Never Say Never: An Enemies-to-Lovers Secret Identity New Adult Sports Romance (Western Wildcats Hockey Book 4)

I’m still trying to figure out how I got stuck having dinner alone with Colby McNichols as he pulls his massive black truck into a crowded parking lot.

The first thing I realize is that it’s a diner.

A brightly lit, retro fifties one.

Harvey’s Eats and Treats.

This isn’t one of the restaurants located near campus. Instead, it’s on the outskirts of town.

Even though I don’t ask, he says, “A teammate mentioned that they have the best burgers here. So, I thought we could give it a try.” When he pats his toned belly, my gaze dips to the movement. “I really worked up an appetite after all that skating.”

“I’m sure you work much harder during practices.”

“You’re right about that. Coach is kind of a hardass when it comes to conditioning, but I can’t say we’re not in the best shape of our lives. So, it’s working.” He slants a look my way as we exit the vehicle. “Have you checked out one of our games yet this season?”

I shake my head. “Nope. I don’t really like hockey.”

Lie.

The last thing I need is this guy thinking I’m a fan. As painful as it is to admit, the Western Wildcats hockey team is a pretty big deal around here. You can’t step foot on campus without hearing people talk about them.

Especially number ninety-seven.

Colby McNichols.

“Maybe I’ll be able to change that.”

“I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.”

He flashes his trademark smile. The one that makes his dimples pop. It’s the very same one that makes most girls go a little stupid in the head.

Except…I’m not like most girls.

“Challenge accepted.”

This guy is so damn cocky and confident.

It should be a complete turn-off.

So…why isn’t it?

Once we reach the glass door, he holds it open. A little bell tinkles overhead as my gaze darts to his before I force myself to study the place.

My first impression wasn’t wrong.

Walking inside the restaurant is like taking a step back in time.

The floor is made up of black and white checkered tiles while the ceiling is covered with shiny silver tin. Framed photographs of old Hollywood stars are interspersed with Coca-Cola memorabilia that decorate the walls. An equal number of tables and booths fill the space. The latter are upholstered with red vinyl while gleaming white linoleum tops glow under the bright lights. Music from decades ago pours through the speakers from a jukebox at the far end of the restaurant.

Just as I take a step, a familiar face snags my attention. “Ava?”

With a smile, she waves.

“Speak of the devil,” Colby whispers. “That’s Coach Philips.”

“And his daughter, Ava.”

My new friend flicks a glance at Colby before her brows rise. Humor simmers in her eyes as they refasten onto mine.

Looks like I’ll have some explaining to do.

Like me, Ava is new to Western University. Her father is Reed Philips, head coach for the Wildcats hockey team. We met in one of our general education classes this past fall and bonded over the fact that we’re both older freshmen. Instead of attending college after graduating high school, Ava’s been focused on her figure skating career. From what I’ve been able to gather, something happened last year, which is why she’s taking a break from the circuit to train and take a few classes.

Her father rises to his feet. He’s a handsome man with blond hair and blue-green colored eyes. It’s easy to see where Ava gets her looks from. She’s the spitting image of him. Except where he’s big and broad, she’s petite.

“Hey, Coach” Colby greets. “Looks like the cat is out of the bag regarding this place.”

The older man smiles. “Yup, one of the assistant coaches mentioned it the other day and I thought we’d give it a try.” A soft look fills his eyes as he glances around. “Reminds me of a restaurant I used to eat at in college.”

Ava tilts her head. “Didn’t Mom work at a place like this?”

The grin that lights up his face makes him look even more handsome. “She sure did. Stella’s Diner. Had the best Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes I’ve ever eaten.”

His daughter’s eyes twinkle with mischief. “I’ll be sure to tell Mom that.”

“Better not.” Coach glances at his sports watch. “Well, we should get moving. I still have a few hours of film to squeeze in tonight.”

“Don’t worry, Coach. We got the game in the bag.”

“I’ll relax after the final buzzer rings.” He glances at his daughter. “I’ll take care of the bill and meet you at the car.”

She nods before turning to me. “Sorry about not texting back yesterday. Between practice and classes, I’m a little overwhelmed this week.”

I nod. “Don’t worry about it, but let’s find time to get together. Even if it’s only to study at the library for a few hours.”

“That sounds good.”

