Page 50 of Taming You

As soon as we get to the rink, I search out Liv, hoping I can spot Zoey as well. When I get to the bleachers for our game, I only see Liv, and as much as I love my sister, I can’t help the disappointment that runs through me. She smiles when she spots Jayden and me, and I join her. She’s reaching for Jayden before I even have a chance to sit. Cate is sleeping in her car seat beside Liv, and it always amazes me how these kids can sleep anywhere, no matter how loud it is.

“How’s he doing?” she asks.

“He seems to be doing better, but he’s been inconsolable without the teething toys.”

She nods. “Sounds like Cate during that time, too. Once the teeth actually broke through, she calmed down a ton. Hopefully, Jayden’s the same way.”

The sound of familiar voices makes its way towards us just before I hear a laugh I’ll never forget. I quickly turn to face them, and there’s no stopping the smile that spreads across my face when I see Zoey. When she spots me, her smile is genuine, but it’s nowhere near as big as it’s been in the past. I mentally slap myself for making things awkward between us. That’s the last thing in the world I wanted. Her, Hannah, Liz, and Bailey join Liv and me, lost in their conversation. Liv joins in, and I know there’s no way I’m breaking into their conversation to pull Zoey away, so I resign myself to trying after the game.

The entire game, I steal glances at Zoey, hoping she’s watching me. Nothing has made me feel better than having her eyes on me. But every time I look towards her, she’s either playing with Jayden or deep in conversation with one of the girls. Jealousy creeps up on me. I know I shouldn’t feel jealous of my infant son, but he’s getting all of her undivided attention, and I want it. I want her to look at me. I want her to talk and laugh with me.

When the game’s over, I change quickly, hoping to catch Zo before she leaves. As I’m rushing up the stairs towards the restaurant, Zoey comes out and stops in her tracks for a second before rushing past me, saying a quick goodbye. I call her name, quickly pivot, and rush down the stairs to meet her at the bottom.

“Where are you going like your ass is on fire?” I ask, hoping I’ve added enough levity to my voice that it doesn’t sound like an attack.

She avoids looking at me. “I just have some things to do. I’ll see you later.”

She moves to walk away, but I capture her wrist, and it’s like a bolt of lightning hits me. She must feel it, too, because both of our eyes are locked on where I’m holding her. I trail my eyes up her arm, watching as her breathing picks up and then up to her face. Her lips are slightly parted, and it’s as if all she can do is stare at that one spot.

“Zo?”

“Hmmm?”

I chuckle at her flustered-ness, and she quickly removes her arm from my grasp.

“I’m taking Jayden to a little pop-up fair tomorrow. I was wondering if you’d join us?” Hope fills my voice, and she worries her lip between her teeth. I can see her hesitance. “Please. It will be fun. We can play some of those totally rigged carnival games, and I’ll try to win you something cool. Plus, they’ll have all the great fair food.”

She seems to have some internal conversation before she finally nods and looks up at me. “Sure. Sounds fun.”

Her yes has me as excited as a kid in a candy store. The little kid in me wants to jump in place and punch his fists, but I hold that all back and grin at her.

“Great. Meet at my place at 11 a.m.?”

“See you then,” she says before rushing out of the rink.

I stare after her until she’s out of sight and head to the restaurant. Liv is rocking Jayden’s car seat while Hannah bounces Cate and makes faces at her as she giggles. I walk up behind Hannah and start making faces at Cate, too, and she flaps her arms as she laughs. I reach for her and take her from Hannah.

“Now aren’t you the cutest little girl,” I say as I play eat her tummy. Her laugh is infectious. “How was Jayden?” I ask Liv.

“He was good. He seemed to be in a bit more pain towards the end of the game, so I gave him some baby Tylenol, and he fell asleep pretty quickly afterwards.”

“That’s good. Thanks for hanging with him, Liv. It means a lot that you’ll watch him so I can still play.”

“Of course. I know how much playing means to you, and I love spending time with my adorable little nephew.” She runs her finger over his cheek and smiles at him.

“I’m thinking I should get him home and in bed. I want to make sure he’s well rested for tomorrow.”

She raises a brow at me. “Fun plans?”

“We’re going to the fair, and I plan on tasting all of the food.”

Liv laughs and shakes her head. “Well, have fun.”

I nod and lean down, kissing her cheek before grabbing Jayden and heading to my car, stopping to say bye to the guys as they make their way up the stairs.

CHAPTER 19

Matt

---