Page 26 of Breakaway Daddies

I’m still laughing with Kenzie, our voices echoing in the hallway, when Ally strolls by. Her ears perk up just enough to catch our conversation, and a knowing grin spreads across her face.

She shakes her head with an amused shine in her eye, crossing her arms over her chest. “There’s definitely something in the water around here.”

Kenzie cackles. “You’d better watch out, Jinx. One moment you’re acting all nonchalant, and the next, you’re knee-deep in a harem with babies on the way.”

I groan dramatically, rolling my eyes as if to dismiss the idea. “Yeah, yeah. Not happening.”

Ally laughs, stepping closer to wrap me in a warm hug. She squeezes me tightly, a comforting presence. “Well, whatever’s happening, I just hope it brings you happiness. You deserve that.”

I blink, momentarily caught off guard by how much her simple words tug at something deep inside me. Before I can process the emotions swirling within, Ally releases me, waving cheerfully as she heads toward the doors.

Kenzie trails behind her, linking arms with her guys as they approach. Freshly showered, their hair still damp, they look ridiculously good even in casual sweats and hoodies.

Each of them beams at her as if she’s the center of their universe, and a strange, sharp sensation tugs at my chest.

It’s loneliness, a foreign feeling that I quickly try to brush aside. I remind myself why I chose this path: freedom, excitement, the thrill of living untethered by commitments and responsibilities.

But as I sling my bag over my shoulder and head toward the exit, my mind wanders. Maybe I need something to shake up my routine. A new adventure to dive into, a challenge that demands my full attention.

The thought of travel flits through my mind, the pull of distant lands and unfamiliar cultures. Or perhaps returning to school to learn something new and invigorating.

My mind scrolls through the list of destinations and opportunities I’ve been contemplating for ages. Perhaps it’s time to stop thinking and start doing, choose a place, pack a bag, and just go.

Lost in thought, I nearly collide with a broad, sturdy chest as I push open the door.

“Whoa, Jinx!” a familiar voice calls out.

I look up to see Thomas standing there, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “You good, or do I need to start wearing pads outside the rink?” he teases, a hint of mischief in his tone.

I chuckle, rolling my eyes. “Shut up. What are you still doing here?” I ask, curiosity piqued.

He gives a casual shrug, his jacket rustling slightly. “Was waiting on you, actually. Thought I’d help you pack up your stuff.”

I arch a brow, a skeptical smile tugging at my lips. “Oh, you just thought, huh?”

He smirks, crossing his arms. “Well, I figured it would be a good excuse to spend more time with my favorite punk-rock physical therapist.”

I laugh, shaking my head at his shameless flattery. “Flattery will get you everywhere, Boyd.”

“Good to know.” He winks, his eyes gleaming with playful intent. “So, whaddya say? Let me help?”

I hesitate, thinking of the scattered boxes and odd knick-knacks that make up my life. Then I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Fine. But you’d better not complain about carrying my weird pets.”

Thomas makes a face, feigning horror. “Wait—how many weird pets are we talking?”

I just grin, pulling the door wider and motioning for him to follow me out to the parking lot, the adventure awaiting us back at my apartment.

The drive there is short but electric. I can feel the chemistry between us by the way he looks at me, his eyes flicking across my body. Trying to steady my nerves, I let myself get lost in the music on the radio.

“Wow, your voice is beautiful,” he murmurs, a look of surprise across his gorgeous face.

I blush, biting my lip, feeling myself about to burst. The only reprieve I have is that we’ve pulled up to my apartment complex, and I put the car in park.

As soon as we cross the threshold of my apartment, Thomas comes to an abrupt halt, his eyes widening in disbelief.

“Jinx,” he utters, my name catching in his throat.

“What?” I reply with feigned innocence, dropping my messenger bag onto the worn sofa near the door.

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