Penalty Box Heartthrob

Chapter 6

**Brett**

Honestly, I’m feeling a bit bored at this party. Lately, I haven’t really been in the mood to socialize. With the NHL draft approaching, I’m trying to avoid anything that could jeopardize my chances of getting placed on a solid team.

I glanced at Marco and said, “I think I’m out.”

He looked at me like I was crazy. “It’s still early! What do you mean you’re out? Come on, Brett, you’re twenty-two, not sixty-two!” he replied.

I was about to respond when I noticed a growing crowd around the dance area.

“What’s going on over there?” I asked.

“I don’t know. Let’s check it out. Whatever it is, it’s caught Ollie’s attention,” Marco said.

I scanned the crowd and spotted Ollie, whose expression suggested he was far from amused.

“Okay, that’s weird,” I muttered.

“Ollie’s face? Yeah, I agree. That’s why we need to see what’s happening,” Marco said.

We made our way over to the throng. Marco tapped a kid on the shoulder. When he turned around, I could swear he looked like a freshman. They just keep getting younger every year.

“What’s up?” Marco asked him.

“Hot chicks, dude. Hot chicks,” the kid replied.

Definitely a freshman. And he didn’t even tell us what was going on.

Marco nodded and pointed straight ahead before pushing his way past the kid. I followed, and soon the dance area opened up before us.

Two girls were dancing, moving very seductively.

Marco waved at Ollie, who nodded and pointed toward the dancers. I focused on them and realized why Ollie looked so displeased.

It was Cassie and Sophia. What the hell are they doing?

“Well, now I see why Ollie isn’t amused. Do they have any idea how much trouble they’re causing?” Marco sighed.

“Apparently not,” I replied, watching as Sophia groped Cassie.

I’m not a prude. I wouldn’t mind watching half-naked women dance, but that’s in a strip club—not at a frat house known for its parties.

I’d had enough of this place and of Cassie for one night. She doesn’t listen. I didn’t want to deal with the fallout when she inevitably gets hurt by antics like this.

“I’m out. I’ve had enough for tonight,” I told Marco.

He glanced over at Ollie and nodded toward the exit, signaling for him to leave. Ollie turned and stepped away from where he’d been standing.

Marco and I pushed through the crowd to join him. Once we were clear of the dance area, Ollie spoke first.

“Damn Sophia, she never thinks,” he said.

“From what I saw, Cassie is just as bad. You can’t blame it all on Sophia,” Marco replied.

“I’m pretty sure Sophia started it. That girl is nothing but trouble,” Ollie grunted.

No one knows what Ollie’s issue with Sophia is. All we know is that she’s the one woman he can’t stand. Rumor has it she’s the only one who’s ever turned him down, and that’s where the animosity comes from.

“I already told Cassie about her outfit. Now she’s up there making a spectacle? I’m done. If she wants people to think she’s a puck bunny, that’s on her,” I said.

“Dude, she’s Delta. Everyone knows Delta’s reputation. They think she’s a puck bunny,” Marco chimed in.

I shot him a glare. Yeah, everyone knows Delta Zeta has a reputation for being easy, but I know Cassie isn’t like that.

“Whatever, I’m out, guys. See you tomorrow. Don’t forget we have an early skate,” I said as I made my way toward the door.

Just as I reached the front door, I heard someone call my name.

“Brett! Wait up!” Ollie shouted as he jogged to catch up with me.

“I’m done with this place. I’ll walk with you,” he said.

The hockey house, where Ollie lives with Marco and Blake, isn’t too far from here, and neither is my place. It’s convenient to walk to parties like this.

“Think your housemate has leftovers in the fridge? I’m kinda hungry,” Ollie asked.

I chuckled. “I know she’s been baking again. We’ve got cupcakes everywhere right now,” I told him.

My housemate Olivia tends to bake when she’s stressed. She went on a baking spree two weeks ago and made so many cookies that I’m surprised I’m not diabetic.

“Homemade cupcakes? Hey, you don’t need to twist my arm for that. I’m in,” he said with a grin.

“Is that your way of asking if you can come over for one of Olivia’s cupcakes?” I teased.

“Oh, Brett, can I please come over to have a cupcake?” Ollie asked in a high-pitched voice.

“Are you trying to sound like a girl? What was that?” I laughed as we walked.

“If it gets me a cupcake, then sure,” he replied with a smirk.

“You know, I don’t understand how you stay in shape with all the junk you eat. Sure, come over for a cupcake. Who knows, she might have baked something else in the kitchen,” I told him.

“You know, moving into the old lady’s house was the best decision. Had you stayed with us at the hockey house, I wouldn’t have any baked goods from Olivia,” Ollie said.

“Yeah, that’s exactly why I moved in there. I wanted to feed your sweet tooth,” I joked.

A comfortable silence settled between us as I spotted my house in the distance. Finally, Ollie broke the quiet. “You know, Blake is sorry about what happened with your sister,” he said.

I groaned. I really didn’t want to go there. “Ollie, just don’t,” I replied.