She pulls me in for a quick hug before whispering, “Colby McNichols? Really?”

“It’s not what you think,” I grumble.

“Actually, it’s exactly what she’s thinking,” he interjects with a smile.

Ava chuckles before taking off with a quick wave. And then she’s out the door, leaving me alone with Colby.

Precisely where I don’t want to be.

A waitress wearing a hot pink retro uniform flashes a friendly smile as we slide into a booth. There’s a mix of people dining here. Older couples, families enjoying a rare night out, and groups of teenagers laughing and flirting with each other.

It’s exactly what I imagined it would be like to hang out with friends in high school. It’s not something I have any experience with. As soon as I was discovered, we packed up and moved to sunny California where dreams are made.

Or crushed beneath someone’s wingtip.

Instead of enrolling in a public high school, I was homeschooled. My parents and agent felt that it would give me more time to write music. The show followed shortly after.

At first, it was all exciting and new. I didn’t miss my boring classes on subjects I had zero interest in. Or an endless string of homework, tests, and quizzes. Or the social pressures that went hand in hand with it.

Fast forward three years and I longed for the ordinariness of high school and my peers. I missed out on all the monumental firsts that get experienced during that time. Homecoming. Prom. First dates and boyfriends. Friday night football games under the stadium lights. Slumber parties and shopping with your besties at the mall.

I never had a chance to experience any of it.

With all the time spent on set, friends were a distant memory.

“What can I get for you, hon?” the waitress asks, pencil poised over a small pad of paper.

I blink out of the memories tangling around me only to stare at the plastic menu. “Oh, um…I’ll have a chicken salad.”

“A salad?” Colby echoes in disbelief. “Absolutely not. Friends don’t allow friends to order salads at a burger joint. Get one of those. I promise you won’t be sorry.”

I chew my lower lip as I consider his suggestion.

Truth be told, I’ve spent the past six months deprogramming myself and changing my eating habits. Up until I took off, my mother was still watching what I ate like a hawk.

I’ll never forget the summer I gained eight pounds after turning fifteen. The producer of the show pulled my agent and mother aside and said that I needed to lose it. ASAP. They all put their heads together and decided that the season would revolve around my weight loss journey. They figured that the fans would relate to my struggle.

Instead, I was picked apart all over social media.

The memes were out of control.

It was a mentally scarring experience.

After that, I was careful not to deviate more than a pound from what they deemed an acceptable weight.

But that was then.

And this is now.

I no longer have to worry about being filmed and what I looked like on camera.

I get to make my own decisions.

Even if it’s something small like ordering a burger that most people wouldn’t think twice about.

“What’s it gonna be?” the waitress asks, tapping her pen against the pad.

“Okay, sure. I’ll try the burger.”

“Load it with the works,” Colby adds.

“You want fries with that?”

Just as I’m about to shake my head, Colby cuts in. “You can’t eat a burger without fries. I think it might be illegal in some states.”

The older woman points to Colby. “The kid knows what he’s talking about. You should listen to him.”

It’s tempting to roll my eyes. “Fine. I’ll have a burger and fries.”

“Excellent choice,” Colby says with a smirk. “I’ll, um, have a salad.”

When my mouth tumbles open, he laughs. “Just kidding. I’ll have the same. Thanks.”

“And to drink?”

“Two Cokes?” he says, raising his brows in silent inquiry.

“Diet, please,” I cut in.

“No problem. Your order will be up shortly.” She takes off, beelining toward a family with young kids who look to be on the verge of a meltdown.

Colby glances around, studying the restaurant. “This place has a great vibe.”

“Is this your first time here?”

“Yup. Wolf mentioned it a few times, so I thought we could check it out.”

As he falls silent, I can’t help but wonder if this guy really thinks a cheeseburger and diet soda will seal the deal.

If so, he’s in for disappointment.

Unable to hold back my thoughts, I blurt, “Just so we’re clear, I have zero intention of being hustled into your bed.”

His eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles. “I think we both know I don’t have to hustle chicks anywhere. They come willingly.”

There’s that cockiness again.

I shake my head. “Remember when I mentioned earlier that you were incorrigible? I’m standing firmly behind that statement.”

When his smile intensifies, something unwanted pings at the bottom of my belly. It takes more effort than before to stomp it out.

