Page 36 of Catch
“Their relationship was always volatile, so the divorce was for the best. But still, when you’re going through that kind of change as a kid, there’s a lot of uncertainty. A lot of fear. I desperately needed an outlet. My brother Harry had school, my sister Cate had ballet. Hockey was it for me.”
“Same. After my mom was—” Jett pauses. “I was eleven when my mom passed away. I’d always been an introverted kid, but after she died, I was so depressed and anxious, and Istarted acting out, getting into trouble. My grandparents were the only family I had left, and they were beside themselves because no one could tell me anything at that point.”
“Fuck, I’m so sorry.”
Jett nods and looks away, scuffing his running shoe on the grass.
“My favorite escape was visiting Angel Lake. I’d ride out there and go swimming, and just, you know… be by myself. Anyway, the summer I turned fourteen, I spotted a group of rowers practicing, and watching them on the water, it was the first time in years I’d felt any peace. And it was clear that they weren’t only teammates but good friends. Somehow, I knew I wanted that. I needed it.”
Jett stops talking and I notice the flush on his face.
“Shit. I don’t know why I told you all that,” he whispers.
“Yes you do.”
Jett’s head snaps up and his gaze locks with mine.
“No, I really don’t.”
Fucking hell, I want to kiss him. Now. Until his lips are red and swollen and my taste is on his tongue. I can’t believe the thoughts rolling through my mind and echoing in my body, but I can’t deny the truth.
It’s sex. That’s all. Hormones, chemistry, curiosity, nothing more.
“You like me. Admit it.”
I get a dramatic eye roll for my flippant comment, and I know I’ve fucked up. Acting silly is the only way I know how to deal when things get too serious, but for once I regret letting my mouth run ahead of my brain.
“Let’s get going.”
Jett starts walking again, and I’m only too eager to follow him, bouncing on my heels like a fucking puppy.
“You didn’t deny it.”
“You are so freaking annoying,” he grumbles, but I don’t miss the smile he’s trying hard to contain.
“Then why are you grinning?”
Jett pauses for a split second, and then keeps walking.
“Zip it, Ethan.”
“You’re hot when you’re bossy.”
“It’s not going to work.”
“What?”
“Stop goading me,” he insists. “Jesus, your mouth really should come with a warning label.”
“Like your shorts.”
“Will you knock it off?”
“I’m telling the truth.”
“You’re winding me up.”
“That too.”
