He grasped my hand, giving it a slight squeeze and then rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand; my knees threatened to turn to jelly at the motion, "You’re welcome. Like I said, I was having fun. How about you give me your number, so when I get your seat organized I can tell you how to get your tickets so there are no hassles on Sunday for you?"
Ahhh sneaky sneaky, asking for my number under the guise of offering help. I bet most girls swooned at the gallantry.
You’re not far off swooning yourself, replied my Inner Voice. I was really starting to dislike her.
I plastered a thankful smile on my face, "That would be great!"
He let go of my hand to reach into his back pocket for his phone, looking up at me expectantly. I rattled off my number and he keyed it in.
"Great, well, I’ll catch you later Scoop." He said as he grabbed his helmet from the back of his chair and turned to leave. Just as he got to the door he looked back and nodded in my direction.
I sat back in my chair with a thump. Wow, my heart pounded in my ears as blood rushed around my body. For just a second, I thought I was going to pass out, as the adrenaline rocketed through me. He was seriously good looking, almost unnaturally so. Borderline vampire beautiful. If hockey didn’t work out, and he didn't smoosh up his face, modelling was definitely a career path he should look into.
Deciding to start my own research into the hockey team, since this feel good article actually did need to be written, I jumped onto the internet and used the link from the college’s website to get to the hockey team’s. When the homepage loaded, I was instantly confronted with a large photo of the team in the banner.
I scanned the faces looking for Vinnie; my jaw dropped when I recognized a couple. I clicked on the image to enlarge it, and sure enough, there was Vinnie, with Christian and Justin on either side.
Chapter 8
Thursday 30th November – 25 days until Christmas
Hayden
Thursday nights were the worst and best night of my week, every week. Putting the paper to bed was always such a rush, all the last minute changes and trying to make everything fit together nicely, journalists jockeying to get the best spots; I loved it. Everyone had been crowded into The Press office tonight, slowly trickling out as their work was done and finalized.
I was doing a final pass through of the content, making sure everything flowed and didn’t overlap into the margins when my phone vibrated.
Unknown Number: Hey it’s Vinnie, hoping I am texting Scoop and not some random person. Did you still want tickets to the hockey game?
A smile crept its way onto my face, even though I knew about the game that he was playing. Well maybe, I would play a game with him.
Me: Sorry man, looks like you got played. But I would love tickets to the game.
I giggled to myself as I imagined the look on his face. I clicked on the info of the text and added his number as a contact in my phone and then went back to finalizing the paper. Not even a minute later, I had a reply.
Vinnie: Ahh damn. Chicks huh? Thanks for letting me know. And sorry, the tickets were for media only.
I smirked at my phone. Gotchya!
Me: Just messing with u, it’s Hayden. I’d love those tickets.
I watched as the message instantly turned to Read. The little bubble appeared as he typed his response.
Vinnie: Ahh Scoop, that was mean.
Me: My mom always told me, treat em mean, keep em keen ;)
I bit my lip, wondering if I had over played my hand. I implied he wanted more than just an article from me, and I could be totally way off base.
Vinnie: Ahh so you want me keen huh? Well you got me right where you want me :p
Me: Ooo, now what shall I do with you?
Vinnie: Whatever you like ;)
I got a warm tingle down my spine, imaging Vinnie coming into The Press office late one night, stalking towards me and leaning over me in my chair. Pressing his lips to mine in a hard, firm kiss, until I pushed him away, standing and leaning into him, my hands pressed against his muscular chest. I shoved him backwards until the back of his legs hit my desk, forcing him to sit on the edge as I stepped up to him wrapping my arms around his neck, and leaning up to kiss him. Him nibbling on my lower lip. As I opened my mouth to him, his hands reached down and grabbed my ass, lifting me up. I brought my knees up to rest on the table and straddled his waist, pressing myself into him until he laid back on the table, me draped over the top of him, staring down into his gorgeous green eyes.
