Page 16 of Pucking Off-Sides With My Brother's Best Friend

I would have thrown it in that asshole’s face that Aurora had gotten more than just a kiss from me, but that felt like a line too far. Not because I gave a shit about his reaction, but because it would have affected her. Never mind Jax’s reaction.

When Aurora tried to stumble out excuses to stay quiet the next morning, I put her mind at ease and said we wouldn’t mention it. Now, I kind of wish I had been the type of asshole to go back on my word. Turner seems the type to not let anyone else play with his toys.

“Listen,” I bite out, hoping to hell I say this shit right. “I get that you’re hurt, but don’t give that fucker any more power over you.”

Aurora frowns. “What do you mean?”

I scowl and look away. Words are fucking hard, and I’m not any good at them, yet here I am, locked in an empty room with a damn near crying woman as I try to comfort her. If my father could see me now, he’d probably beat my ass for being weak.

“I mean, he’s out there somewhere living it up because he gives zero fucks about anyone else but himself.”

Aurora sniffles and I almost lose it. “So, I should just not give a fuck too? I don’t know if I can do that.”

“You don’t have to be as shitty as him, but you can’t let him affect you when he clearly doesn’t care.” This shit is hard, and I’m not sure I’m getting my point across in the right way. “You’re way too good to be worried about some dumbass guy who couldn’t stand up to someone his own size.”

She snorts. “I’m more than his size.” Her lips twist up into a parody of a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. “He used to always say that anyway.”

Now, I regret listening to Jax years ago when he said I couldn’t throttle the guy. Wherever Turner is, he’d better hope that I don’t one day catch up to him.

“Fuck. Now I hate the guy even more.”

Finally realizing that my hold on Aurora has gone on a beat too long, I slide my arm off her waist and try not to wince at how empty it feels. Somehow, even in that short time, I’ve grown comfortable with the solid weight of her in my arms. How anyone could have let her go after that is beyond me.

I know the type of girl most people assume I like, and sure, my dick gets hard no problem. But there’s something to be said for curves that settle nicely in your hands. Plus, after falling around on ice all fucking day, I want to fall into someone warm, cozy, and perfectly shaped to absorb my bumps.

“You don’t have to hate him. I don’t even think I hate him, to be honest.” Aurora shakes her head, looking sadder than a puppy who’s just been told no. “That’s fucked up of me, right? I should hate him so hard. What’s wrong with me that I don’t?”

“There’s nothing wrong with you,” I insist, even though I think she should hate him. Hell, I hate him enough for both of us, really. “You’re a good person. Good people don’t want to hate anyone.”

“I guess,” she says, looking down and not at me. Well, this will never do, I think to myself.

“No guessing.” I shake my head before my gaze lands on a clock on the wall. I only have so much time before I’m supposed to meet the coach and hopefully get an idea of where I’ll be playing. “Fuck, alright, listen. If you repeat anything I’m about to say to anyone else, I’ll deny the fuck out of it, okay?”

Aurora frowns and cocks her head to the side, looking too fucking adorable to be real. “What are you talking about?”

I stand up straighter and stare down at her. “You are a bad bitch, and you deserve the world. Don’t let some guy make you feel like you don’t. He’s an idiot and will regret letting you go.”

Aurora blinks slowly before she slowly straightens up as well. The shift in her energy is noticeable, and it makes something in me clench. I can’t deny it feels good that she’s open and vulnerable with me, that she feels comfortable enough to do that, but damn, is she even more enticing when she has that air of confidence about her.

“You’re right.”

“Damn right I am,” I reply forcefully. When she smiles, I have to swallow hard.

“I can’t believe you just called me a bad bitch.”

I want to turn away, but I force myself to stay still. This isn’t about me for the moment. It’s about making her feel better. Still,I can’t deny how damn good it feels to have her smiling because of me.

Why the fuck does that turn me on so much? Clearly, I need to get out more or fuck. It’s been months since I last got my dick wet, and it’s fucking up my ability to function normally. That won’t do. I have to be on my A-game for the season.

I know I only have one shot to make this shit work. There are no do-overs, and if I let whatever this shit is between us affect that, I know I’ll regret it.

“Yeah, well…” I trail off, not knowing what to say. This is why I don’t try to cheer people up. Telling my teammates to get their heads in the game is one thing. But whatever this is clearly isn’t something I know how to do.

“So, I guess You’re alright?”

Aurora giggles, the sound drawing my attention, and I know then I need to get the fuck out before I do something unforgivable.

“Thank you, Aiden.” Aurora’s voice is soft, but those damn lips are still turned up in a smile that makes my stomach clench. “I know you’re not big on emotions, but I appreciate you helping me. You’re actually kind of decent when you want to be.”

---