** ## Episode 1: "The Bargain" The Briar University ice rink was freezing, but Cassie de la Cruz was sweating bullets. She sat three rows up in the bleachers, supposedly studying her music theory notes, but her eyes kept drifting down to the ice. Specifically, they were locked on Dean Di Laurentis. He moved with an effortless, lethal grace, his laugh echoing across the rink as he tapped gloves with a teammate. Cassie had been hopelessly, secretly crushing on him since move-in day. But Dean was Briar’s resident playboy, and Cassie was determined not to let herself become just another notch on his trophy bedpost. She was so distracted watching Dean that she didn't notice the shadow looming over her until a massive, sweaty hockey player blocked her view. It was Garrett Graham, the team captain. He wasn't smiling his usual arrogant smirk; he looked desperate. "De la Cruz," Garrett said, breathing heavily and leaning against the metal railing. "I need a massive favor. Actually, no—I need a miracle. I just saw the midterm grades. I failed. If I don't get an 'A' on the next exam, the coach is benching me for the playoffs." Cassie blinked, pulling her sweater tighter around herself. "Sucks to be you, Graham. What does that have to do with me?" "You got the only perfect score in our lecture," Garrett said, stepping closer, his brown eyes practically begging. "Tutor me. Please. Name your price. I’ll pay you, I’ll do your laundry, whatever you want." Cassie opened her mouth to give him a firm no—she didn't have time to babysit a star athlete. But just as the words were about to leave her lips, she looked past Garrett's shoulder. Down on the ice, Dean had just taken off his helmet, running a hand through his dark hair, laughing at something a girl by the glass was saying. A familiar pang of longing and frustration hit Cassie's chest. She looked back up at Garrett, a sudden, wild idea sparking in her mind. Garrett was Dean's best friend and roommate. If she played this right, she could get close to Dean without looking desperate. "I don't want your money, Graham," Cassie said slowly, a small smile finally playing on her lips. "But I will tutor you on one condition." Garrett perked up instantly. "Anything. What is it?" "You're going to help me get Dean's attention," she said, nodding toward the ice. "We make it look like we're hanging out, maybe flirt a little to make him notice me. You get your passing grade, and I get a shot with Dean. Do we have a deal?" Garrett looked back at Dean, then back at Cassie, a slow, amused smirk spreading across his face. "A little jealousy dynamic? I can do that. Deal." He held out his gloved hand, and Cassie shook it, completely unaware that she had just walked straight into a very messy love triangle. Should we write out their very first tutoring session where they start setting up the rules, or skip to the moment Dean first sees them together?