Chapter 3 HARPER

The classroom felt like it was buzzing louder than usual, but I couldn’t focus. My notebook sat open on my desk, covered in half-scribbled math problems that I wasn’t really trying to solve. Instead, my eyes kept drifting toward the window, watching the sky shift from pale blue to that soft gray that comes just before the sun starts to set.

Then I saw him.

Tyler Mercer. Striding toward the door like he owned the place. His messy blonde hair, the way his school jacket clung tightly to his broad shoulders — it was like he was invincible. And yet, here he was, just a regular student walking out of class early like he had somewhere urgent to be.

I blinked. Wait, wasn’t he supposed to be off the ice? The injury was supposed to bench him for the whole season. So why was he holding his skates ready to join the team like nothing had changed?

My heart picked up speed as I packed my bag hurrying to follow him. Today was the day. The first day I was supposed to help with his therapy sessions. Mom had left for her emergency work out of town this morning leaving me in charge. I was nervous, no doubt. I wasn’t a professional. I didn’t have fancy training. But Mom believed I could handle it, and I needed the money. Plus, maybe, just maybe, I could make a difference.

The bell rang, and the classroom emptied in a flood of students, just as I stood from my seat. I followed Tyler at a distance, careful not to look obvious. But even as I tried to stay calm, my stomach twisted into knots. He was quick, darting through groups of kids, and rounding hallways. He disappeared into the boys locker room before I could catch up to him and came out within seconds with his hockey bag hung on his shoulder. I quickened my pace, already knowing where he was headed. Dodging backpacks and chattering groups, desperate not to lose him, I broke into a half-jog, half-run.

That’s when the whispers started.

“I told you she’s stalking him,” someone murmured. “She’s been tailing him since classes ended.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks, but I didn’t stop, only slowing down when Tyler stopped at the gym entrance where his teammates were gathered, chattering. I paused to take a breath when Tyler’s head turned and his team went silent. His expression hardened, his jaw tight.

I swallowed, keeping my head high as I walked toward him. I’d barely gotten within arms length when his voice, thick and cold, echoed through the quiet.

“What’s this, your hobby? Quit following me around, will ya?”

My cheeks flushed. I opened my mouth to defend myself but one of his teammates cut me off.

“Hey, Ridey, if you’re looking for a stud to take pictures with I can clear up my schedule. Cap’s not the only hotshot you know.”

His teammates snickered, each flexing their biceps and making faces at me. I ignored them, focusing my gaze on Tyler who was still glaring at me.

“I’m sorry if it seemed like I was stalking you. I’m supposed to follow you home.”

Ohs and Ahs erupted around us from his teammates. I turned an even brighter shade of red.

“Yo, cap, leave some for us, will you?”

“Yeah, I call dibs on her first.” The tall, gruff red-haired that had spoken winked at me.

“Why don’t you come over to mine instead. I promise I’ll make it memorable.”

The boy standing next to Tyler—the one who’d interrupted me first—snorted. “Coming from someone who's never seen a whole in his life.”

Another round of laughter echoed through the team. Tyler rolled his eyes, clearly disgusted at the side comments.

“Pack it in, assholes.” He shifted his attention to me. “Elaborate.”

The tone in his voice told me he’d had just about enough of me. I cleared my throat, finding my words, before trying to speak again.

“Your therapy session. I’m your new therapist.” His eyes travelled all the way from my head to my toes then back. “It’s only temporary. My mom—your actual therapist—is away on an emergency job so I'm filling in for her,” I quickly added, my words coming in a rush.

Tyler scowl deepened but he didn’t say a word. A low groan escaped one of his teammates, grabbing my attention.

“Hey, therapists, I think I just sprained my willy. Why don’t you come over to my place and give it a test run?”

I mentally prayed for the ground to open up and swallow me as laughter erupted again.

“Back off, Billy. Have some senses, will ya?”

Billy raised his hands in a placating gesture.

“Chill, Cap, is just a harmless joke.”

“It’s getting old. Grow up. Besides, shouldn't y’all be training already? I swear coach's getting soft,” he hissed.

“Now, now, no need to get all bossy on us. You’re benched for now, Cap. Thought we’d hang out with you a bit before we go in.”

Tyler shot him a death glare. “Benched, my ass. I showed up, didn’t I? That’s more than I can say for half of you clowns some days.”

“Hey, not my words—Coach’s.”

“The fuck, Pete. Coach benched me and you didn’t think I should know? Some best friend you are.”

“I thought you’d figured. You know, with the sling and all.”

“Fuck off.”

The team was quiet now, the hallway tight with tension.

“I didn’t expect you to show up at school, man. With that injury, I’d take the whole term off. I didn’t know you’d still come for training.”

“Says a lot about you.” He brushed past his friend. “I’m going to have a word with Coach. Session starts tomorrow.”

It took me a second to realize his last words were directed at me. I reached for his arm, then dropped it just as quickly when his eyes flicked down to where my hand had been.

“Um, sorry. But according to Mom’s instructions, you’re not allowed to train for… a while. I’d advise we begin sessions today. The earlier the better.”

He eyed me for a second. I willed myself not to squirm under his intimidating gaze. It seemed like everyone held their breath as they waited to see his reaction. After what felt like ages, he turned away from the entrance and walked in the opposite direction.

“If I get to the car before you, you’re walking.” He didn’t even wait to see if I followed, just stalked down the hall. My stomach sank.

This was going to be a lot harder than I thought.