He goes back to his workout and the music blares between us, as I reach for my water bottle.
“Question,” I say, unscrewing the cap.
Nathan grunts, continuing his reps. “You don’t have to say question. You can just ask me the question.”
I take a sip and swallow it down, rolling my eyes. “Fine. Are you gonna judge me if I hit the frat party tonight?”
He racks his weights with a loud clank, finally looking at me. “It’s mid-season.”
I lift a brow. “Yeah, but it’s an off-day.”
He just stares at me.
“I’m not talking keg stands,” I clarify. “Just a couple drinks. Maybe flirt with someone. Be around people who aren’t counting macros and thinking about ice time every waking second.”
His mouth flattens, and I already know what’s coming before he opens it.
“Did you forget what we talked about?”
Ah.The Talk.
I groan, tipping my head back toward the ceiling. “It’s one night, man. Relax.”
Nothing. Just that silent, broody judgment radiating off him.
I nudge the side of his shoe with mine until he looks down. “You can come with me if you’re that worried. Supervise. Make sure I’m being a good boy.”
His jaw clenches, the muscle jumping. “I don’t party during the season,” he says finally.
“Bullshit,” I say, sitting up. “You’re always at parties. Quietly brooding in the corner, sure, but I see you there.”
“I’m there to keep everyone level-headed,” he mutters. “Not to get drunk.”
“God,” I laugh, shaking my head. “You really are Daddy Hayes.”
He doesn’t bite, which just makes me want to push, of course.
“Come on,” I say with a grin. “You need it. Blow off some steam. Get laid. Be fun for once.”
“Take him up on it, Hayes,” Austin says, running a towel along the back of his neck. “You’re one missed fun night away from turning into Cole over there.”
We all glance toward the corner where Cole is mid-deadlift with his headphones on and that hard-ass look in place.
“Cole!” Austin yells, cupping his hands. “Blink twice if you’re alive!”
Cole keeps lifting like we don’t exist.
“Nothing,” Austin says with a sigh. “Guy’s like a monk.”
Ryan snorts. “Pretty sure he’s ignoring you on purpose. Can’t say I blame him.”
Austin flips him off and Ryan laughs as they head for the showers.
I glance back at Nathan when the guys leave. “You sure you don’t wanna come out with us tonight?” I sling my towel over my shoulder. “I promise I’ll behave.”
He doesn’t answer right away, sitting up and placing his notebook back in his bag, but he pauses, and for a second, I swear he’s considering it. His mouth parts, like maybe he’s about to say something—something other thanno.
And I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t be waiting for it. But I do.