My phone vibrated in my hand snapping me out of my day dream.
Vinnie: I was thinking we could grab a drink after the game?
I sat back in my chair and tapped my index finger on the desk. Drinks after the game, I could do that. I could get Steph to text me an hour after the game had finished to give me an out if I needed it. I just needed to start laying the ground work for an invite back to his place.
Me: Deal. I thought you were going to ask me to go back to yours after the game.
Vinnie: Would you have said yes if I’d asked that?
Me: You’ll never know now :p
Vinnie: Haha ok, I’ll remember for next time ;) I’ll have the tickets sent to the paper tomorrow. I’ve gotta go, just finished training. See you Sunday.
Me: Sunday :)
Hopefully, Vinnie would shine some light on a lead for me on Sunday, or offer himself up on a platter. I turned back to my computer and picked up where I’d left off with the paper. The sooner I got it done, the sooner I could get out of here.
Chapter 9
Friday 1st December – 24 days until Christmas
Christian
I'd arrived early to my PSY100, not really wanting to analyze why. Hayden wasn’t there when I arrived, probably because I’d gotten there fifteen minutes early. I’d headed to the spot she had sat at on Wednesday, assuming it was her usual place and got my stuff out, fiddling with my phone until other students started to arrive.
When the room was mostly full, I started to wonder if she was actually going to turn up. The idea of her not showing actually made me deflate a little, which shouldn’t have surprised me. I had only met her a few days ago, with barely a handful of words said between us. I’d been kicking myself for the last two days for not having noticed her before. Although, not having noticed her was probably a good thing, considering declaring Whip wasn’t a part of my NHL plans.
Professor Evans walked into the room and dropped his leather carrier bag onto the table down in the pit. He went through his usual routine of pulling out a folder and started flicking through the sheets it contained, probably looking for today's lesson plan.
I sighed, flicked my notebook open, determined to at least make decent notes.
Just as Professor Evans stepped up to the microphone the door to the lecture room opened again, and I swear, my heart stopped beating for a second, maybe a whole minute. It then picked up its beat, pounding so hard that I could feel the skin of my chest beating.
Wow.
Hayden had arrived, and she looked like she had just stepped off a movie set. My eyes started at her head; her dark brown waist length wavy hair covered by her aqua beanie flowed over her shoulder as if someone had expertly styled and placed it just before she’d walked through the door. She had a black hoodie, with grey lining that came to her waist, where a white shirt of some kind was tucked into the tightest pair of light blue skinny jeans I’d ever seen. My eyes almost bulged out of my head when I got to her feet, encased in knee high, black leather, stiletto boots.
Holy hell.
Hayden scanned the room, and when her eyes landed on me her ruby red lipstick covered lips arched up into a brilliant smile that had me seeing stars. She turned and headed up the stairs that ran up the side of the room and crossed towards me, never breaking eye contact.
I wiggled uncomfortably in my seat as my mind conjured up an image of Hayden in my bedroom, wearing nothing but one of my white button up shirts, that red lipstick, and t
hose boots, the light streaming in from behind her making the shirt all but transparent.
Fuck.
"Hey Christian," she practically purred as she smiled down at me. I suddenly felt like the prey, instead of the hunter.
"Hey Hayden," I replied, my voice noticeably rougher. I turned my head and gave a little cough to clear it, as she sat down in the seat to my right and sorted her things out.
"Did I miss anything?" She asked sweetly, as she turned to face me.
Except for my fantasy about your boots?
"Uh, no, hasn't started yet." I responded; thankful my desk was covering my hard on from her.
Fuck, what am I? Sixteen? Getting an erection from a girl with sexy fucking boots, seriously Christian. Calm the fuck down.
"Ah that's a shame, I would have asked you to be my study buddy if I had," she winked at me.
Was she flirting with me?
"I want to do more than study with you," I muttered back under my breath.
