Page 88 of Outlaw Heartstrings
Until now.
Now, there’s Jagger. And there’s…Alba.
And I think I might be in love with her.Like, for real.
These feelings are insane, and completely unexpected. But Alba and me? We just get along so damn well.
With her, things haven’t even left PG territory. Most of the time, we’re just doing boring, mundane shit like sharing a meal or watching JaggerwatchJeopardyreruns together on the couch.Or sometimes, he even asks to watch my old hockey games, and we all sit and analyze the videos together. Those are my favorite nights.
All I know is, I’ve never had half as much fun with any of the wanna-be models or the jersey chasers. And that’s saying a lot. With Alba, it all just feelsright.
Before returning to Fairy Bush, the chance to claim a championship ring before the end of my career was the fuel that was propelling me forward. But suddenly, I don’t know if I’m willing to let my new life go for the sake of chasing a puck around on the ice.
Lincoln gives my shoulder a rough shake. “This is the best possible news, Easton.”
Coach bobs his head in agreement. “We thought we might have to start the season without you. But you’re goingto be right here on day one. You’re going to be back before you know it, son.”
“Yeah.” I find myself forcing a smile, trying to look happy about this news. “Yeah. That’s…great.”
Instead of heading back to Fairy Bush, I’m spending the night at the small apartment I own here in Sin Valley. But when I finish up at the team facility, I’m not ready to go back to my place just yet. The news I learned from team management today has messed with my head, and now, I’m feeling restless.
Since I’m in Sin Valley for the night, I decide to meet up with a few of my teammates for dinner at The Cathedral Pub. Other than some video calls and a few texts in our group chat, I haven’t really been keeping up with my guys this summer.
Ronan, Tipton and Parker are already at the restaurant when I arrive. Over burgers and beers, we all catch up and chat about how our summers are going. I listen to their stories about all the trips they’re taking and the parties they’re going to.
And I feel absolutely zero jealousy.
I wouldn’t trade the summer I’m having with Jagger and Alba for anything. Not even Cabo.
When the conversation turns toward me, we end up on the subject of Alba. I give them a rundown of what’s been happening and the guys all look at me like I’m crazy.
“I knew it!” Ronan slaps the tabletop in amusement, making the silverware clatter. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to keep your hands off her. You dirty dog.”
“It’s not like that,” I try to defend myself.
“Then, tell us what it’s like,” Tipton says with a smirk as he shoves way too many French fries into his mouth.
I give my head a shake. “Alba missed out on so much oflife because she was taking care of my son. She didn’t get to date and have sex and do all the things people do in their twenties. So now, I’m helping her out.”
“Helping her out?” Parker echoes, clearly not convinced that I have pure intentions.
“I’m helping her discover her…womanhood,” I explain. “It feels like the least I can do.”
Those words, uttered out loud, sound inherently slimy. Suddenly, I’m not convinced of my pure intentions either. Hell.
Tipton snorts and snickers under his breath. “You actually believe that? Or are you just full of shit?”
“Of course I believe that,” I insist. “Because it’s the truth.”
“So, you’re telling me that there isn’t even a little, tiny part of you that’s selfishly enjoying this arrangement?” Ronan questions. “I never realized you were a martyr.”
I open my mouth.
I close it.
Because I’d rather not lie.
The stone cold reality is, I’ve been enjoying every single moment with Alba. And when I’m not with her, I find myself looking forward to the next moment we’ll have together. The next touch. The next kiss. And everything that will eventually come after that.
