I gawk at A+ in the corner of my essay, chewing on the inner side of my cheek. I'm stressed as fuck, and nothing is really helping to get rid of this state. Not Ava, and not even hockey. Especially hockey because it's the reason why I'm so nervous. The longer I don't hear anything about my contract, the worse I feel. Apparently I put way too much faith in my future with the Sharks... and it was a huge mistake. I should have started to look for other options, dammit!

"Colt, any plans for lunch?" I refocus my vision and stare at my best friend. Clay lingers by my desk, towering over me with a questioning look on his face. Plans? To lock myself in my apartment and continue staring at my phone. Though, that would be pathetic. "Colton?"

"Not really. We can go to the cafeteria. I don't care." I shove my essay in my backpack, and stand up. Clay moves away to give me space, still keeping his eyes on me. "I'm okay."

"Doesn't look like it." He tells me quietly, following me out of the auditorium. "You will hear from them soon. You're the best of the best, Colt. I don't have any doubt you will go pro."

"I just need to know. The sooner they tell me about their decision, the easier it will be for me. To find another team if I need to..." I shrug my shoulders, as we go down the hallway. "Ava says I'm being a sore loser without any real reason for it."

"Your girlfriend is right. You're giving up already, you don't know what the Shark's decision is. They wanted you because you're talented, because you're a freaking God on the ice when it comes to speed and vigilance. Why are you doubting yourself?"

My skin warms up, and the faintest smile plays on my lips. Him calling Ava my girlfriend does the trick, and I feel more at ease. She's mine, and everyone in our college knows it. To say people were in shock is an understatement. News about us being a couple spread like a tsunami, with such strength that I honestly felt like the fucking MVP of the season for a few days. What did we do? Spent most of the days after school at my apartment, chilling, preparing for classes, watching movies and also fucking. Oh, man, she's fucking fire, and simply thinking about her tempting body turns my mind into jelly. A pussy whipped idiot I am, and I'm not ashamed of it. Not even a little bit.

"I know I'm a good player, Rodgers." I mutter, shooing away my growing desire for my girl. "My father is breathing down my neck, wanting me to step in to take over the reins at his company. If I can flash him my contract with the Sharks, he won't be able to say anything. He knows if I sign the contract, I'm out of his sphere of influence. I will be totally on my own."

The thing is... I have no idea what will happen after my talk with my dad. I keep postponing the conversation like a coward, but I really need time to collect my thoughts. And also subconsciously I'm waiting for some news about my future. It will be easier to have this conversation with him when I know what the next few months will bring. Hockey is my life, and even if he doesn't really support it, he knows I won't give up on my dreams. If there is anything I got from him, except my looks, is my stubbornness.

"You have a point for sure." Clay nudges me with his shoulder as we enter the cafeteria. I scan the place with my eyes, not seeing Ava. She texted me before, saying she has some big news and asking if she can come to my place when I get home after practice. My answer was short and I'm not sure she took it really well. 'You could actually live here.' Total silence was the only thing I got in return. Usual Ava and her fear of losing her freedom, even if she knows I'm the last person on the Earth that would take it from her.

Taking a deep breath, I walk further into the cafeteria, noticing the guys from the team. It's probably not weird that I got used to Baker's absence within a day. And I honestly don't miss that motherfucker, not in the slightest. Our coach didn't have any other choice except benching Baker, and then after a short negotiation kicking him off of the team. When no one wants to play on the same team as you because you drugged an innocent girl, basically kidnapped her and left her unconscious in a place where she couldn't get any help if it was needed, you just accept defeat and leave. From what I know, this time even his father couldn't do anything. Hockey Safe Sport Handbook is a great thing when it comes to dealing with jerks like him.

"Colt? What do you want to eat?" Clay asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. I'm definitely not in my best shape, but I will need to do better. For real.

