Page 61 of Pucking Off-Sides With My Brother's Best Friend

“It’s just we’ve been together so long, Aurora. We shouldn’t just throw our past away. I really want to fight for us, for our relationship.”

“Relationship,” I bark. “Our past is exactly why I don’t want to fight for it.” I know he doesn’t like hearing it, but honestly, at this point, I really don’t care. It’s the truth. My time away from him has only highlighted how much I do not want to be with him. I’m way happier now than I ever was with him, even with all of the drama.

Turner’s eyes narrow. “You don’t really mean that, Aurora. I know you still love me.”

This time, I feel nothing but revulsion at his words. Every part of me wants nothing to do with him.

Obviously, his latest arm candy… I mean ‘fiance’, didn’t work out either, Shocker.

It’s strange how things can change in just a few months and some distance.

“ No I don’t. I loved who I thought you were,” I corrected. “But that was then. I’ve moved on, and it’s time you did, too. Besides, what are you even talking about? Aren’t you like engaged? Leave me the hell alone, Turner.”

Now, with new eyes, I can easily see his manipulative tactics at work.

I move to close the door, but I’m stopped by Turner’s hand.

“Aurora, please don’t do this. I can’t live without you. I don’t want to.”

“That’s not my problem anymore, Turner. Let go of the door.”

I tried to push it closed, but he’s still standing in the way. I don’t notice him inching closer until his foot is now over the doorway. “Move.”

“Aurora, be reasonable,” he tries again, voice going syrupy sweet. I always hated when he did that. It made everything he said sound so condescending, making my defenses shoot up, and now is no different.

“You know no one is going to love you like I do.”

And just like that, any lingering feelings I might’ve had turn to ash. Every cell in my body screams, Nope! so loud I’m surprised he can’t hear it.

“And that’s a good thing,” I shoot back. “Your love isn’t what I want or need, and now you need to leave.”

“Aurora you—“

“What are you doing here?”

Jax’s voice surprises me, and my surprise has the door flying open when I stop pushing. Turner stumbles closer to me, and I back up when Jax enters, and Aiden rounds the corner coming from behind me. Turner whirls around, eyes going wide when he sees Jax but narrowing again when he sees Aiden.

“I’m talking to Aurora,” Turner says, like he’s explaining something to a child.

“No, you’re not,” I snap back, finding my voice. “You’re leaving. Now.”

Aiden steps up, all righteous fury. “Who’s this asshole?” His eyes narrow, “Wait, is this the ex? Tom?”

“It’s Turner,” comes a snarled reply. I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing at how offended he sounds. Jax moves forward, but Aiden holds him back. I can’t help the little thrill I feel seeing Turner flinch. He soon recovers, mouth pressing in a line before he turns his attention back on me.

“Let me guess, this is Aiden.” He nods when my silence confirms his guess. “Brian told me some hockey bozo came up pretending to be your boyfriend.”

I had to force myself not to react. “There’s no pretending. I’ve moved on, and so should you.”

“You heard what she said,” Jax insists.

He doesn’t move from where Aiden stops him, but I see his hands balled into fists. “She’s moved on with someone better, so go away and stay away.”

Turner laughs, but it holds no humor. “You can’t seriously be dating someone who just barely has a career.” He turns to look at me. “Really, Aurora? You’re this desperate to ruin your life by dating some broke wannabe athlete with a shit life and anger management issues?”

Aiden moves looking like he’s prepared to strike, and this time it’s Jax holding him back.

“Who I date isn’t any of your business, Turner— we’re done… please, just leave.”

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