Page 31

CHAPTER

THIRTY-ONE

Jett

I can’t take my eyes off her.

Not that I can any other time she’s in my vicinity, but tonight, Fable Winthrop looks like a queen.

My queen.

Her hair is down, white-blond waves dusting her shoulders as she holds her champagne flute in one hand, her other hand in mine. She had someone come in and do her makeup, so it’s not as light as it usually is. Instead, her eyes shine with the extra stuff on them to make them darker, her lashes long and sultry. Her lips are as red as the dress she wears—and the dress? Well, let’s just say it was hard for me to leave it on her. It ties behind her neck in a simple bow that is embellished with crystals. The halter style leaves her back open and shows a bit of sexy side boob. The skirt is fitted, with a slit up to her thigh that gives just enough of a peek of her tattoo to make me crazy. She paired the masterpiece with a pair of high, red-bottomed black heels that bring the top of her head to my eyes.

She’s stunning, and she’s all mine.

Even with the magnificent ambiance of the event that is raising money to plant more trees along Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount Le Conte, nothing sparkles the way Fable does. The room is full of very important people—even the governor of Tennessee is here—but I feel as if all eyes are on Fable. Together, we work the room and describe our vision for the Ice Thistle. We play off each other, adding different facts and explaining how we want to put Thistlebrook on the map for winter sports. When she gets off subject, usually distracted by something someone says that intrigues her, I bring her back to the reason we’re here. She rewards me with a thankful little smile that I feel deep in my gut before she leans into me.

We really are great partners.

“You two are just adorable,” one of the wives says, her eyes moving between us as her face lights up. “Are you two married?”

Fable almost chokes on her champagne, while I grin widely. “Not yet, but one day.”

I feel Fable’s gaze move along my face, and when I look over, her eyes are bright and excited. “One day,” she repeats, and my heart soars. I’d marry her right now, right here, if she’d let me.

“Well, don’t wait too long. Life is short.”

Before either of us can comment, she walks away with a sweet smile. I couldn’t agree more. We aren’t getting younger, and my body can testify to that. If I weren’t a proud man, I’d be limp from the soreness that plagues me after being on the ice with my stunning girl. Fable looks up at me shyly, and I kiss her nose.

We move through the crowd until Fable sees someone she wants to speak to. I stand beside her, my hand at her back, my thumb moving along her ribs as she explains all the things we’re doing in the west rink to the folks who run the Ford Ice Center in Clarksville, Tennessee. They go back and forth, trading ideas, and I’ve never been so proud of Fable. I’ve seen her get overwhelmed by these kinds of conversations, but tonight, she’s glowing.

“Tell them about the raccoon telenovela,” I suggest when the conversation gets stale.

Her eyes brighten as the two men become very interested. I’m amused as she tells them all about Lady and Sir Trashington, and I’m surprised when one of the guys, I think his name is Warren, explains that they name their raccoons after players from the Nashville Assassins. That has Fable laughing loudly, and I can’t help but smile. They exchange numbers, and I don’t miss the looks in the men’s eyes. They find Fable irresistible, but they’re respectful, which I appreciate.

That doesn’t mean I hold her any less tightly.

As we move toward our table since the dinner will be served soon, Fable leans her lips to my ear. “Have you seen my parents?”

I shake my head. “No, not yet.” She exhales heavily, and I can feel her stress coming off her in waves as she looks around. I rub her back and then kiss her temple. “I’ve got you, princess.”

Relief flashes in her eyes as she brushes her lips to my cheek. “Thank you,” she mumbles then gives me a small smile. “I’m going to go to the bathroom.”

I nod. “I’ll be at our table.”

I kiss her temple and watch as she walks away. I can’t get enough of her, and I almost want to follow her. If I do, though, I’ll be hiking up that dress and ruining her lipstick with ease. I have fallen desperately in love with her, and I don’t know how to keep these feelings in anymore. There have been so many times in the last three weeks that I’ve wanted to scream at her that I love her, that she is all I want. And beg her never to leave me. She’s so damn smart, and I love watching her brain work. I love watching her period, and I don’t know how much longer I can wait to tell her how I feel.

I don’t even know why I’m waiting.

I think she loves me too—at least, it feels that way, with how she looks at me, clings to me, and moans my name so beautifully. I feel her love with just a glance, how she’ll cheer so loudly for me as I play, while wearing my jersey. It’s as if we’re living in our own bubble, and coming here has my nerves exposed.

When I walked in, though, Fable’s hand in mine, she looked up at me with this expression of poise and adoration, and I realized I didn’t give two shits what anyone thought. I was so worried that everyone would look at me with disgust the way her parents do, or someone would say I wasn’t good enough for a woman as gorgeous and incredible as her, but that hasn’t happened.

We are everything I always knew we would be.

Thinking that makes eighteen-year-old Jett Cook proud.