🏒💥🏒💥🏒

I park my car near my building and ready to climb out of it, when my phone rings. I grab it from the passenger seat and my heart rate instantly increases. It's Anthony, the guy my father hired when I was selected as a first-round pick by the San Jose Sharks. I cross my fingers and answer the call, pressing my phone to my ear. Whatever it is, I'm ready to hear the news.

"Hey Colton, how have you been?"

"Hey Anthony, I'm good. How about you?" I try sounding calm, while my heart is ready to jump out of my chest.

"Same old, same old. Thank you so much for asking though. It's rare these days."

"Maybe you are just talking with the wrong people." I suggest and he chortles, loudly and wholeheartedly. I remember my first meeting with him, and how hostile I was towards him. He quickly proved how wrong I was judging him for being an acquaintance with my father. It's not always a bad thing.

"Maybe." He finally says and clears his throat. Sweet mother of God, please, just tell me what you need to tell me. There is no need to beat around the bush, it only irritates me more. "I think you know why I'm calling you."

"Yup, the Sharks."

"The Sharks." He confirms, as if waiting for a drum roll. I hate this pretentious shit, and dramatic silence and pauses. Just fucking tell me! "Any chance you can fly to San Jose on Thursday evening?"

"This Thursday?" I'm internally freaking out, ready to jump out of my car and do a happy dance. God, I'm an idiot!

"Yes, this Thursday. We will have a meeting with the team rep on Friday morning. They want to discuss your contract."

"Does that mean they still want me?"

Anthony laughs. "Of course they do. Your stats on the ice have been phenomenal this season, and all the previous ones. I have no idea what you're thinking, Colt, but you're a player with great potential. Try to remember that. Especially when we are talking about the terms of your contract and your paycheck."

"I will." I smile, lifting my fist in the air as if I just scored another goal.

"Good. I'll coordinate buying our tickets, okay? I'll be in touch with the flight details, etc."

"Sure." I open the door and climb out of my car, going to the backseat to grab my sports bag. "See you on Thursday, Anthony."

"See you, Colton. Bye." He hangs up, just as I lock my car and head to the entrance of my apartment building. I can't stop smiling, and my whole body is full of energy. If Ava really comes to my place tonight, I'm afraid she won't be getting any sleep. Fucking my beautiful girl and feasting on her is the best way to celebrate my news. The best way in the world!

As I climb the stairs, my phone starts buzzing again. Taking it out of my pocket and looking down at the screen, I halt in my tracks. My father definitely knows when I'm least expecting him to call me.

"Hey."

"Hey Colton." He greets me, and I feel uneasy at once. He never calls just because lately, and I'm wondering what he wants from me this time. "Congrats on the news. Anthony sent me a message."

Dammit! I should have known better. Father was the one who hired him, so it's only logical he informed him too. "Thanks."

"You're flying to San Jose on Thursday."

Not a question, but a statement. My throat contracts as agitation spreads all over my skin. Why does he need to be so controlling?! "Yes. Just need to get the details from Anthony."

"Okay. Well then-"

"Can I see you on Thursday? I think I can skip a few classes."

He's silent for a moment, and I bite the inner side of my bottom lip. Come on, Dad, make an effort. "How about lunch? I have a few hours to spare so I can place an order."

"Cool. Send me the details. I will go to the airport after lunch..." An awkward pause, and I exhale. "Bye Dad."

"Bye Colt."

I finish the call and stare off into the distance. It's the first time in years that my father and I had a decent conversation. Yes, he still pissed me off and I'm sure I irritated him as well, but it was still good. Surprisingly. Blowing air out of my nostrils, I resume my walk. Hopefully, meeting him will also be good. I have a lot of questions I want to ask... and I think he will have some too.

As soon as I open the door of my apartment, I know she's here. Her perfume and also the sweetest aroma from the kitchen wafts around me. I put my sports bag down on the floor, unzip my jacket and hang it on a hanger, and take off my sneakers. She's singing again, and it's the only sign I need to know her mood is light. What Baker did to her shook her pretty badly, but she recovered from it in the shortest time possible. A drug test also didn't show even a single trace of drugs or any opiates in her system, whatever he gave her, didn't cause any harm to her health. Ava needed time with her family and friends to be able to move on, nothing else. Baker being transferred to another college did the trick too, even if he caused me problems with her... She wasn't happy I let it slip to that fucker that we had sex at the movies. A lot of groveling and letting her do whatever the hell she wanted in bed played in my favor too.

