In the heart of Harvard, Alessia Gilmore is ready to embrace her second year and the independence it brings. After a summer spent reconnecting with friends and discovering herself, she's determined to step out of her twin sister Rory's shadow and ca...
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Beau adjusted his duffel bag over his shoulder, glancing around at the rest of his teammates as they gathered in the hotel lobby. The place was way nicer than he'd expected—marble floors, chandeliers, the works. He didn't think he'd ever stayed in a place with more than three stars, let alone five. The thought made him feel like he was in some kind of movie.
Coach, clipboard in hand, took a step forward, his familiar gruff voice slicing through the chatter. "Alright, listen up!" He paused, looking over the group as though mentally preparing himself for what he was about to say. "I don't need to remind you that this is a serious tournament. Keep your heads in the game, no distractions." He scanned the group, and his eyes landed on Beau and Riley, who were trying hard to look innocent.
"Which brings me to my next rule: boys and girls have separate rooms. No exceptions, no sneaking around, no funny business." The entire team groaned, mostly the ones with partners or who'd hoped to pick mixed groups. Beau noticed Riley glancing at him with a smirk, both of them silently grateful that the rule didn't affect them.
"Alright, enough whining," Coach continued, scribbling something down on his clipboard. "You can pick your own roommates. Two per room. Keep it civilized."
Beau couldn't help but think this trip was shaping up to be perfect. He'd get to room with Riley, and they'd have the entire weekend together—even if they had to stay under the radar.
Beau immediately looked over at Riley, who grinned back at him with an eager nod. As they claimed their room keys, he noticed Quinn and Avery pairing up without a word. Leo and Julie looked around and shrugged, pairing off with a couple of teammates that Beau was fairly sure were named...something. He couldn't remember and wasn't about to ask.
As Beau and Riley headed toward the elevators, Coach's voice called after them, "I swear, if any of you even think about pranking the other rooms, I'll have you running drills until you drop. Got it?"
"Got it, Coach!" Beau called back, stifling a laugh. Riley elbowed him as the elevator doors closed.
"Think he actually means it?" Riley asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nah, it's Coach. He'll yell a lot, but he won't follow through," Beau replied with a smirk. "Besides, we're on our best behavior, right?"
"Always," Riley said, putting on a mock-serious face before breaking into a grin. He glanced around the lobby, taking in the scene. "Coach really thinks he's onto something with this whole 'strict separation' plan, huh?" Riley said, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Beau laughed. "Yeah, maybe he hasn't realized that two of us rooming together is exactly what we wanted. If he knew, he might rethink his rule."
Riley just smirked, clearly pleased. This whole tournament was a mix of everything he and Beau were hoping for—a chance to show their skills on the ice, a nice getaway, and plenty of time alone.
The elevator pinged open, and they made their way to their room. Riley tossed his bag onto one of the beds, flashing Beau that familiar grin. Beau couldn't help but feel that surge of excitement, knowing they'd get to spend this trip together without interruption. It wasn't just about breaking Coach's rules; it was about the fact that being around Riley always felt natural, like this was exactly where he was meant to be.
This tournament was theirs to win, and whatever else happened along the way? They'd make sure to have a good time, Coach's rules or not.