On an exhale, I turn to head toward table one. I don’t know how we scored a front table, but I should have known it is because we have been seated with Fable’s parents. Richie and Elena Winthrops’ gazes snap to me as I reach for the chair on the other side of them. They are both dressed to the nines. Elena even has on a diamond-encrusted headband that looks like a crown. Elena’s lips part in shock, while Richie’s glare shines with hatred. As much as I want to tell them to go plant trees and kindly fuck off, I take the high road. “Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop, how are you?”

I unbutton my jacket as I lower myself to the seat. Elena mutters something that I’m sure wouldn’t impress any of her Sunday school friends, and Richie holds my gaze. “What are you doing here, Cook?”

I hate the way he says my name, like it’s scat or something. I lean back in my chair, resting my hands on my thighs. “Supporting trees.”

Elena’s face turns red as Richie snaps, “I mean at our table.”

“I’m Fable’s plus-one.”

His brows shoot to his receding hairline. “Excuse me? I told you to stay away from my daughter.”

I shrug. “Yeah, I didn’t listen, nor do I have any plans to ever listen to that request. I did it once, it didn’t work out for me, so now I’m here.”

Both of them look like Elmer Fudd when he’d get mad and steam would come out of his ears. I almost laugh, but then a sound makes me look up.

“Oh.” With Fable’s arrival, I stand and place my hand on her back. She looks at me with apprehension in her gaze, and I give her a reassuring smile.

“I’ve got you,” I remind her as I pull out her chair. She leans in, kissing my jaw before sitting down. I push in her chair and take great pride in the looks on her parents’ faces. They appear like they’re about to explode, both red-faced and shaking.

I sit down beside Fable as she lifts her chin. “Mother, Father.”

“Fable,” Elena says, as if her name is a curse.

“My love, you look radiant as always,” Richie says, and even though his voice may sound kind, his eyes aren’t.

“Thank you, Father.”

“We didn’t think you’d come,” he adds, and she shrugs.

“Or that you’d bring him .”

Fable cocks a brow at her parents. “Him? Oh, you mean my boyfriend?”

I cover my mouth to keep back my grin as I take in the queen beside me. She sits with her spine straight, her chin high, and her shoulders back. I’m so mesmerized by her. No one would know she’s trembling inside, because on the outside, she’s confident and stunning.

When she looks over at me, I waggle my brows at her to make her smile. “It’s funny. I always wanted to be your boyfriend, but now, the title seems so bland.”

Her eyes sparkle. “Right? We’re so much more than just boyfriend and girlfriend.”

Before I can agree, Elena seethes, “Fable Winter, this is unacceptable.”

Fable slowly shifts her gaze from me to her mother. “What is?”

“You two, together,” she spits, her eyes moving between the two of us. “You are well above his stature.”

Fable feigns shock, pressing her hand to her chest. “Oh, thank God we don’t live in the fifties, huh, pretty boy?”

I chuckle beside her, loving when she’s all sassy like this. “Thank God, indeed. Though, even then, I’d have wanted to be with you.”

She chucks my chin and winks. “Same.”

We share a smoldering look before Richie asks, “When did you plan on telling us, Fable?”

“I didn’t,” she admits, shrugging. “It’s none of your business since neither of you seems to care about anything but trees. The event is lovely, by the way.” She holds up a glass of champagne, and I do the same. Elena doesn’t like that one bit.

“Fable, don’t be dramatic,” her mother sneers, shaking her head. “You’re always so hostile with us.”

“Maybe because you guys don’t let her be her,” I say without thinking. “Let her shine.”

“You don’t know a thing about our relationship with our daughter,” Richie snaps, and I hold his gaze.

“Don’t I? I have watched and heard how you both always tried to make her into something she’s not. When who she is…is absolutely fantastic.”

Fable’s fingers thread with mine. “Thank you.”

I lean in, kissing the side of her mouth. “I’m only telling the truth.”

“Do not kiss her in front of all these people!” Elena yells, and I notice a few people glancing our way. Richie puts his hand on his wife, and she sighs deeply. “You will not embarrass us like this, Fable.”

Fable’s back goes taut, her eyes narrowing as her fingers tighten around mine. “But that’s what I do,” she says softly, her eyes dark and full of contempt. “If you’re saying that my being with Jett humiliates you, I’ll have to correct you.”

Elena scoffs. “Is that so?”

“Yeah, because this man is not someone to be embarrassed by. You should be thankful that I have found a man who likes me for me. Who supports me mentally, physically, and emotionally. He has done nothing but make me feel like a queen and support me in making the Ice Thistle a success.” She takes a deep breath, and when tears gather in her eyes, I lean in, kissing her cheek.

“Princess, it’s fine?—”

“No,” she says, shaking her head, but she won’t look at me. “I know I will never measure up to who you two want me to be. But to him, I’m enough. I won’t allow you to put him down, not when he is the one lifting me up. You are embarrassed by us? That’s fine. Go plant your trees and hope a perfect daughter will sprout from the ground instead of a stupid tree.” She stands abruptly, her face flushed, and I see the tears she’s still trying to hold back. I stand with her as she says, “Excuse me.”

