All Chapters of The Hockey Star Regret : Chapter 91 - Chapter 100

COLEENThe chill from the rink seeped into my bones, but I didn’t care. The stands were alive with shouts, stomping feet, and the metallic clang of cowbells. I gripped the railing in front of me, my pulse racing as I tracked Hayden on the ice. He skated with so much power and focus, weaving through defenders like he was born for it.The hoodie I wore hung big and loose on me, but the bold number on the back, his number, made my stomach twist with nerves and pride. It wasn’t just a piece of clothing. It was a statement. And judging from the way some girls in the stands glared at me when they noticed, they knew it too.“Relax,” Alicia teased, leaning closer. “You look like you’re about to fall through the railing.”“I’m fine,” I said, but my voice came out thin. My throat already burned from yelling his name every time he touched the puck.Mark grinned at me, waving his soda like a victory flag. “You’ve become one of those girlfriends. Next you’ll be painting his number on your face.”“S

HAYDENThe gravel crunched beneath Jason’s beat-up truck as it climbed the winding road toward the cabin. The sun was already beginning to set, streaking the sky in shades of orange and pink that made the trees look like they were on fire. I leaned my head against the window, watching the world blur past, but my mind was only half on the view.As excited as I was for this trip. Our combined excitements couldn't beat how psyched Jason was.Jason drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, grinning like a maniac. “Boys trip,” he said, as if the words themselves were magic. “I’ve been waiting for this all semester.”“Pretty sure you said that about spring break,” Logan muttered from the passenger seat, flipping through Jason’s playlist.“Yeah, and I was right then too.” Jason glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Hayden, back me up.”I smirked. “Depends. Does this ‘boys trip’ include you almost burning down the place like you did your kitchen?”Jason groaned, slamming a palm against

COLEENThe bus ride felt endless, but the second the familiar sight of my street came into view, my chest tightened with something warm and comforting.I tugged my bag closer, pressing my forehead against the window as the houses blurred by. When the bus finally hissed to a stop, I stood, slinging my strap over my shoulder and tugging my suitcase down the narrow aisle.After working for weeks this summer, I decided it was time to take a break and spend time with my dad. Thankfully I have saved enough to afford next year's rent for the apartment I share with Mark, and I have enough to living expenses to tide me over for a while.That was the beauty of being a scholarship student. I didn't have to worry about tuition and I consider that a blessing.Outside, the summer air smelled different, like fresh-cut grass and the faint sweetness of my neighbor’s blooming roses. I inhaled deeply, the weight of finals and long shifts at both jobs falling off me in layers.The Uber driver helped me w

COLEENI stormed into the house the moment Dad closed the door behind us, my cheeks still burning like I’d just run a marathon in the middle of July. I didn’t even wait for him, just headed straight for the living room and dropped onto the couch, burying my face in my hands.“Seriously, Dad?” My voice came out muffled, but I didn’t care.“What?” he asked innocently, shutting the door with a soft click. “It’s my house. I wasn’t spying, I was stepping outside for some air.”I shot him a look from between my fingers. “Air? At ten o’clock at night? Right when I happened to be kissing my boyfriend in the driveway?”He shrugged, walking past me into the kitchen like nothing unusual had happened. “Coincidence.”I groaned, grabbing a throw pillow and hurling it at him. He caught it easily, smirking, which only made me groan louder.“You embarrassed me!” I accused, throwing myself backward dramatically.“You embarrassed yourself,” he countered, pouring himself a glass of water. “Kissing out in

HAYDENI pulled out of Coleen’s driveway with my chest still buzzing from the evening, the image of her dad’s half-smile burned into my mind.My grip on the wheel was tight, not because I was nervous anymore, but because I was still riding the adrenaline of surviving dinner with him, and not just surviving, but actually feeling like I’d been accepted.The roads were quiet, the glow of the streetlights stretching across the hood of my car. My phone buzzed on the passenger seat, and for a second I thought about ignoring it until I stopped at the next light. Curiosity got the better of me. At the red light, I glanced at the screen.Did you get home safe yet?A smile tugged at my lips. I typed quickly with one hand. Not yet. Still driving. But don’t worry, I’ll text you when I get in.Almost immediately, the dots popped up. Good. Because if you don’t, I’ll assume the cupcakes poisoned you and Dad will blame me for it.I laughed under my breath, shaking my head. Your dad liked the cupcakes