Page 55 of Faking It With My Pucking Protector

Russo sees us first, his face splitting into a wide grin as he approaches with his wife, Lauren, by his side. “Jacks, finally! Thought you might’ve changed your mind and skipped the whole thing.”

“And miss your jokes?” I deadpan. “Not a chance.”

Russo laughs, but his eyes quickly shift to Ava, curiosity clear in his expression.

“I’m Russo, by the way. Nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

He flashes a teasing grin at Lauren. “Lauren’s been dying to have another sane person around here.”

Lauren rolls her eyes playfully, nudging Russo’s arm before turning warmly to Ava. “Ignore him. It was great meeting you the other night at the game, and it’s nice to see you again.”

“You too,” Ava says softly, her smile genuine.

As Ava and I sit across from them, Russo leans closer, voice lowered conspiratorially. “I promise I won’t give you too much trouble tonight.”

I give him a pointed look. “You better not.”

The private dining room hums with laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional scrape of silverware. Ava sits beside me, close enough that our shoulders occasionally brush. Each subtle touch sends a jolt through me, something I didn’t expect but can’t seem to ignore.

The team and their partners fill out the long table, platters of steaks, salads, and fresh bread passed around amidst easy conversation.

Next to Ava, Elena Stevens leans in, saying something quietly that makes Ava laugh. A real laugh, the kind that crinkles the corners of her eyes.

Ava fits seamlessly here. It’s not something I anticipated, but seeing it play out makes my chest feel tight in a way I’m not ready to unpack.

She glances my way, catching me watching her, and offers a soft, private smile before turning back to Elena.

When Ava reaches for her wine glass, her hand brushes against mine, but neither of us pull away immediately.

“You doing okay?” I lean in, keeping my voice low.

She meets my gaze, her dark eyes bright in the warm glow of candlelight lining the table. “I am. Everyone has been amazing.”

Laughter rolls through the table as Russo recounts a locker room prank with a dramatic flourish. Coach Barrett shakes his head, chuckling, looking more relaxed than I've seen him in weeks. I glance back at Ava, watching how naturally she absorbs it all.

Russo’s voice cuts through again, playful but loud enough for the whole table. “Hey Ava, be honest. How hard is dating this guy? You can tell us, we won't judge.”

There’s a ripple of amused agreement, heads turning toward us. Ava lifts her chin slightly, eyes sparkling with humor. “Not too bad,” she says casually, sipping her wine. "He knows how to cook, so that’s a plus.”

Laughter erupts around the table, and even I grin. Russo throws up his hands, smiling widely. "Damn, Jacks, she's got your back already."

I glance down at Ava, warmth filling my chest as she smiles up at me, her gaze soft and steady. "Yeah," I say, surprised by how easily the next words come. "I'm pretty lucky."

The sincerity in my voice catches me off guard, and I quickly reach for my water, swallowing down a surge of unexpected vulnerability. Ava’s cheeks flush slightly, but she doesn't lookaway. Instead, she nudges my knee gently under the table, a quiet reassurance no one else sees.

And just like that, surrounded by teammates, laughter, and the clink of forks, I realize something terrifying.

I don’t just like having her here.

I’m starting to need it.

Chapter Fifteen

AVA

The house is dark when we pull into the driveway, the porch light Jackson left on flickering softly. The engine clicks off, and for a moment, neither of us moves.

Then he turns to me, eyes catching mine in the dark. “You were a hit.”