Hockey with benefits. That was what Mara proposed, and I was down.

She said no feelings and she meant it.

Just benefits. No strings attached. Nothing else. Not even friendship.

College was her escape, including us.

I didn't have time for a girlfriend.

I had classes, the team, my family, and the game.

It was all working too...

Until somewhere down the line, things got messy.

Until somehow we were dealing with threats, secrets, rivals, and so much more.

Until I began to want her in ways that weren't part of the deal.

Our agreement didn't just get checked into the wall, it got obliterated.