Page 14 of What if It's Us

But then again, it must be.

Because the same thing happened to me.

“Hey,” I whisper. “Keep your head up, yeah? Kick some ass this week and I’ll see you right back here on Thursday.”

His smile returns and he nods. “Yes, sir.”

I tap the edge of the wall two times with my hand and then skate off, leaving him to grab his gear and head out of the arena. The teen never once speaks to him.

I hope I’ve given him a little something to look forward to.

And now I can’t wait for the next Pucks & Blades day so I can shower more positive encouragement over my new friend.

Also, he’s giving me something else to think about besides Marlee Remington.

Yeah,I don’t know who I was trying to fool because Marlee Remington is the only one invading my thoughts today. Standing in my shower, she’s the first and only person to cross my mind.

I can’t even help it.

Her face just pops right into my brain when I’m naked and warm and…my dick is in my hand.

Fuck.

I’ve got it bad.

Why don’t you just ask her out?

You guys would make cute babies.

She’s single. You’re single.

Now’s the chance man.

Do something about it.

Stop being such a pussy and ask her already.

The voices of my Anaheim family live rent free in my head as their comments and suggestions play on repeat while I stand under the hot water. I don’t know why I don’t just buck up and ask Marlee out. I’m a good guy. I genuinely care about people and I know if she were mine, I’d make it my life’s purpose to take care of her. Taking care of people is what I do best.

Not that she needs anyone taking care of her.

She’s a strong ass woman.

But still, I know I could make her happy so I don’t know what I’m so fucking afraid of.

Well, that’s not true.

Not now anyway.

Being with Marlee and loving her until the end of my days is something I can see myself doing in a heartbeat. I fantasize about her all the fucking time already.

But when Layken suggested to Marlee that I be the father of her children, it was all I could do to stay calm until I was alone that night so no one would see me in full-fledged panic mode.

Me, a father?

With actual dad-like responsibilities?

I wouldn’t even know where to start.

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