Page 39 of Taming You

I chuckle. “What else did you miss?”

She hums. “Definitely Coke, oh and ketchup chips. Liv shipped me a few coffee crisps once because I was craving them during exams. She threw in some Kinder Surprise eggs, too, not sure how those made it through customs.” She laughs.

“I don’t even make your list,” I joke.

She rolls her eyes at me. “Of course I missed you. I missed everyone. I’m just talking food right now.”

She takes her bowl into the kitchen and loads it in the dishwasher, and I know I should let her get some sleep. I head to my bedroom, stopping to ask, “You sticking around for breakfast?”

She shakes her head. “No, I have plans with Em.”

I nod. “Okay, well, sleep well. Thanks for hanging out with Jayden tonight.”

“Of course. I’m glad I’m home now and can spend more time with my niece and nephew.” She smiles.

“We’re glad you’re home, too.”

I close my bedroom door, stopping beside Jayden’s crib to stare at my perfect little boy bundled in his sleep sack. I want nothing more than to reach in and brush my finger over his cheek, but I don’t because I don't want to wake him. I quietly change and slip into bed, my mind wandering to how to handle things with Zoey.

It’s Sunday, and we have a game today. While I love playing and seeing the guys, I don’t usually look forward to games as much as I am tonight. Zo should be there, and I’m hoping I can pull her aside so we can talk about last night. I want to clear the air, if not to see where this could go, to at least make sure things aren’t awkward with us going forward.

When I get to the rink, she’s not there. I sit and talk with Liv, but my eyes are constantly scanning, waiting for her to turn the corner. I’m the last one not in the dressing room, and I ask Liv, “Where’s Zo?”

She raises a brow quickly before schooling her expression. “She texted and said she couldn’t come today.”

Disappointment fills me.

“The girls and I’ve got Jayden, if you’re going to play.”

“Thanks, guys.”

“Let me see that adorable little munchkin,” Hannah says as reaches into the car seat and tickles his tummy.

I leave them and head into the dressing room to get ready for the game. Conversation is loud around me, but I can’t find it in me to participate. I can’t help but feel like I’m the reason Zoey didn’t come today. This was the last thing I wanted. This is exactly why I’ve always said she was off limits. Not only do I know she’s not one for just a fling, but mixing these kinds of relationships leads to messy situations.

Josh nudges my leg, and I look at him. He gives me an expectant look, and I know I must have missed his question.

“Hmm?”

“Any luck on the house hunting front?”

“Nope. I haven’t looked too much, to be honest. I know I need to. It’s just kinda slipped through the cracks.”

“My realtor said he’d have a bunch of listings to me by end of day tomorrow. I’ll send those over as soon as I have them,” Caleb says.

I nod. “Thanks, man.”

We finish getting ready and head out to the ice. Not seeing Zoey with the girls is weird. I find myself constantly looking for her smile or to see her bouncing Jayden. My head isn’t in the game at all. I end up turning the puck over in the first period, allowing the other team to get on a breakaway. Thankfully, Mac stops it and steers the puck to the corner where we gather it. We win the game by one goal, no thanks to me. I change as quickly as possible and gather Jayden, saying goodbye to Liv before heading home. I need to call Zoey.

Once I get Jayden down, I settle on the couch and pull up Zoey’s contact. I stare at her picture. It’s one of her at Josh and Liv’s wedding last year. She looks absolutely stunning. She’s smiling brightly, her hair is perfectly curled, and her makeup is done in a way that highlights all of her best features. I’ve always known she’s beautiful, but staring at this picture has me realizing that over the last year and a half, I’ve noticed so much more about her. I’ve looked forward to spending time with her. I’d invite her over even if we weren’t trying to find ways to push Josh and Liv together. I wanted her company.

I drop my head back as it hits me all at once. I’ve slowly been falling for Zoey. Every time we’d spend time together, she’d leave me wanting to see her more. She had me falling for her with every interaction.

I finally press the call button and hold the phone to my ear. It rings several times, and just when I think it’s going to go to voicemail, she answers.

“Hello.”

A relieved smile spreads across my face. “Hey, Zo.”

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