The Hookup Pact

21| Evelyn

Atlas must have taken a puck to his head. That was the only explanation for his ridiculous behavior.

And if he had not, I might end up throwing one at him tonight. How I would get hold of a puck was still in the works but if I saw that infuriating smirk on his face one more time I was going to lose it for sure.

After the awkward goodbye at my place, I concluded that whatever was going on between us had ended. It weirdly hurt but I made peace with it. It wasn't the first time someone had left me and it probably won't be the last. But I knew I was strong and I could get over it. I'd made it this far. I could do it again.

What I didn't understand was what Atlas wanted from me now. From the moment we'd come face to face in the morning to get on the flight for the away game to right now when we were getting ready for casual interviews before their game, he'd made sure to be all up in my space.

The nickname dropping in every other sentence, those mischievous smirks, playful grins, and soft touches had my mind spinning. He'd also stepped in to help me every single time without a word, never letting anyone else do it. But he also hadn't said a word to me that wasn't a jab or an innuendo.

What the fuck did he want from me?

I watched him from the side as he talked with Noor and Mark, my mind trying to come up with possible answers to my question. None of which made sense because why would Atlas Griffin want to redo our pact when any girl on and off campus would gladly agree to be his hookup buddy?

"Don't stare at me Rosy or I might think you're in love with me," his comment snapped me out of my thoughts and I blinked a few times, looking around. We were the only ones in this part of the lobby as Mark and Noor had moved to the other players down the hall.

"I can sign your jersey if that's what you want," he said, making me whirl back to face him. That smug smile was plastered on his lips again and the urge to go looking for the puck was stronger than ever.

And as if the Universe wanted to partake in Atlas's game, I was given the jersey with his name and number on it to wear. Again. They couldn't get the media team our own jerseys so we were left with fan merch to show that we were with the hockey team.

I was still bitter about someone else picking up Kris's jersey, not that anyone else other than me was paying attention to the numbers or the last names they were going to wear, but still. I wanted to avoid the number 1 with every cell in my body knowing perfectly well that Atlas would get a kick out of seeing me wear his jersey.

Swallowing the snarky comment hanging from the tip of my tongue, I decided to cut to the chase. I was tired of his games. "What are you playing at Griffin? Whatever it is, please stop. You're attracting unnecessary attention toward us. I just want to get this over peacefully."

His smirk faltered and a serious look dawned on his face. "Evelyn—"

"No, Atlas... Please." My voice came out more desperate than I would like to admit but I meant what I said. Our week apart had given me the gist of what I would be left with after Atlas graduated and moved on. And I didn't like it.

I didn't like the feeling of emptiness that clawed at me from the inside or the sense of being abandoned that haunted me at all times of the day. I needed to cut ties before I got attached anymore than I already had.

Undeterred, Atlas tried to hold my hand but I stepped back.

"I-I need to go see how the others are doing," I said and turned around to walk away. In my haste to create some distance between us, I bumped into someone and almost fell flat on my butt. Almost. Because my rear never met the carpeted floor as a large arm wrapped around my waist, stabilizing me.