What bothers me most is that I’m not as immune to his charms as I’d hoped. And the more time we spend together, the harder it becomes to resist him.

“Why else would you bring me here?”

With his eyes fastened onto mine, the arrogance fades from his expression as he leans forward, closing the space between us. “Guess I wanted the chance to get to know you better. Is there something wrong with that?”

The waitress sets our drinks down before zipping off and leaving us alone again.

Only now do I realize how dangerous it is to have all of Colby’s attention focused on me.

I feel strangely alive in his presence.

Confusion circles around in my brain as I tear the wrapper from my straw and drop the slender tube into the fizzy fountain soda before bringing it to my lips and taking a sip.

Colby’s attention dips to my mouth and heat flares to life in his eyes before he slants them upward again. “You never answered the question.”

My brows rise. “There was a question?”

One side of his mouth hitches. “Is there a problem with me wanting to know you better?”

A burst of nerves scampers across my flesh as I rip my gaze away. “I’m not sure. I’ve got a lot going on right now. I really don’t have time for any…new friends.”

It’s not a total lie.

But it’s not necessarily the truth either.

It never occurred to me when I packed up and took off that I might create a whole new life for myself. And that it would become necessary to hide the old one. I didn’t realize how lonely it would be to keep those two worlds separate.

There’ve been a handful of times when I’ve gotten together with the girls and it’s been so tempting to blurt out the truth. Especially after a few drinks.

Fear is what ultimately kept me silent. As much as I like Fallyn, Carina, Juliette, Stella, and Viola, I don’t know them well enough to trust them implicitly with my secrets.

Other than my aunt and uncle, there’s no one I can talk to.

You confide in the wrong person and suddenly your private life is plastered all over social media. If that were to happen, the ordinary existence I’ve created for myself would disappear in the blink of an eye and I’d be forced to return to LA and a career I’m no longer sure I want.

Until I figure out that piece of it, I need to keep my mouth shut.

“That’s too bad. I think we could all use a few new friends.”

I pop my shoulders and try to remain unaffected. “I’m good with the ones I have.”

He cocks his head, eyes sifting through mine until it’s tempting to squirm on the red vinyl. Energy intensifies before crackling in the air like lightning.

“Here you go!” The waitress sets both plates down in front of us. “Enjoy!”

That’s all it takes for the thick tension to dissipate. I force my attention to the mountain of shoestring French fries alongside a burger that’s stacked with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion. Unsure where to start with this monstrosity, I set aside the onion as Colby does the same.

My belly rumbles as the tantalizing scent inundates my senses and makes my mouth water. Without further ado, Colby picks up his burger and takes a gigantic bite. It takes two hands to hold the massive sandwich.

When I don’t make a move toward my meal, he sets his down before pointing to my plate.

“Wolf was right. It’s fucking delicious. Go ahead and try it. Don’t be shy now.”

I’m still trying to figure out if I should use a knife and fork.

“If you don’t eat it, I’ll be forced to take it home and give it to the jackals I live with. Trust me, it’ll be a fight to the death.” A small smile quirks his lips. “Can’t say it wouldn’t be amusing to watch.”

“It kind of sounds like you’re a sadist,” I joke.

“Not at all. I’m all about the pleasure.” He gives me a flirty little wink. “Play your cards right and you’ll find out firsthand.”

And there he is again—cocky Colby.

Or, as he’s known around campus, the baby-faced assassin.

“It would appear that your nickname has been well earned.”

His shoulders shake with silent laughter. “Oh, firecracker…you haven’t seen anything yet.”

That’s precisely what I’m afraid of.

Colby chows both his burger and fries in a matter of minutes. I’ve never seen anyone demolish a meal with so much gusto. It’s like a car accident I can’t look away from.

When my belly grumbles for a second time, I wrap my hands around the burger before bringing it to my mouth. The butter-seared bun, perfectly seasoned meat, and toppings practically melt in my mouth.

Holy crap is this good.

My eyelids drift shut as I chew and swallow. It’s only when I go for a second bite that my eyes pop open, and I find him staring at me with a heated expression.

“Watching you eat shouldn’t be so sexy.”

Warmth floods my cheeks at the thought of him staring at me so intently. I clear my throat and try to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry, watching you wasn’t. I was afraid you might choke and then I’d be forced to jump in and save you.”

