Page 16 of The Risk Taker

He goes back to his workout and the music blares between us, as I reach for my water bottle.

“Question,” I say, unscrewing the cap.

Nathan grunts, continuing his reps. “You don’t have to say question. You can just ask me the question.”

I take a sip and swallow it down, rolling my eyes. “Fine. Are you gonna judge me if I hit the frat party tonight?”

He racks his weights with a loud clank, finally looking at me. “It’s mid-season.”

I lift a brow. “Yeah, but it’s an off-day.”

He just stares at me.

“I’m not talking keg stands,” I clarify. “Just a couple drinks. Maybe flirt with someone. Be around people who aren’t counting macros and thinking about ice time every waking second.”

His mouth flattens, and I already know what’s coming before he opens it.

“Did you forget what we talked about?”

Ah.The Talk.

I groan, tipping my head back toward the ceiling. “It’s one night, man. Relax.”

Nothing. Just that silent, broody judgment radiating off him.

I nudge the side of his shoe with mine until he looks down. “You can come with me if you’re that worried. Supervise. Make sure I’m being a good boy.”

His jaw clenches, the muscle jumping. “I don’t party during the season,” he says finally.

“Bullshit,” I say, sitting up. “You’re always at parties. Quietly brooding in the corner, sure, but I see you there.”

“I’m there to keep everyone level-headed,” he mutters. “Not to get drunk.”

“God,” I laugh, shaking my head. “You really are Daddy Hayes.”

He doesn’t bite, which just makes me want to push, of course.

“Come on,” I say with a grin. “You need it. Blow off some steam. Get laid. Be fun for once.”

“Take him up on it, Hayes,” Austin says, running a towel along the back of his neck. “You’re one missed fun night away from turning into Cole over there.”

We all glance toward the corner where Cole is mid-deadlift with his headphones on and that hard-ass look in place.

“Cole!” Austin yells, cupping his hands. “Blink twice if you’re alive!”

Cole keeps lifting like we don’t exist.

“Nothing,” Austin says with a sigh. “Guy’s like a monk.”

Ryan snorts. “Pretty sure he’s ignoring you on purpose. Can’t say I blame him.”

Austin flips him off and Ryan laughs as they head for the showers.

I glance back at Nathan when the guys leave. “You sure you don’t wanna come out with us tonight?” I sling my towel over my shoulder. “I promise I’ll behave.”

He doesn’t answer right away, sitting up and placing his notebook back in his bag, but he pauses, and for a second, I swear he’s considering it. His mouth parts, like maybe he’s about to say something—something other thanno.

And I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t be waiting for it. But I do.