Page 89 of Stick With Me
“I think so,” I repeat.
He chuckles. “Good. We should wash up and go to bed.”
“Okay. Will you sleep in here?”
“What, were you planning to kick me out?” he jests. “You’re stuck with me, Sunshine.” He plants a quick kiss on my lips before standing with me still in his arms and carrying us both to the shower.
I thought multiple orgasms would put me to sleep, but I tossed and turned all night after my brief run-in with Jace, unsure of whether I should pretend it never happened or confront the issue head-on. In the light of day, I realize I need to face this, because it’s not going to go away if I don’t.
When I unblock Jace’s number, my phone is immediately flooded with messages, dating back to All-Star Weekend.
Jace:
Babe, can we talk?
Please don’t ignore me.
Really?!? You’re with Logan?!
Talk to me please.
I miss you.
I’m sorry about the interview. I just really need to talk to you.
Hannah, I’m going to be in Chicago next week. Can we please talk?
You looked beautiful last night, Hannah. Thank you for being open to hearing me out.
Let me know when you’re free.
After I filled Ryan in on my conversation with Jace at the gala as we lay in bed, he assured me he’d support whatever I felt I needed to do. But it was clear he didn’t buy Jace’s nice-guy act, and he didn’t trust his intentions. I can’t blame him.
Still, I can’t shake the feeling that I need to at least try.
Ryan tried to hide it, but I could see the mess of anxiety the trade caused him. Jace has influence in the league, and he’s a franchise player—the kind of player teams build around. How does Ryan fit into that picture if they can’t stand each other? I’m worried that if Jace is as vindictive as he’s been in the past, he’ll use anything at his disposal to push back against Ryan’s contract extension.
With that thought weighing on me, I pull up my messages and text him back. Quickly googling a coffee shop far enough away that the chances of me going there again are slim. Although I want to believe we can be civil and come to an understanding, I’m fully expecting this meeting to go south, so there’s no way I’m going to let him sully my local favorites.
Me:
Okay, this afternoon at 3pm. Bridgewater Coffee.
Arms wrap around my waist from behind, startling me before I realize it’s Ryan. He kisses my cheek, and I smile, soaking up the warmth of his embrace. Turning my head to kiss his jaw, I notice the furrow of his brow deepening as he reads the message still on my screen.
“You’re going to meet up with him?” he asks, his tone careful.
“Yeah, I’m not sure what he’s up to, but maybe I can reason with him.”
“Oh, okay.” His arms tighten around me.
“Do you think it’s a bad idea?”
“I don’t know… I don’t like the idea of you being around him, but I also don’t want to tell you what to do. If you think it’s the right thing to do, then I support you.” He clenches his jaw, the words clearly hard for him to say. It’s the same thing he told me last night, but even with his reassurance, I’m still not confident in my decision.
“I think it’ll be good. Maybe? Hopefully.”
“All right.” He gives me a quick kiss. “I’m heading to Fox’s gym.”
