Page 113 of Forever Wild
“I’m surprised it took this long honestly,” Jade says. “I thought you might be secretly hooking up the past couple of years.”
“What? No way. We could barely be in the same room together before.”
“Yes, I know. I assumed that was due to the sexual tension.”
“No.” I shake my head adamantly. “Jack and I have been at odds with each other since he caught me drinking at a party years ago. He tried to scold me, and I took to that about as well as you can imagine.”
I had been in Minnesota for just a few months when Tylerdragged me to some team thing he couldn’t miss. I occupied myself with a bottle of Fireball until Jack stumbled upon me drunk. He was so pissed, and I couldn’t fathom why he cared.
I understand now that he was worried my actions would impact Tyler and by extension, the team, but back then I just thought he was being a controlling jerk. I’m sure his dad being an alcoholic also had something to do with it.
“So now you’re…what?”
“That’s a loaded question,” I say, smiling at her and then turning my focus back to the ice.
If I wasn’t a believer at the beginning of the game that Jack’s stats had improved by not having sex, I am by the end. He puts up three goals for a hat trick, plus an assist. And he’s not the only one affected. The entire team looks better when he’s on top of his game.
I head to the hotel with Jade and Bridget to wait for the guys. I didn’t book my own room because if he isn’t excited to see me, I’m just going to drive back the way I came. And if he is, then I don’t need my own room.
“Are you going to see Ty?” Bridget asks.
“No. He’ll want to have dinner or something.”
She fights a laugh. “How terrible.”
“I know. I know. I’m the worst sister ever but all I want to do is stay in.” I waggle my brows suggestively and get another laugh out of her. I hug her and then Jade, and then head into the bar area of the hotel where I’ll be mostly hidden.
I fire off a text to Tyler to tell him congrats on the game.
Tyler
Thanks. Are you still here? We’re almost back to the hotel now.
My stomach flutters with nerves.
Me
I’m going to head back. See you next weekend!
The guys have a home game and I need to get in some Charlotte snuggles.
When I’m finished texting with him, I see the bus pull up out front. The guys file in a lot like they do when they’re stepping onto the ice. Maverick and Tyler are at the front and the rest of the team fills in the middle before I spot Leo, Declan, Ash, and then Jack.
My pulse speeds up, heart pounding against my chest. He’s in his game suit, a dark blue jacket and pants with a crisp white shirt that’s unbuttoned at the neck. No tie and tennis shoes complete the look. He has his duffel bag slung over one shoulder and a water bottle in one hand.
Me
Congrats! You were
I watch as he puts his free hand in his pocket and grabs his phone. His lips curve into a smile as he reads my text. His thumb taps on the screen and the bubbles appear on my end.
Jack
Thanks. Wish you were here.
I read the words twice, reaching for some bravery.
Me
