Page 122 of Forever Wild
“Sorry man,” Jack says as he moves to stand next to me, his right arm draped around my waist and thumb tucked into the hem of my jeans. Tyler takes it all in but doesn’t say anything about it. To be fair, he’s never really liked any of the guys I’ve dated so it’s not shocking that he’s struggling with me dating his team captain.
“Anyway. I just came over to say I’m happy for you.” The words sound strained.
I fight a laugh because I can see how hard this is for Ty, and I love him for trying.
“Thank you.” I hug him and kiss him on the cheek.
“I’m heading home but call if you need anything.” His stare shifts to Jack. “Or if you need help hiding a body.”
I roll my eyes. “Brunch tomorrow before I go back?”
“Yeah, I’d love that.” His shoulders relax and I get a glimpse of the old Ty underneath his protectiveness.
“Great. Oh, and I’m bringing my boyfriend.” I lean my head over to rest against Jack’s shoulder.
Tyler’s mouth pulls into a smile that somehow looks like a frown, but he doesn’t object.
“You’re going to get me killed,” Jack says when Tyler is gone.
“No,” I insist. “Just possibly whacked in the balls again with a hockey stick.”
“That fucking hurt.”
“Yo!” Ash appears and places himself between us. “Are you two up for some flip cup?”
“I think we’re going to head out,” I say.
Jack’s brows lift slightly.
“Already? You just got here.” Ash’s confused expression morphs into a grin. “I got you. You two are going to be one of those couples?”
“You mean the kind that leave parties early to have sex?” I ask.
He winces.
“Like you and Bridget are any better,” I say.
“Fine.” He grins. “But when you come up for air, let’s hang. Miss you, Little Sharpie.”
We stay at the party for a little while longer, despite my trying to get us out of there. The girls corner me so they can grill me for information, then Declan and Leo check in on me. Usually, I’d be happy to catch up with them, but it’s been a week since Jack and I have been alone and I’m anxious to have him all to myself.
My pulse races as we walk down the street from Ash’s place to Jack’s. He picks me up when we get inside his house and carries me into his room, depositing me on the bed.
“I have something for you,” he says.
I eye his crotch and the bulge there.
“Not that.” He grins, then reaches into his top dresser drawer and tosses something at me. I unfold it and hold the jersey out in front ofme. It has his name and number on the back, but it looks different than the ones they wear in games.
“That was my first ever practice jersey with the team. I was a little smaller then, but it’s probably still too big for you to wear.”
I stare at him, a little taken back by the gift. “I was expecting something over the top. This is…” My throat tightens with emotion.
“Dumb. I know, but you said you wanted me to be more like a regular boyfriend.” He shrugs.
“No, I love it.” My heart squeezes. “You gave me a one-of-a-kind Jack Wyld jersey.” I laugh. Even when he’s trying to be like other guys, he’s so much more.
“You couldn’t be like other boyfriends if you tried.”
