Page 120 of My Brother's Teammates

“We missed you.” This comes from Mateo, who looks like he’s physically trying to hold himself back. We all are.

I’d love nothing more than to wrap her in my arms and see that smile of hers that lights up my world, but I keep my distance. I also keep silent. She may miss them, she may want them, but it doesn’t mean she wants me. That’s a truth I’m not ready to face.

Charlotte glances to the ground briefly before giving us a small smile. “I missed you guys, too. I’m sorry I left.”

Roman clears his throat, swiping a finger under his eyes. “We’re sorry you had to leave. We never expected things to go down like that. How are things with you and Harrison?”

“Good. Better.” She huffs a laugh, nibbling on her bottom lip. “I mean, he’s talking to me again, which is nice. He says you guys have been a mess.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “That’s an understatement.”

“I mean… I’ve seen the games.” She steps around the couch, coming closer, but not close enough to touch. “Do you think we can talk?”

My insides clench, and I’m pretty sure my stomach falls to my feet.

Shit.

This is it.

I nod, the words caught in my throat.

Mateo stiffens. “Go ahead, Red.”

“Actually.” My voice cracks, and I clear my throat. “I need to tell you one thing first. I love you, Charlotte. I’ve loved you for a long time, and even though it may kill me, I’ll respect any decision you make here today, even if you want to walk away for good. I just want you to be happy.”

She bites her lip, barely containing the smile threatening to spread across her face. “Being with the three of you makes me happy. I love you, Jace. And Mateo. And Roman. I love all of you, and I know this relationship isn’t conventional, but if you guys will have me, it’s what I want. I want to come home.”

Thank fuck.

Mateo and Roman both look to me, and fuck, I feel like I can finally breathe. The weight of the world is no longer draped across my shoulders, and the dread working its way through my body slithers away. “Of course it’s what I want. We’re a family.”

“Yeah, Red.” Mateo nods, taking a step toward her. “I love you.” And then he turns to Roman. “I love you, too.”

Roman also steps toward her, stopping next to Mateo. “I love you. Both of you. We need you, Charlie, all of us.”

I’m not sure who moves first, but the three of them are in a tight group hug. I don’t want to be the guy that kills the mood, but there’s still one more thing to address.

“What about the media? You were afraid of getting crucified on the news.” I loosen my tie, and this time I leave it. “I can’t tell you the team will accept our relationship. Being together won’t be easy.”

Charlotte breaks away from the guys and heads my way. She stops in front of me, placing a hand along my cheek, and I nuzzle into her. “Do you want to hide who we are?”

“Fuck no.” It comes out from deep inside me, and I take a breath before continuing. “I don’t care who knows we’re all together. The team may not like the drama, and if they’re not willing to stick behind us, I’ll change teams. You’re my home, not New Orleans.”

“I don’t want to hide either. I’ve got thick skin.”

“I love you, wildflower.”

“I love you, Jace Theriot.”

And this time, I can’t hold myself back. I wrap my arms around her shoulders, pulling her to me as I drop my mouth to hers. I kiss her with everything I have, with everything I am.

I let her know how much I’ve missed her, how much I need her, and how long I’ve been yearning for a chance to be with her for real. Hockey is no longer my number one, she is.

I’ve wasted a lot of time I could have been spending with Charlotte, and I’ll be damned if I waste another second.

Now we’ve got to get her home and make sure our girl knows exactly where she belongs.

FORTY-FOUR

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