Page 146 of Learn Your Lesson

“I believe love is very rarely reciprocated, and it’s reserved for men much better than me.”

His expression hardened before I could question him more on that, and he hopped off the bike, clamping a hand hard on my shoulder.

“Look — all I can say is that I’ve known you the least amount of time out of everyone on this team, and evenIcan see how good this girl has been for you. For your family. I can also see thatnotgiving in to your feelings for her has twisted you up into a fucking knot. So, let me ask you this — when I proposed the option of losing her altogether, did it make you sick to think about?”

“Positively ill.”

“Then you already know the answer. What happened with Jenny…”

I stiffened at her name, and I wouldn’t have thought it was possible had I not seen it with my own eyes, but Aleks softened, frowning, taking a moment to consider his words.

“It was fucking brutal, man. I… I’m sorry you had to go through it. Life handed you a real shit card with that, and I don’t blame you for never wanting to go through anything like it again. I’m not going to sit here and tell you everything with Chloe will be a fairy tale, and I have no idea what her lifespan will be. Sure, you might lose her. But hell, we could all lose someone. It’s a possibility every single day. That’s why they stitch shit on pillows about hugging everyone you love and making the most of every moment.”

I almost laughed.

“So yeah, I don’t know what will happen or how long you’ll have with her. Maybe forever. Maybe just a few months. But I do know that my goalieain’t no fucking bitch,” he said with a smirk. “And you’re a better man than I am, than most are. So, don’t let fear fuck this up. Don’t lose her because ofwhat ifs.”

“But what if she doesn’t want this?” I shot back immediately. “I told you about her family, about her past… and here I am already proving her theory correct.”

“So grovel, you dumbass,” Aleks said simply. “And then do your best every day to prove her wrong, to prove her mom and grandma wrong, too. And if she doesn’t accept that, if she doesn’t want more, then you respect it and you move the fuck on. Jesus,” he added, shaking his head and releasing his hold on me. “Alright, are we done with this? I’m breaking out in hives. And you smell like dog shit.”

I chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, yeah, we’re done.” I stood, wincing as every muscle in my body protested when I did. I clapped him on the back. “Thanks, man. I think I was wrong about you. You’re not the little shit I thought you were.”

“Don’t get excited,” he said, shrugging me off. “I’m exactly who you think I am.”

“Seems like you’re being who youwantme to think you are — who you want everyone to think you are.”

“Like you said before, we aren’t friends, Perry,” he said, and he was already walking for the door when he shot over his shoulder. “And we’ll all be happier if we keep it that way.”

He left without another word, and the silence of the team gym covered me, my ears ringing in the quiet.

I looked up at the mirror, at the sweat dripping off me, at my hunched shoulders and ragged, red eyes.

I was a wreck. I was so much less than what Chloedeserved.

And yet, I felt the burning in my chest to be better.

For her.

For Ava.

For our family.

I showered quickly, ignoring the pain racking my body, and then I was on the phone as I packed my bag and headed for the team parking lot.

“How’s Ava?” I asked Mitch when he answered.

“Oh, bounced back like the trooper she is. She’s sore, I can tell, but she’s strong. We’re making popcorn and settling in for another movie.”

I nodded, chest on fire as I all but sprinted for my car. “Is Chloe there?”

“No, she took the day off like you told her to.” He paused. “Why?”

“I need to talk to her.”

“You finally going to tell her you’re in love?”

That stopped me in my tracks only for a moment before I opened my trunk and slung my bag inside. “Sure am.”