Hayden opened her mouth to say something, but then Professor Evans started the class. She cast me a quick smile before focusing on her own notes.
I settled into listening to the droning of the professor; my pen scribbled down any interesting details he let slip about the final exam.
About halfway through the class, I hear the sound of paper tearing coming from Hayden and looked over with concern. She was smiling mischievously as she slid the torn sheet over to me. I looked down in confusion, and then smiled as I saw her curly writing looking back at me.
This class is so boring. I've been putting it off since junior year.
I pulled the paper closer to me and quickly scribbled my reply.
Me too. Most of the Gen Ed subjects have sucked so far.
I folded the sheet and passed it back to her. She took a moment to finish what she was writing and then opened our note. She instantly started to write a reply, so I naturally tried to sneak a peek. She glared up at me, and hid her words with her arm.
I suppressed a laugh and held my hands up in mock surrender returning my attention back to the professor. A few seconds later, I had the note back.
I know right? You show me a Gen Ed course, and I will show you nap time. What's your major?
I sighed, hating that question. College had no impact on my dreams except to be the slingshot I needed to get into the NHL.
Business, but I plan on going pro with hockey.
I folded the note back up and passed it again. I tried to gauge her reaction out of the corner of my eye. Would she think I was a dumb jock and lose any interest she might have?
The note landed back on my desk, with a light swish. I covered it with my left hand to stop it from sliding off my desk and finished off the notes I was taking.
Opening up our note, I smiled with relief that she was still asking questions.
Oh, so you're an athlete! Explains all those muscles ;) What position do you play?
Any position you want baby. I almost forehead slapped myself. Where the hell did that just come from? I’d definitely been hanging out with Vinnie too much lately. Needed to grab a beer with Grant or someone. I let out a bit of a huffed breath as I noticed the professor finishing up the class, and wrote my response.
Forward, Left Wing. And you noticed those huh?
I smirked as I handed back the letter. She quickly read it and looked up at me, catching my sneaky smile and grinned back as she leaned in, gave my bicep a squeeze and whispered in my ear, "Hard not to."
I was instantly hard, and I’m not talking about my biceps. I could feel the seam of my zipper as it pressed into me through my underwear. I glanced around, hoping no one was watching us, hoping that the angle of the desks would hide rapidly tenting pants from view.
Hayden slipped the note onto my desk and picked up her bag - when did she pack her things up? - and sauntered off down the row of desks, merging with the other students, without even a goodbye. My eyes focused on her ass as it swung from side to side with each of her steps in those fuckable heels. Once she was gone from my sight, I flipped open the note.
Call me, Hayden.
Her phone number was neatly written just below her name.
A huge smile spread across my face as I picked up my phone and instantly opened it to the call app. I quickly typed in her number, saved it, and then called it. It rang twice before she answered.
"Hayden Halloway." Her voice was strong and husky, something I hadn't noticed before, too interested in everything I could see rather than just hear.
"Hey, it's Christian. Just wanted to call and say hi." I smiled to myself as I used my free hand to start packing up my things.
She chuckled on her end, "That was quick. I thought you would at least make me sweat it a few hours."
"Na, this way we can keep passing notes all day," I replied, hoping she didn't think I was being corny.
"Oh, I'd like that. I have to go work on an art…assignment, you’ll be a welcome distraction."
"Great, well, I think it's up to you to reply," I stated back.
Laughing back at me, "Okay Sport, I get it. I'll start our note chat back up," she replied.
"Great, can't wait to read it. Bye Hayden." I responded.
"Bye Christian." I stood and pocketed my phone, stuffing the last few things into my backpack. Just as I was zipping it shut, my ass vibrated. Heart pounding, I reached into my pocket and pulled my phone out.
Hayden: So about those shirts, do you have any tighter ones, or do I need to work on my imagination?
