Blocked (Boston Terriers Hockey #3) - Jacob Chance Page 0,36

of the crowd, we head toward the kitchen at the back of the house. I’m astounded at the number of people here.

Clover smiles when we both have an ice cold beer in our hands. She taps the neck of her bottle against mine. “Here’s to having fun at your first B.U. frat party.”

“Cheers,” I reply, and take a sip of the ice cold liquid. “Not bad.”

“Do you see anyone you want me to introduce you to?” she asks.

My eyes sift through the people, longing for the sight of Shaw’s familiar face, yet dreading the possibility of seeing him at the same time.

“Maddie.” I turn my head and find Donovan, one of my classmates next to me. “How’s it going?”

I shrug. “So far, no complaints. This is Clover.” I tip my head toward her. “This is Donovan.”

Clover smiles. “I know who he is. I’ve been to a few hockey games.” Judging from her smile and Donovan’s, they wouldn’t mind getting to know each other better, and I immediately feel like a third wheel.

“I’m going to…” I hook my thumb in the direction of the living room. Donovan clasps my arm briefly. “Let me introduce you to some of my friends before you run off.”

“I’m going to find the girls’ room,” Clover says, pointing toward the front of the house before walking away.

“Are the parties here always so crowded?” I ask.

“Pretty much. We know how to have a good time, and word gets out.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being around so many people.”

“Didn’t you transfer from U.N.H.? That’s known for being a party school.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I was hanging out at frat parties.”

“So, did you leave a boyfriend behind or are you single?” His eyes graze me from head to toe in obvious appreciation. Donovan is gorgeous, but I have no interest in pursuing anything with him.

“I’m single, but I have no plans to get involved with anyone. I’m here to focus on school. This might be the only party you’ll see me at.”

He nods, my message received. “Come on then. I’ll introduce you to some really cool people.” We walk side by side down the hallway and step through the wide doorway to the living room. “Hey, guys. This is Maddie. She just transferred here for the second semester.”

“Hey, Maddie,” they chorus.

I smile. “Wow, that was a great greeting.”

“Maddie?” I hear a deep, familiar husk that makes my toes curl. The same one I’ve been hearing for most of my life.

I turn and find his dark brows drawn together. “Shaw,” I whisper, feeling like I’ve seen a ghost. Even though I knew there was a chance we’d bump into each other one of these days, there was no way for me to be fully prepared when it actually happened.

“You two know each other?” Donovan inquires.

Shaw crosses his arms over his muscular chest, the wrinkle between his brows digging deeper. “You could say that.”

“He was my next door neighbor growing up and my brother’s best friend,” I explain.

Shaw runs his hand through his thick, dark hair. “Marshall is her brother.” He points at Donovan. “Don’t even think about touching her.”

“Shit. I didn’t know Marshall’s your brother.”

“Well, I don’t advertise it for this exact reason.” A soft touch on my arm has my head spinning to the side.

“I’m Ava.” A beautiful brunette introduces herself. “Welcome to Boston University. I hope you like it here.”

“Thank you.” I smile appreciatively. I know she’s trying to help me by making things less awkward, but there really isn’t any way to do that when Shaw is involved.

“Where did you transfer from?” she asks.

“University of New Hampshire. It’s been nice meeting you all. I’ve got some friends here I need to find. I hope I see you guys again.” I wave and head toward the kitchen.

“Maddie, wait,” Shaw calls out, hurrying after me. He catches my arm in a firm grip, leading me to an empty hallway.

I shake free from his hold. “Shaw, what do you want?”

“What were you thinking coming to this party?” he scolds me, as if I’m a child.

“I was thinking it might be nice to meet some new people and to have a drink.” I raise my bottle to my lips and take a deep pull. He plucks it from my hand and drinks the rest down. “What the hell, Shaw?”

“You’re not twenty-one yet, Maddie.”

“Screw you. You’re not my father or even my brother.”

“Well, you need a babysitter to keep you out of trouble.”

“Fuck off, Shaw. I’m not drunk.