Fable walks off, and I’m left astonished. I look back at her parents, who are both gobsmacked, and I shake my head in shame for them. “You have the most amazing daughter, and you don’t deserve her.”

“Nor do you, son. Don’t forget it,” Richie snaps at me.

“I don’t,” I say on a sigh, buttoning my jacket. “But I’ll do what you two won’t. I’ll love her without needing anything in return.”

They say something, but I don’t hear them as I head in the direction Fable went. I catch a glimpse of her as she heads out onto the balcony. The doors are open, letting in the warm summer night air. I find her leaning against the railing, looking out at the expansive forest of trees. They have decorated with fairy lights and lots of potted plants that make the space seem whimsical.

But the girl standing in the middle of the scene, her back on display, is the real magic.

I walk up behind her, caging her in as I lean my head on her shoulder. She leans back into me, sighing deeply, and I wrap my arms around her waist, holding her close.

“Stupid trees.”

I smile against her jaw. “I’ll burn down the forest for you.”

She scoffs. “That totally goes against what Smokey Bear taught us.”

I chuckle as I squeeze her into me. “I’d take on that bear if you want this forest gone.”

She leans her head into mine. “It’s okay. No reason to ruin something so beautiful.”

“Eh, it doesn’t measure up to you in my eyes.”

“Jett,” she breathes. “I’m sorry. I know they’re terrible.”

“I don’t care about them.”

“I hate how they talk about you.”

“They don’t matter.”

“Still, you don’t deserve that.” She turns in my arms, wrapping her arms around my neck. “This is why I didn’t want to come home. They make me so mad, and we live in such a small town. They’ll always be around, and it makes me crazy. I’ll never live up to what they want, and I’m so tired of trying.”

“Don’t,” I tell her without hesitation. “You don’t have to live up to anyone but yourself.” Her lip wobbles as she holds my gaze. My heart is in my throat, pounding hard, but I’ve got to make this dream I have for her and me a reality. “Can I ask you something?”

My voice rings with emotion, loudly, and I’m sure that’s why her eyes widen. “Of course.”

I roll my lips, suddenly nervous. Her eyes stay locked with mine, and I love how much she needs eye contact. It’s like she has to stare into your soul to feel comfortable, and I want that for her, so I never let my gaze stray. My voice is shaky as I practically beg, “Stay.”

She blinks, her brows knitting as she gazes into my eyes. “Stay? I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

I swallow, shaking my head. “No, stay in Thistlebrook after the year is up.” Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t look away. Her fingers curve into the lapels of my jacket, and I grip her hips. “I don’t want to run it without you. I want it to be ours. Fifty-fifty, you and me. I already lost you once, Fable. Please don’t make history repeat itself.”

Her lips part, deep emotion swirling in her eyes. It’s like an old-time movie reel, each emotion flickering one after another. Fear, excitement, joy, disbelief, and then love. “But what if we break up?”

I shake my head. “We won’t,” I promise, bringing her in closer. “Fable, I love you.”

I planned on that being a little more romantic, but I can’t hold these feelings in anymore. Not with how she’s looking at me. So unsure, as if my future doesn’t need her in it. Tears gather in her eyes as she inhales sharply. “You love me?”

“I’ve only ever loved you.”

“Really?”

My lips curve up in a smirk. “Really. It’s you, Fable, and I’ve always known that. Now that I’ve got you back, I won’t let go without a fight. Stay, run the Thistle with me. Argue about the budget, skate with me even when we don’t have to—but, above all, love me.”

A tear spills over, and I watch it run down her cheek. Her gaze ping-pongs between my eyes, and I worry she’s about to reject me. My heart is so loud, I can hardly hear anything but the blood rushing in my ears. When she gets a blank look on her face, my stomach clenches. She’s zoning out, getting lost in her head. I squeeze her hips. “Princess, in sync with me?”

Her eyes flash with awareness, and then she nods. “Always.” She holds my gaze as she glides her fingers along my lips. “I was just thinking that I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you when I was seventeen.”

I feel like my heart has come out of my chest and is fighting to get through her rib cage to hers. “It was when we were at Worlds, and we had the worst warm-up, but you looked at me with this look that I didn’t understand. Even knowing none of our skating mattered to you, that it was more for me, you still fought for me. But you looked at me and said, no matter what, you were proud of me. No one had ever said that to me but Kitty.”

Emotion suffocates me as I lean in, bringing her closer. “Fable, I’ll always be proud of you.”

Another tear falls as she brushes her thumb along my bottom lip. “And I’ll always love you.” I let out the breath I was holding, and she smiles brightly at me. “I’m wherever you are, pretty boy.”

I lift her in my arms, spinning her around like we’re a couple from a Disney movie, loving how she squeals and giggles as she beams down at me, pure joy in her eyes. I lower her to her feet and capture her cheeks in my hands.

“I love you,” I breathe against her lips, my eyes burning just for hers.

“I love you,” she promises, her heart in her eyes, leaving me breathless. I let out a long, contented sigh before crashing my mouth to hers.

Our kiss is hot, needy, and everything I need.

Just as she is.