Chapter 10
Friday 1st December – 24 days until Christmas
Hayden
I was doing a read through of my puff piece on Vinnie when my phone vibrated. I was just getting to the part about his dad taking him to a hockey game when he was a kid. Flicking my eyes down to the screen, I read the alert that had popped up.
Justin: Hey, are we still on for tomorrow? I have the same table booked. I'll bring the muffins this time ;)
A piece of me warmed up at the sight of his flirting. He had seemed like a really serious guy, only ever showing the truest version of himself to the world, which had me thinking he was genuinely interested in me. But the knowledge that he was on the hockey team, a player in the Puck Games, had me blowing out the small flickering flame before it threatened to turn into a raging inferno. It wasn’t just Vinnie I had to be weary of, with his easy charm and dashing smile, it was Christian with his quick smiles and Justin with his heated looks. Dammit, I had to be on guard with all of them.
I put my phone down without replying, figuring I would let him squirm for just a minute, since he had taken two days to text me since I gave him my number.
I returned my gaze back to my computer, but before I had read a sentence my phone buzzed again. An exasperated chuckle escaped me. Impatient much? I glanced down to read his message but was surprised when it was from Christian. Not that I should have been, his earlier message had said he’d had training and would message me when he was done.
Christian: Did you miss me?
I smirked at his message. He was only silent on me for two hours. I’d noticed the lack of buzzing from my phone, but knew he wasn't shutting me out. He was apparently incredibly funny, his humor as dry as the air at the hockey rink. Miss him? Yeah, maybe. Was I going to tell him that? Hell no. He could squirm for a minute too.
I went back to the sentence, and yet again was interrupted before I could make it to the end. I let out a huff. Reaching for my phone, I saw that it was from Vinnie. An imaginary cartoon light bulb suddenly turned on above my head. Hockey practice had just finished, they were all in the locker room checking their phones. A little bit of evil seeped onto my face, as I decided to catch all of their attention at once.
I quickly opened Justin's message and typed out my reply.
Me: Sounds good to me :) As long as they are naughty muffins, like triple choc chip ;)
I hit send, with my message turning to Read instantly. Oh, so you were waiting for my re
ply huh?
I changed messages and went over to Christian's.
Me: Oh wow, is your training over already? I barely even noticed your absence. :p
That message turned to Read straight away too. What were they doing, sitting next to each other, all hot and steamy after their showers, with their phones out?
Opening Vinnie's message, I read it first before I replied.
Vinnie: How's my article going?
Me: Well right now I have your basic bio done, the questions you answered, I’m just up to telling your Disney moment with your dad. Then, I just need to get your players stats, like your scoring average.
I smirked at that last bit, hoping he would take the bait. My phone had already vibrated twice, and I quickly came to the conclusion that this would get confusing. Last year, Steph had found an app that color coded text messages so that we could have an aqua and purple chat. I quickly launched the app and set Vinnie to blue, Christian to red, and Justin to green. That done, I changed back to my messages.
Christian: Well if that's the case, I guess I won't ask you out for dinner.
Ohh that's smooth.
Me: Who says I would say yes?
I switched to Justin's message.
Justin: Naughty huh? I thought you would be more of a sweet muffin eater, like blueberry.
Me: Depends on the day. Muffins are my favorite, but I definitely prefer the thick, moist kind.
Wow, I did not realize my mind was so...filthy.
Vinnie: My average is 100%, I score every time. I’ll show you some time ;)
Ha, gotcha!
Me: Oh, I thought you were going to show me Sunday night? Or aren't you playing anymore?
Justin: It's a good thing I know where to get the best triple choc chip muffins from then ;)
Me: Definitely a good thing :p What are you up to right now?
I bit my lip at the little deception. I knew he had just finished hockey training, but he didn’t know I knew that.
Christian: Oh you would say yes.
Me: Is this you asking me?
Christian: Nope, apparently you didn't miss me enough.
All We Want For Christmas Is You: A Reverse Harem Christmas Story Page 6