Page 24 of Rookie Moves

“I’ll text you when I get to the hotel,” I tell her.

As I reach the stairs, she calls out, “And Colby?”

I turn around to face her.

“I hope this weekend works out for you and you win in more ways than just your hockey game.” She winks.

Unable to stop my smile from splitting my face in two, I give a small nod. “Thanks. Me too.”

Then I leave to meet the waiting bus, wondering how lucky one person can be in one weekend.

CHAPTER SIX

TYLER

The hotel lobby is bustling with activity when we arrive in Manchester. It seems we’re not the only team staying here this weekend either, so it’s like swimming against a tide of people as we try to check in.

This is a big weekend for us. We need to win both games to claim our spot in the Frozen Four in two weeks’ time, and while I’m excited for the tournament, there’s also this knot of melancholy sitting in my chest.

This is ultimately the countdown to the end of my hockey-playing career.

Sure, I told Liam I’d try and find a beer league team when I’m back home in Arizona, but it isn’t really the same. The stakes aren’t as high.

So if we lose this weekend, that’ll be it for me. Game over.

I want to make it to the Frozen Four, not only because it’s what we’ve worked so hard all season long for, but on a selfish level too. Because I don’t think I’m ready to let go of being Tyler Beckmann, NCAA Division I athlete.

Needing to distract myself from the bad mood I can feel myself falling into, I search the busy lobby for the face I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.

It took everything in me to leave Colby’s room when I did last night. I didn’t want to scare him by coming on too strong, especially now I know how inexperienced he is. But the taste of his sweet mouth and the sound of his soft whimpers seem to have ignited something in me that I wasn’t prepared for.

The possessive streak I’ve always seemed to hold for him? It’s like someone has lit a match under it, and now it’s burning brighter than ever.

I’m desperate to do it again because damn, I underestimated how good it would be to kiss Colby, and I don’t want to wait until we’re back on campus to taste his lips again.

I spot Nelson, Colby’s usual roommate on the road, near the team’s travel coordinator. He’s waiting as she hands out the room keys, and an idea forms in my mind.

Pushing through the crowd, I sidle up next to him and give him my most charming smile.

“Hey, Nelson.” I tip my chin in an up-nod and knock his fist with mine. “I’ve got a favor to ask you.”

“Yeah? What’s up, Becksy?”

“Don’t suppose you want to trade rooms for the weekend? I’m kinda sick of looking at his handsome mug.” I hook a thumb over my shoulder toward Liam. “I spend enough time with him already. I need a break.”

Nelson glances over my shoulder at Liam, then back to me. He gives an unbothered shrug and hands over his key card. No questions asked.

“Sure. Just to warn you, McKay is pretty quiet though. You probably won’t even notice he’s there.”

Oh, trust me, I will.

It’s hard not to notice everything about Colby.

I don’t say that though. I accept the key card with a smile and a promise to buy him a six-pack of beer when we get back to campus, and then I scan the crowded lobby for a mop of messy blond curls.

I find Colby on his own in the corner, sitting in a wingback armchair, partially hidden by a huge-ass plant. He’s scowling down at his phone, pulling idly on the side of his lip.

Something’s bothering him.