Page 4 of Pucking Off-Sides With My Brother's Best Friend

I stifle a giggle at my own ridiculous thoughts. Humor’s always been my go-to coping mechanism, and boy, do I need it now.

Aiden snorts, and if I were a cat, I know my back would be arched in warning. I don’t need any lip from him, not while I’m having my own internal freakout. It’s not that I don’t know Aiden and Jax are still friends, but they haven’t been on the same team in years. Plus, Aiden and I aren’t exactly friendly.

I don’t ignore him when he’s around, but I don’t go out of my way to talk to him either. The last time we had a meaningful conversation was years ago after a nasty breakup and one too many tears. That night I saw another side to him, one that dissolved when the sun came up and we both realized that the touches we exchanged that night could never happen again.

I shake my head, trying to dislodge the memory. It’s ancient history, right? Just a moment of weakness - two lonely people finding comfort in each other. But standing here now, with Aiden so close, I can’t help but remember how safe I felt in his arms - how seen.

I can’t believe we’re going to be living under the same roof. I need to pretend the night never happened. That’s easier said than done when the subject of said memories is standing righthere in the hallway looking put together and damn near perfect while I look like something the cat dragged in after a Florida downpour. If only there were earthquakes here to save me from this awkwardness.

“Jax, man, I told you—“ Aiden starts before being interrupted.

“And I told you it needs to be done so we cement your spot on the team. Don’t you want to get out of the minors? You’re too damn good to stay down there forever, and it’s not like we’re getting any younger.”

Aiden turns, and I grip my towel tighter when his eyes slide over me briefly. I stand frozen when Jax slaps Aiden on the back before pulling him in. This close, I can see all the ways Aiden has changed and grown. His skin is tanned, and his shoulders are wider than they look in the photos Jax has stashed around the house, not that I ever spend time looking at those.

“He was at tryouts?”

Aiden cocks an eyebrow at me. “You knew we had tryouts today?”

“Well, yeah. I was there earlier getting photos. I must have left before you got on the ice.” I look away when Aiden turns more of his focus on me. After a moment, I realize that I’m still in nothing but a towel, and I shift. “I should go get dressed. I have some things to do.”

Neither of them stops me as I turn and try not to look like I’m fleeing the scene of a crime. Only after the door is shut behind me do I draw in a slightly hysterical breath.

Aiden is here.

Aiden is moving in.

This is going to be a disaster.

It’s not that I thought I would never see him again, but it’s just that I don’t know how to look at him and not notice how intense his gaze is or remember how hot his touch can be. No, I need to talk to Jax. Having Aiden move in is a terrible plan and one I can’t condone.

My heart’s racing, and not just from my dash to the bedroom.

This is too much, too fast.

I need a plan, a way to navigate this without losing my mind. Living with Jax is one thing - he’s my brother. He’s seen me at my worst. But Aiden? He’s seen me... well, let’s just say he’s seen parts of me I’m not ready to confront right now. How am I supposed to eat breakfast across the table from him every morning, knowing what I know, remembering what I remember?

“I need a second opinion,” I say to myself after slipping on shorts and a tank top. It’s hotter than sin outside, and I’m not trying to sweat so soon after having just taken a shower. I grab my cell and dial Katarina’s number. She and I have beenfriends for years, having met in college. When she found out Jax played hockey just like her brother, Griffin, we had even more in common. Mostly we started with commiserating about all the girls who tried to come up and play nice to us just to get in our brothers’ pants, but our friendship has grown. It was a relief when she mentioned getting a job in an adjacent city while I was still trying to figure out where to go when my engagement ended.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so glad you called. Save me from the boredom that is my life.”

I giggle at Katarina’s dramatics. “Are you sure you don’t want to go into acting? You have the whole emotional exaggeration thing down.”

“Nah, California’s too expensive, and earthquakes terrify me.” I can hear vague mumbling in the background.

“Sorry if I’m interrupting.”

“Shut up. You’re not interrupting a thing. My family’s just doing their weekly video calls, and Griffin is regaling the family about all his amazing games and how he’s got brands sniffing after his ass.” I can practically hear her rolling her eyes. I’ve only met Griffin a few times over the years, but watching the two of them bicker back and forth is always a good time. “I should kiss you for saving me from that snooze fest.”

“It can’t be that bad.”

“Girl, please. You’d think he was the second coming from his words. And our parents just eat it up. Sickening.”

I laugh. Katarina’s favorite thing to do is complain about her brother, but I have multiple pictures of her cheering him on from the stands. It’s always hilarious to see how competitive she gets when our brothers are facing off on the ice too, but I would never let Griffin know that she’s actually his biggest fan, and she made the same promise to me when it comes to Jax. We don’t need these boys’ heads to be any bigger than they already are when the puck bunnies make their appearances.

“So, what’s up? Did Jax show up with some girl on his arm and relegate you to your room?”

My snort is loud as I sink down on my bed and look at the door. “If only. That I could handle.”

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