Page 108 of Break the Ice
“I know.” Lex sits taller. “Which is why I am worried about you.”
“There’s no need to worry, they’re just migraines. I’m fine…” I shrug down at my lap even though I’m terrified that I’ll end up here again in the future.
“What about stress? There’s a lot going on. Big expectations and—” He pauses with a weary sigh. “—whatever is going on between the three of you… you, the girl, Morrow…”
“Nothing,” I reply too quickly. “We’re friends.”
“Really? Because they don’t act like basic friends. You care about her, she cares about you…andMorrow. There are photos of them together. Touchy feely photos.” When I don’t say anything, he asks, “So whose girl is she?”
Ours.It’s on the tip of my tongue. Ready to roll right out when I snap my mouth shut and swallow it down. Because Finley can’t be mine and Jayden’s.Can she?
“Eli.” I meet his tight stare. “Think about it. Think about her. Think about Morrow. Think aboutthem.”
I do.
All the time.
Since the moment I saw them together, I can’t stop thinking about the two of them. The way they laugh with each other. How he makes her smile, and she surprises him with her quick wit. I think about how the air feels when they’re together, next to me.
Hot and thick; so that I’m in a constant haze.
Jayden and Finley are good together, and I like it. It’s natural.
“So?” Lex asks.
“Finley’s mine and?—”
“Morrow?” His brow cocks.
I swallow hard, staying quiet.
“Talk to me about him.”
“We’re friends.”
Leveling me with a knowing stare, he chuckles, “So was Finley all but a few seconds ago. Now she’s yours.”
“Jesus, Lex?—”
“He’s your work husband; you spend a lot of time with him… sometimes… I mean, it’s normal for wires to get crossed. For sentiments to shift.”
Finley’s remark is all that comes to mind as Lex’s words settle.
Jayden loves you.
The reality is that even if I never admit it, I know it’s true. I think I knew it before she said it. And I was sure of it before he caught me in his arms and he held me...
“Whatever is going on between the three of you…” Lex sighs. “…make sure it’s worth the fallout that will come of it. There’s only so much I can protect you from, but I promise you now what I promised you the first time you walked into my office—there is nothing I won’t do to get you to where you need and want to be. There is no way my will won’t clear for you. Got it?”
He offers me his hand, when I grip it, he twists our palms into each other pulling me forward in my seat as he leans in with a low chuckle.
“You were meant to be the easy child.” With that he pushes to his feet, focusing on his phone while he goes back to pacing the length of the window.
The weight of the world eases off my shoulders for a moment, allowing me to breathe again when he starts talking hockey like that’s been the conversation the whole time.
Nothing has changed.
I’m still me. Lex is still Lex.