Instead of being offended, he bursts out laughing.

“I have two brothers and a sister. It was always a fight to grab what you wanted and eat it as fast as you could so you could go back for seconds.”

“Sounds like you come from a large family.” It’s reluctantly that I admit, “I guess we have that in common.”

His eyes widen comically as his hand lands in the middle of his chest. “No! We have something in common?”

I roll my eyes as a smile simmers around the corners of my lips. “I have three sisters and a brother.”

As soon as the comment is out of my mouth, I realize my mistake and wish I could snatch it out of the air.

“So where are you in the lineup?”

“Oldest.”

“Gasp! Another thing we have in common. It’s almost like we’re twinsies.”

“Please.” I pop a fry into my mouth. It’s delicious.

“Are you guys close?”

I draw in a deep breath before releasing it gradually back into the atmosphere. “We are, but our family dynamic is…complicated.”

That would be the nicest way to put it.

My sister, Cheyenne, and I were super close while growing up, but we’ve drifted apart over the years. She’s resentful that the show has been built around me. From what I’ve seen online and on TV, she’s the only one who’s delighted by my disappearance and is doing her damnedest to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Aren’t most families complicated?”

Probably. But I feel like mine is more tangled than others. We have the added layer of fame to contend with.

But I keep that to myself.

Even if there’s a teeny tiny piece inside that wants to purge all the secrets from my system.

“You’re right, they probably are,” I murmur, hoping we can drop the subject and move on to more surface-level conversation.

“My parents met in college.” His eyes spark with both love and humor as he continues. “The way Mom likes to tell it, she couldn’t stand my dad. They started fake dating because his mother was seeing her father.”

Huh?

I raise my hand to pause the convo. “Hold up now. Let me get this straight. Your Mother’s father got together with your father’s mother. Which means that your grandparents were at one point, dating each other?”

All right…so maybe his family is complicated.

“Yup. They tied the knot in the Bahamas and are still married to this day. For their twentieth wedding anniversary, they flew everyone out for a recommitment ceremony.”

This sounds more like an episode of one of those daytime TV talk shows where they reveal cheating scandals and paternity results.

“Your grandparents from different sides are married to each other?”

He chuckles. “Yup.”

“Wow.” That’s insane.

And a story I’d love to hear in more detail.

“At first, my parents didn’t want them together, so they pretended to be an item in order to break them up.”

My mouth drops open. “Get out of here!”

“Nope, it’s all true. Guess my grandparents were pissed when they finally found out about it.”

“I can’t even imagine. Obviously, their scheming didn’t work.”

“If it had, I wouldn’t be here.” With a tilt of his head, he grins. “And wouldn’t that be a real shame for you.”

I snort out a laugh and realize just how easy it is to be with Colby.

“Admit it, you’re having a good time.” He leans closer and drops his voice. “Despite your best efforts, I’m growing on you.”

I press my lips together, refusing to smile. It’ll only encourage him, and that’s the last thing I want to do. I’m already in over my head with this guy.

“Kind of like a wart. One that’ll have to be frozen off in the not-so-distant future.”

It’s a relief when the waitress stops by to drop off our check.

After Colby pays the bill, we head back to campus.

Music filters through the speakers of the truck. Even though being with him shouldn’t feel so comfortable, it does. When he parks in the lot, my fingers wrap around the handle, ready to jump out and make a quick getaway.

What I’ve discovered from this little excursion is that I like Colby more than I thought possible. He’s easy to be around, and it wouldn’t take much coaxing on his part for me to lower my defenses. Which is exactly why I need to end this budding friendship before it can bloom into something more.

“Thanks for taking me skating and then to dinner. It was actually fun.”

He swivels toward me. “You don’t have to sound so surprised.”

Unable to resist, my lips bow. “More like shocked.”

“Just know that I’m full of surprises.”

I have little doubt.

I also know that I won’t be sticking around to find out.

Before he can even think about making contact, I pop the handle and roll from the Cadillac. Graceful, it is not. “See you around.”

“Hold on and I’ll walk you to your door.” With that, he exits the SUV.

Argh.

“Oh, no.” I wave my hand and consider taking off at a dead run. “That’s not necessary.”

“I promised Lance that I’d make sure you got home safely. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”