“Yes, but I figured it out.” So, his next student was female. If he were gay, then he wouldn’t be interested. I hadn’t caught a gay vibe from him though. But I hadn’t caught a straight one either. I ruminated over our earlier conversation. “So, you said you went to high school with an AHL hockey player. Where are you from?”
“Rochester, New York.” While looking over the courtyard, he said, “He was living with Lucas Hopkins before he was called to play for the Coyotes.” He pursed his lips. “Lucas moved into a place with his fiancé.”
“Hopkins?” I lifted my brows. Wasn’t there a Mason Hopkins on the Coyotes? “Is Lucas’s brother named Mason?” God damn. I’d heard this story. “Mason is married to Jett Jarvis, right? And they play with Ace McAdams and Archer Carlson who all played for ASU?” Not to mention all of them were out queer players. I eyed him. Maybe hewasqueer?
“Yes, you’re correct.” He inhaled deeply. “Evan’s scraping by right now on his AHL salary. He asked me to move in with him, but it’s so far from campus.” He threaded his hands over his stomach.
Wait, was he involved with Evan? Were they together? “So, this Evan, you two are close?” My heart dipped.
He faced me. “Yeah, we’re best friends.”
I peered at him. Maybe Evan wasn’t out professionally, and he couldn’t talk about their relationship. But Colton knew my status. I wouldn’t say anything. “You’re already kind of far from campus.”
He arched a brow. “I know, and it’s already a hassle for some of my students to come here. But it’s cheaper.” He huffed. “And I hate going to the center.”
Given his striking looks, students probably invented reasons to come and see him. I snuck my gaze across his frame and his leg muscles, long and lean. I’d see him again. Even if I understood my damn assignments. The corner of my lips lifted. I was devious.
“So, shall we get to it?” Slapping his hands on his thighs, he stood.
“Sure.” I rose and followed him back into the apartment. I’d be sure to book another study session with him before I left here today. I couldn’t predict how much harder this class would be.
Another hour had passed,and my eyes were damn tired from scrutinizing numbers on the laptop screen. We’d sat at the dinette this time and he’d given me some extra credit assignments to work through. I closed my laptop. “So, this was helpful, Colton. I’d like to see you again.” Oh, fuck, why did I phrase it like that? Rubbing my eyes, I snorted. “I mean, book another session with you.”
“Yeah? Okay.” He plucked his phone off the table andopened the screen. “I have an opening on Thursday afternoon around three?” His gaze met mine. “You need to leave for your game on Friday, right?” He smirked. “I might have reviewed your schedule online.”
My brows snapped up. He did? “Yes, Fridays are difficult when we have an away game.” I slipped my laptop into my bag, resting on the floor at my feet.
Rapping sounded through the apartment.
“Oh, that must be Sara.” He hopped from the chair, stepped to the door and flung it open with a broad grin. “Hey, Sara. Nice to see you. Come in.” He waved his arm wide.
With a giggle, Sara pranced inside the room, her blonde hair pulled in a high ponytail and falling to her shoulders. “You’re looking fine as always.” She fluttered her lashes as she grabbed his shoulders and kissed his cheek. When she pulled away, her gaze caught mine. “Oh, who’s this?”
My chest sparked with heat, and I fought to keep my expression steady. She obviously knew him very well. How long had he been tutoring her? Rising from my chair, I said, “Hi, I’m Travis Rowlings. I’m on the?—”
She squealed. “Oh my God, you’re an offensive lineman for the Devils. I go to all the games. You’re so good out there.” She clapped her hands over her chest and twisted to Colton. “You didn’t tell me you were tutoring a football player.”
“I didn’t know until yesterday.” He bit his lower lip and crossed his arms.
“We’ll have to go to a game together.” She grabbed his elbow. “Right?”
He wrinkled his brows. “Uh…”
“Oh, come on. It would be fun. You said yourself you don’t get out much.” She pulled on him. “You need more friends besides Evan.” Her eyes popped open. “Maybe Evan would join us if he’s not playing a game?”
Okay, she knewa lotabout Colton. I wrinkled my nose.Iwished to know that much about him. “If you want tickets, I canget them for you.” Fuck me. Here I was, pairing them up for an evening together. But if Colton was gay or in a relationship with Evan, it wouldn’t matter.
“That would be fabulous. Would you?” She tugged his arm again, swaying him. “Say yes, Colton.”
“Uh, yes.” He hung his head as his cheeks reddened.
Damn, he was adorable. “I’ll see you Thursday afternoon, and I’ll bring the tickets. Let me know if you need two or three.” I threw my backpack over my shoulder. This way I’d know if he were bringing Evan. Then it was less likely to be a dating situation between Colton and Sara.
“Sounds good. We can firm things up through text.” He tore free from Sara’s grasp and headed for the still open door.
After following him, I ambled onto the entryway, an ache ghosting through my chest. Two hours spent with him left me processing a lot, none of it academic.
He shut the door behind him as he stepped close behind me. “Hey, I’m sorry about that. You don’t have to give us free tickets if you don’t want to.”