Obsessed With The Hockey Captain

ZOEY'S POV

The kiss had lasted for barely a minute. It was almost sixty seconds of heat, confusion, and everything I didn’t want to feel.

The moment I came to my senses, I pulled back, my heart hammering against my chest and without hesitation, I slapped Theo hard across the face.

The sound echoed inside the sport lodge and this was followed by a deafening silence that lasted for a minute.

I watched as his head jerked slightly. I could see the red mark blooming on his cheek as a result of the hit.

Unsure of what was going to happen next, I staggered backwards, staring at him with my mouth slightly parted.

All the while, I had my gaze fixated on him. I wanted him to talk, to just say anything or flinch to show he was affected by the hit but he did not say anything.

He just stood there, his eyes unreadable.

“You don’t get to do that,” I hissed, wiping my lips like they burned. “Don’t you ever come near me again.” I broke the silence between us, wielding my middle finger in his face.

Still, he didn’t speak. He was just staring at me like he was daring me to mean what I said.

His attitude made my stomach churn as anger mixed with irritation ran through my veins.

After a few more minutes of glaring at him, I turned on my heel and then stormed out of the lodge, my chest tight as my hands trembled.

No matter how much I tried, I just couldn't control my rage, I felt like I was blowing up.

His look was neatly stamped in my head and the fact that I couldn't shake it off made me even more livid.

I hated that he looked so calm. I hated that the kiss had… meant something and for that one stupid minute, I had wanted it.

Still raving with anger, I stormed towards the cafeteria but before I walked through the door, I had plastered the fakest smile I could manage.

Standing by the door, I allowed my eyes to scan the large room until I saw Farrah waving at me with a large smile plastered on her face which I returned.

She must have been waiting for me and so without wasting any more time, I rushed towards the table.

“Girl, you look like you just ran a marathon,” she said as I dropped into the seat across from her.

I forced a laugh, throwing my head sideways so she wouldn't see my face properly, “It’s nothing, just practice.” I replied, returning my gaze to her with a smug look.

Pushing a chip into her mouth, she said, “You were gone for almost an hour. And you look like you’re about to throw something at someone.”

I shoved a spoonful of mashed potatoes into my mouth just to avoid answering.

My face felt hot and my whole body was still buzzing from the aftermath of that kiss, and the slap.

Leaning forward with her hands folded in front of her, Farrah narrowed her eyes at me, “What happened?”

“Nothing,” I lied through my teeth, forcing a smile to placate her and put an end to the questioning but I should have known better.

“Zoey…” She called with a raised brow.

“I’m fine,” I snapped a little too fast as I was angry she was pushing forward with it.

With a softened look now, I mumbled, “I’m telling the truth.” I groaned and with a shrug, said, "I’m just tired.”

Farrah didn’t buy it. I could see it in her face and demeanour but she dropped it at least for now.

At the end of the last class for the day, I rushed home, hoping and praying that my parents had finally returned.

Last night before going to bed and early this morning, I had tried to reach mom but she didn't pick her calls.

I had even texted her but still it was the same result. I bet she was so busy that she didn't even have time to check her phone.

But still she should have created time for me despite her busy schedule.

They had been gone for over a week now on that so-called “urgent business trip.” I had missed them so much even if I had never said it out loud.

I needed the normalcy of having my father and mother around, I needed someone who would ask how my day was without ulterior motives or tension hanging in the air.

When I got home I kicked the door in, revealing a dark, cold and empty house.

Rolling my eyes, I slammed the door shut, dropped my bag on the couch and with a sigh, I fished out my phone from my jacket.

Without hesitation, I dialed my mom’s number, praying she would pick up this time around but it was a repeat of what had happened the previous day.

Just when I was about to give up calling, she picked up on the third ring and immediately, I let out the breath I had been holding back.

“Why are you calling?” That was the first words that left her lips, making my chest tightened.

I’ve never had a mother and daughter relationship with my Mom. She’d rather drown herself in heaps of files, than spend time with me.

My stomach sank at her words. “You’re still not home.” I spoke with an accusatory tone.

There was a brief pause before she answered, “Things are a little complicated over here.”

Slowly, I lowered myself on the arm of the couch, hoping nothing had gone wrong, “What’s going on?”

There was another pause, then my father’s voice came onto the line.

“Zoey, listen.” He started, his voice low and stern. “We won’t be coming home until after two months. We have a lot of businesses to deal with over here.”

“Two months? Are you serious?” I gasped, my breath hitched in my throat as my heartbeat doubled.

“We know it’s not ideal,” Mom added. “But you stay with Adam for a while until we’re back.”

I blinked trying to wrap my head around what I had just heard, “Adam? As in, my brother?” I asked for confirmation.

“Yes.”

“And his best friend?”

Another silence came through and it said everything which made my pulse spike.

“You mean Theo. The same Theo I slapped across the face this afternoon.”

“You what?” Mom gasped. “You’re becoming a brat, Zoey and I won’t tolerate such!” Mom snapped.

“Never mind,” I quickly said. “Why can’t I just stay home? I’m not a child anymore, I can take care of myself.”

“For goodness sake, I’m in my second year in college." I huffed.

“It’s all up to you. But just so you know, if anything happens to you while you’re alone, that’s on you. We won’t be responsible.”

I stared at the wall, my jaw clenched as anger boiled through my veins.

“So I don’t get a say?” I was barely keeping my anger in check now. I fear I was going to erupt soon.

“You don’t. You’ve always been an obedient child. Don’t change.” Mom responded, her voice edged with anger.

I was furious and wasn't prepared to hear anymore so I hung up, tossing my phone on the couch before throwing myself down and screaming into a cushion.

Of all the possible outcomes, living with Adam was something I dreaded but I could manage.

But Theo? After what happened between us? After that kiss, that slap and that look he gave me?

Hell no!

The more I thought of it, the more emptier the house felt. I thought of calling Farrah, but I couldn’t find the words to explain the mess I was in.

Why can't I stop thinking about Theo’s mouth on mine?

Why am I remembering the way his hand had gently cupped the back of my neck, like he meant it?

And worse, what did it mean that I didn’t hate it?

I told myself over and over again that he was the enemy. The guy who always got under my skin, teased me, irritated me.

He was the guy who made me feel like I was always one second away from slapping or kissing him again.

I lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling.

If things went my parents way, in less than 24 hours, I would be packing up and moving in with the two people who drove me crazy in completely different ways.