I step into the kitchen and my eyes land on Ava. She's sitting at the table, a cup of coffee in her hand as she hums Taylor Swift's song 'Bad Blood' while reading some book. I shake my head, coming closer and planting a kiss on her cheek. I got myself the sexiest bookworm in the world, honestly. "Hey you."

"Hey." She murmurs, looking at me sideways with the cutest smile. "Are you hungry? I made-"

"Pancakes." I finish her sentence and slump down in a chair, pulling a plate with pancakes in my direction. Though she slaps my hand away and pulls the plate to her. "What?"

"Wash your hands, Colt."

I roll my eyes, standing up. "Yes, Ma'am." She smacks my ass, as I walk out of the kitchen. I quickly change my clothes, wash my hands and my face, and only then go back to the kitchen. Another cup of coffee sits on the table and I smile. She's always so thoughtful, and so caring, so I often think I'm not doing enough for her. She deserves the world.

Taking a bite of my pancake, I'm melting, like fucking Olaf. No shit I still remember this snowman from Frozen, Ava made me watch it two times during our Spring Break. Sometimes she's just such a girly girl, that the only thing I want to do is to haul her to my chest and never let her go. Surrounding her with my warmth, worshiping her body as the queen she is. My fucking Queen.

"How was your day?" Ava asks, closing her book and moving it away. I glance at the title, and quirk an eyebrow. ''. The more time I spend with her, the more I'm tempted to check out what she's reading. I'm being honest. "Colt?"

"Sorry." I peer at her, roaming my eyes over her face, admiring her full mouth and her big dove eyes. She's makeup free and her hair is collected in two braids. Her look is sweet and comfy, showing how comfortable she is staying at my place. "Good. It's been good. What about you?"

Ava bites her bottom lip, but her smile is still blooming, So contagious and so cute, so I grin in return. She did mention some news, and her excited state proves more than anything how happy she is about something. Well, I guess my news will wait. I don't want to steal her place in the spotlight. We can always talk about my flight later.

"You know I have my own bookstagram." I nod my head, urging her to continue. "I love reading and creating stuff for the stories I have read and loved. I spend hours writing reviews, annotating books or just chatting about them with girls from the community. The thing is... I really like what I'm doing, and considering my major... I kinda thought about making this not just a hobby."

"So... What did you decide to do?"

"I love one author, and literally devoured all her stories. What is more, she's always nice and always ready to talk to me about her books, or about other books I read... She's an indie author, as she publishes all her work herself and... I kinda told her about my idea, and that I don't have any experience in it... so it's wishful thinking..." Ava takes a sip of her coffee and then lowers the cup on the table. "She suggested I work for her. More like a trainee, to see what it means helping an author... to know all the pitfalls... She still wants to pay me though, as a thank you... And I'm so happy, Colt! This opportunity... It's like a golden ticket. I've never been more excited than I am now... and I feel like this could be IT. It's something I'd like to do in the future. Working as PA, helping authors to promote their work, preparing promo and info campaigns. I always wanted to have a job I'd be excited about, and this one fits this requirement to a T."

She continues talking, adding more and more details about her collaboration with this author, while I'm barely listening. Everything she says resonates with me. It's totally the same for me, and how I feel about being on the ice. Enjoyment. Excitement. Feeling of completion. That's what hockey means to me, and it's what this offer means to her. Her open smile and eyes shining like fucking emeralds make her absolutely irresistable. Not that it's not like I don't see her like this all the time, just right now... she's the brightest diamond this earth ever knew. My diamond... and I don't want her light to dim, to tarnish her mood... I can always tell her about the Sharks and my flight later. Now, it's all about her, and I should focus on that.