Page 120 of Forever Wild
“Oh shit,” Ty says as I crumple forward and breathe through the pain. He takes the hockey stick in one hand and picks up Charlotte with the other.
I manage to stand, but the pain is still like a fire in my gut.
“Saves me having to do it, I guess,” Tyler says. The anger in his expression has morphed slightly. I wouldn’t say he looks happy but less like he’s going to let his daughter hit me again.
“Sit.”
I obey, though nervously.
Tyler takes a seat back on the couch, looking surprised and a little dazed. Charlotte comes over to me and hands me a block. She’s a cute kid. Big blue eyes and dark hair that is pulled into a small ponytail on top of her head. Cute so long as she’s not trying to maim me.
I smile at her tentatively and she grins back. Apparently, it wasn’t personal. Or she’s smiling because she knows she just got me good.
She takes the block back and puts it in her mouth. I have no idea if that’s okay. I look to Tyler for help, but he’s still got that stunned look on his face.
He runs a hand over his head.
“Well shit,” he says finally. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“I meant what I said. I really like her. I’ve never felt like this about anyone.”
“You were the guy she was seeing this summer.” He looks at me in an accusatory way.
I wince. “I didn’t plan for it, but it happened. I’m not sorry, but I don’t blame you if you’re pissed that I didn’t tell you sooner. I really like her,” I say again because it’s true and I’m hoping that means something to him.
“Yeah, you must.” He slouches back into the couch and studies me for a moment like he’s trying to read all my thoughts and feelings. I don’t know what he sees, but it must be good enough because eventually he nods. “All right. I appreciate you coming to me.”
I let out a slow breath and relax a fraction.
We stand and I start to smile at him, but then he whips the hockey stick toward me, pointing directly at my nuts. I cover them instinctively with both hands. “If you hurt her?—”
I don’t let him finish the threat. “I won’t.”
35
REGULAR BOYFRIEND
EVERLY
Jack and I walk up to the house hand in hand. Nerves bounce around in my stomach and he squeezes my fingers reassuringly.
“It’s going to be fine,” he assures me before opening the door.
I plaster on a smile as we walk in. It’s our first outing as a couple. Jack told Tyler, and I gave Bridget permission to share with Ash and it snowballed from there.
My brother has said very little on the subject. When I stopped by his house this morning before the game, he gave me an awkward talk that was reminiscent of the safe sex conversations Mom used to try to have with me.
I reassured him we were all good and then he muttered something about killing Jack if he hurts me. I know he’s just being a protective big brother, but I don’t need him to be that. Not with Jack. He seemed more relaxed by the time I left, but two seconds inside the party and I realize it’s not just Tyler that’s ready tothrow down for me.
“Everyone is staring at us,” I say.
“Must be because we’re so sexy,” he says, trying to joke it off, but the way he’s holding his jaw so tight gives away his discomfort with the situation. “Let’s grab a drink.”
We head into Ash’s kitchen. He gets a beer and I grab a hard seltzer.
“Hey,” Bridget comes over to hug me. When she pulls back, she glances up at Jack standing right behind me. “I’d threaten you, but it seems you’re already getting enough of that.”
Jack’s laugh vibrates against my back. I lean into him. “Why is everyone acting all weird?”
