Page 74 of Triple Play
“He can’t sleep. He’s barely slept in days. I just—” I gesture vaguely toward Wyatt’s room. “I need to be there. For him.”
Something flickers in Jordie’s expression—hurt, jealousy, understanding—all at once. “You’re sleeping in his room?”
“Not like that. He just needs—”
“I get it.” But his voice suggests he doesn’t really understand. Not completely. “You’re taking care of him.”
“Yeah.”
We stare at each other, the air between us thick with everything we’re not saying: the promise I made, the interruption that’s becoming a pattern, and the fact that I’m choosing Wyatt’s need over his want.
“Tomorrow?” he asks, his vulnerability in the question making my chest ache.
“Tomorrow,” I promise, even though I’m unsure if it’s a promise I can keep.
He nods, but doubt lingers in his expression. “Take care of him.”
“I will.” I start to turn away but look back. “Jordie?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He forces a golden smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “He needs you more than I do right now. Go.”
I go.
Back to Wyatt’s room, I close the door softly behind me. He’s still asleep, curled into my pillow, his face peaceful in a way I’ve never seen.
I climb back into bed, and he immediately reaches for me, pulling me against him as if his body knows I’m the missing piece.
I settle into his warmth and the solid safety of his arms, trying not to think about the hurt in Jordie’s eyes.
Trying not to think about being in bed with one guy just hours after almost sleeping with another.
Trying not to think about how good this feels, how right.
Wyatt’s breathing is deep and even against my neck. He’s truly sleeping—peacefully, for the first time in days, maybe longer.
And I’m the reason why.
That has to count for something, right?
Even if it complicates everything else.
Even if I’m slowly collecting these broken hockey players as if it’s my job.
Even if I have no idea what I’m doing.
I close my eyes and let the rhythm of Wyatt’s breathing lull me toward sleep.
Tomorrow, I’ll figure out what this means.
Tomorrow, I’ll confront Jordie’s hurt, Grant’s suspicion, and my own confusion.
Tonight, I’m just going to lie here in the dark with a man who hasn’t slept in days.
And try not to think about how much I don’t want to leave.
