Michele Lenard

You know the guy everyone loves in a strictly platonic manner? The one that people think is nice and funny and smart, but not in a romantic way? That's me.

The first time I saw Bennet Armstrong's baby blues staring up at me from underneath his helmet, stunned and confused that I'd tackled him, I was smitten. So, I tackled him again. And again. Whether he had the ball or not, I'd take him down, just so I could have his eyes on me.

Forgetting to knock changed everything. There I was, innocently letting myself into my teammate's room to search for some protein powder, when I came across a different type of protein altogether. I learned two things that day. Knock first, and straight guys might be missing out.

Ever have someone get you so well that it's like looking in a mirror? That's what I think of when I look at Liam. I might as well be looking at myself from a few months ago. Broken and jaded.

On the surface, I've got it all. I'm the goalie and captain of the Colorado Bulldogs hockey team. I've got more money than I know what to do with. I can count an entire team of elite athletes as my friends. And according to the pundits, I'm an eligible bachelor. That's the image everyone sees.

As a kid, you don't think about the sacrifices you'll have to make for your dreams. I surrendered a carefree childhood to hours upon hours of grueling practices. Abandoned life with my family in favor of a boarding school that would hone my skills to perfection.

Athletes are notoriously superstitious. Some don't wash their gear. Others sleep with it. I've even heard of a guy who peed on the field to ward off evil spirits. But as far as I'm aware, my teammate Luca is the only guy whose ritual requires a more intimate activity.