What Are The Odds?: A college hockey romance. (Phil-U Book 1)

Grace.

I’d just flopped onto my bed when my phone vibrated. I’d left it on my desk, charging. Groaning, I rolled off my bed.

Ryker: Keen for dinner before tonight’s game?

I reverted to the group text and messaged Stella and Ava. I wasn’t sure where they were. Our dorm was empty when Levi dropped me off.

Me: Where are you?

Ava: Almost back. Need breakfast?

Me: I’m good. Levi bought me something.

We’d gone through Starbucks where he loaded up on coffee and greasy bacon and egg bagels for the guys. He’d ignored my continual refusal and bought me a muffin and hot chocolate. I’d finished both before we got back to my dorm.

Stella: At least he buys breakfast the next day.

Me: Huh?

I’d text Stella and Ava last night that I was crashing at Levi’s. They’d sent dozens of follow up messages, each of which I’d ignored after climbing into his cloud-like bed.

Stella: With his rep, I didn’t expect he’d even allow you to stay over after the deed.

Me: Didn’t sleep with him, Stels.

Ava: Why not? 🙁

Stella: Good. Sleeping with Levi Holloway would certainly dim your chances of getting with Ryker.

Me: Not the goal here. And unrelated… down for dinner with Ryker before the game tonight?

Ava: Does he have any hot friends?

Stella: Of course he does. He’s the QB.

Me: Does it sound like I’m turning a platonic hockey-watching-catch-up into a triple date if I ask Ryker to bring two friends?

‘What’s wrong with that?” Stella asked, throwing open the dorm door.

She was holding a takeaway bag and Ava had two disposable coffee cups.

“He asked you to dinner, Grace,” Ava said, sitting on the edge of her bed. “If anything, you’re putting the brakes on by bringing friends.”

Stella nodded thoughtfully. “Good point. We should meet you at the game.”

“No,” I said quickly. “You’re both coming to dinner.”

I unlocked my phone and scrolled to Ryker’s message.

Me: Sure. Stella and Ava are keen as well. Feel free to bring some friends too.

I hadn’t realised Stella had moved to look over my shoulder until she let out a grumpy huff. I picked up my towel and headed to the bathroom.

“Not so fast,” Ava said, jumping in the way. “Details. Go.”

“There aren’t any details.”

Stella scoffed at that. “You think it’s normal that you–” quotation marks “just slept in Levi Holloway’s bed?”

I glared at her. “We did just sleep.”

“And I trust you babe, but that’s the thing.” Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips contorted in thought. “You don’t think he likes you, do you?”

“No,” I quickly answered. “We’re friends.”

Ava studied me thoughtfully. “But do you like him?”

“No.”

My answer came too fast for either Ava or Stella to believe me. They shared a knowing look. Was I attracted to Levi? Sure. It was almost impossible not to be. The looming height. Strong arms. Muscled stomach – like, ridiculously toned. Did I like Levi? Fine. Maybe a little bit. His confident arrogance had grown on me. Was anything going to happen? I doubt it. Did I want it to? Good question. Would I stop it if it did? An even better question. There was no way I was voicing any of those thoughts to Stella and Ava though, so I walked into the bathroom and closed the door on that conversation.