procrastinating.”

I huff out a laugh, leaning back in my chair. “I was, um… seeing someone.” I lift my eyes to his, seeing the surprise in them. “Kind of. Not officially. But it blew up.”

His eyebrows lift. “Let me guess. Athlete?”

I snort. “That obvious?”

He shrugs. “You have a type, man.” His brows dip. “So what happened?”

I drag a hand through my hair. It all feels too big for words, but I force myself to get it out. “I liked him. More than I should’ve let myself. And he’s… not ready to come out. He doesn’t want anyone to know about us.” I feel my throat go tight. “I thought I could handle it, but—” My voice catches. I shake my head, looking anywhere but at him. “I can’t. I hate hiding. I hate feeling like I’m someone’s dirty secret.”

Trevor nods. “Yeah. I’ve been there. But for what it’s worth? Just because he’s not ready now doesn’t mean he won’t ever be. Everyone’s got their own timeline. Took me hooking up with you, actually, to finally admit my shit and come out to my folks.”

That drags a startled laugh out of me, and I rub the back of my neck. “Glad I could be your… awakening, I guess.”

He smirks, cocking his head. “Are you in love with him?”

I go still, because I haven’t said it out loud. I’ve known for a few weeks, felt it deep in my bones whenever he looked at me, but I never got the chance to tell him.

“Yeah,” I say, letting out a laugh. “Yeah, I am.”

Trevor’s eyebrows shoot up, surprised by my confession, and I understand why he would be. I’ve never been the kind of guy who wanted commitment. But Nathan Hayes changed me.

He leans back, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “So, what you’re telling me is there’s no chance of another hookup?”