Iced Hearts And Half Time Kisses

Chapter 10 Ever Experienced Org*sm?

Ever Experienced o****m?

The next morning, Knox’s apartment is a mess of hockey gear and half-empty coffee mugs. The morning sun slants through the blinds, casting stripes across the floor as he stands in front of his bedroom mirror, tugging at the collar of his navy button-up as he gets ready. He’s not a morning person, never has been but today, there’s a difference, a restless energy that’s got him up early, ironing his shirt with more care than usual. He smooths a hand over the jeans, smirking at his reflection in the mirror. “Damn, you look good,” he mutters, running a hand through his dark hair, mussing it just enough to look effortless.

“Yo, pretty boy, who you dressing up for?” Lucas’s voice cuts through the moment, his best friend lounging in the doorway with a smile that’s all trouble. Lucas is all lean muscle and messy hair from the morning, his hoodie slung carelessly over one shoulder. “Don’t tell me it’s for those girls who can’t stop staring at you. Or…” He pauses, his grin widening. “Is it Skye?”

Knox’s jaw tightens, his fingers pausing on the comb he’s dragging through his hair. “Don’t be stupid,” he snaps, his voice colder than he means it to be. “It’s not about her. It’s this damn assignment. Principal’s got me stuck with her for the Valentine’s fundraiser, and once it’s done, I’m done with her. She’s nothing. I’ll trash her after that.” The words came out nonchalant, and he didn't meet Lucas’s eyes in the mirror. He focuses instead on the comb, dragging it through his hair again, though his hair is already perfect.

Lucas raises an eyebrow, unconvinced, but he doesn’t push. “Sure, man. Whatever you say.” He leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “So why are you heading to class so early? You never show up before noon most times.”

Knox tosses the comb onto the dresser, grabbing his leather jacket. “Because I feel like it,” he says, his tone emotionless, daring Lucas to keep poking. He slings the jacket over his shoulder and brushes past his friend, the apartment door slamming behind him.

Outside, the air is a bit welcoming, compared to last night. Stonebridge is waking up, the streets dusted with last night’s snow, and Knox’s boots crunch against the sidewalk as he heads toward Skye’s hostel. He doesn’t admit it to himself, but his thoughts keep drifting to her, her sharp tongue, the way her eyes narrow when she’s annoyed, the way she looked last night in the snow, her scarf slipping off her shoulder. He shakes his head, trying to shove the image away. She’s not my type. Just an assignment to complete. Nothing more.

He tells himself he’s only stopping by the café near her hostel for coffee before hockey practice. It’s a good excuse, one he almost believes as he leans against the café’s window.

“Let me have a cup.” He said to the seller and he was handed a cup as he exchanged it with some cash. The steaming cup of black coffee in his hand. His eyes, though, keep flicking to the window of her room across the street. He can’t help it. There’s something about her that pulls at him, even when he wishes it wouldn’t.

Suddenly, Skye steps out onto the porch, her hair still damp from a shower, curling slightly at the ends and the slight cold makes her cheeks flush pink. She’s tugging on her coat when she spots him, her steps slowing as their eyes meet. Skye’s lips twitch into a sudden smug excited smile, the kind that’s half-tease. He knows it gets under her skin, and part of him likes that. Not just to her but to every girl that he’s attracted to.

Skye’s brow furrows, her lips parting slightly as she hesitates on the porch. “What are you doing here?” she calls, her voice carrying across the street, sharp but curious. She pulled her coat tighter and wore something more comfortable, stepping off the porch and crossing the street toward him.

“Coffee,” Knox says, lifting his cup. He takes a sip, his mesmerizing eyes never leaving hers.

She stops a few feet away, her hands stuffed in her pockets. “You didn’t have to wait for me,” she says, her tone wary, like she’s trying to figure out if he was actually here for her. “I can walk to class on my own.” She added.

“Don’t think so much.” He shrugs, his voice casual. “I’m only here to get a coffee.”

Skye rolls her eyes but falls into step beside him. They stood in silence for a moment, the air between them filled with silence. Knox’s hands are in his pockets, but he stays close, his shoulder brushing hers intentionally even though he acted unaware. He doesn’t mean to, but he can’t seem to help it.

Suddenly, she breaks the silence, her eyes narrowing as she glances at him. “You’re acting weird,” she says flatly. “You didn’t just come to get a coffee, did you?”

Knox turned to her as he took a step closer, his voice serious. “What, I can’t get coffee without you making it a federal case?”

Her lips twitch, fighting a smile, but she crosses her arms. “You know what I mean. Last night, you were all… intense. And now you’re here, acting like nothing happened. What’s going on, Knox?” He didn’t answer. Instead, he spotted an empty seat and table and made himself comfortable and she followed.

Instead of brushing off her question as usual, to toss out another half-answer, his lips curved into a smile, his eyes not leaving her lips sexily.

“Have you ever experienced o****m?” He asked.

“Huh? What’s that? What does it mean?” She creased her brows in curiosity.

Before he can say a word, the café door swings open, and a familiar figure steps out. It was his brother Hunter. Knox’s fingers tightening around his coffee cup. Hunter’s got that same easy swagger, his hair falling close to his eyes, a cold smile curling his lips as he spots Skye and Knox.

“Well, well,” Hunter says, his voice smooth as he saunters toward them. “You must be Skye.” His eyes are too direct, lingering on her in a way that makes Knox’s skin prickle and Skye uncomfortable. Hunter pulls out the chair next to her with a casual confidence, like he’s already invited himself into their world. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” He says.

Skye’s eyes flick from Hunter to Knox, her expression confused. “And you are?” she asks.

Hunter’s smile widens. “An old friend,” he says, leaning back in his chair, his gaze sliding to Knox. “Right, Knox?”

Knox’s jaw clenches, his fists curling beneath the table. He doesn’t answer, just stares at Hunter, his eyes hard but Skye did not notice.

Hunter shrugs, his smile never leaving. “Just passing through. Thought I’d catch up.” He turns back to Skye, his tone nice. “Heard a lot about you. Knox here’s been… busy.”

Skye’s brow furrows, her gaze darting to Knox. “Do you know him?” she asks.

Knox’s hand twitches, like he wants to reach for her, to pull her away from Hunter. Instead, he leans forward. “Let’s go, Skye. We’ve got class.”

Hunter chuckles, the sound grating on Knox’s nerves. “What’s the rush? We’re just getting acquainted.” He leans closer to Skye, his elbow brushing hers on the table. “Welcome to Stonebridge High.” Hunter added.