Page 20

CHAPTER

TWENTY

MAX

I grab my bag from the floor and sling it over my shoulder, yawning as I reach for the front door. My body is still sore from last night—in the best possible way—and all I want is a nap, which is laughable, considering it’s barely six in the morning, and I’m headed straight to the airport.

Coach wants us in Chicago early to get some time on the ice before tonight’s game. Meanwhile, I’d rather crawl back in bed with Delaney. Our nanny-with-benefits situation has been going strong for a couple of weeks now, and I’ve never been happier. Everything about my life feels… right.

As I reach for the handle, I spot the hot-pink heart-shaped Post-it stuck to the wall beside the mirror—Delaney’s designated shopping list zone. Usually, there are a few scribbles in black ink, but today, there’s just one note. It makes me smile.

In her bubbly handwriting, it says:

condoms.

I grin. I don’t remember seeing this last night, but we did use the last one. I can only assume she stumbled out of bed half asleep to write it sometime during the night, which honestly makes me laugh out loud. I peel it off the wall and shove it into my pocket.

Although, we probably won’t need it for much longer. My test results should be back any day now. Delaney and I decided to get tested so we could ditch the condoms. She’s on birth control, and once we both get the all clear, we’ll be good to go.

Just thinking about it—about being with her without barriers—makes me want to turn around and climb back into bed with my goddess. But before I can act on the impulse, my phone buzzes with a text from Jaden.

Time to go.

The plane hums around us, vibrating as we fly through some mild turbulence. I lean my head back against the headrest as Jaden stretches out beside me. He looks entirely too comfortable for someone who had to be at the airport before sunrise.

“So,” he says, completely unprompted. “I think I’m going to propose.”

My eyes widen. “Seriously?”

He nods. “Been thinking about it for a while. She’s it for me, man.”

I rub a hand over my jaw. “Wow. That’s… fast.”

If I remember correctly, Jaden’s only been dating his movie star girlfriend for three months—one of which was a fake-dating situation designed to appease Anna’s dad.

Honestly, I’m still a little foggy on the details.

While Jaden was off winning his girl in California, I was back home figuring out how to keep a baby alive.

Jaden chuckles. “Yeah, I know how it looks from the outside. But when you know, you know.”

I nod slowly. “You know when you’re going to do it?”

“During award season, probably. Something simple but memorable. She was nominated for a Golden Globe, and I have a good feeling she’ll get the Oscar nod too.

It just feels like her year. She’s worked so hard for it.

” He shrugs. “It feels right. I’m one hundred percent certain she’s my forever. Why wait?”

“Dude, I think that’s awesome. You’ve been obsessed with her forever. Marrying your dream girl? That’s insane—but in the best way. If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

He reaches over and bumps my fist. “Thanks. And, of course, you’ll be my best man.”

I chuckle. “Obviously. But maybe lock down the proposal before we start planning bachelor parties.”

He grins. “I was thinking next fall, maybe in the orchard where we had our first date.”

Before I can respond, Iris slides into the seat across from us. “Okay, Max, don’t freak out, but I’m planning something.”

“That sentence never ends well. But in all fairness, when have you known me to freak out?”

“It’s true. He isn’t the freak-out type of guy.” Jaden adds.

“Anyway,” she says. “I’ve been talking to Laney, and she wanted to plan a surprise for you but was worried and thought it’d be important to get your green light first. Would it be cool if Delaney brought Caroline to a road game in the next couple of weeks?

I’m not sure which one yet, but of course, I’ll handle the VIP seats, flight, and hotel. ”

“Uh, yeah. Absolutely. I trust Delaney completely.”

“So she can fly with the baby?”

“Totally. She’s done it before. Didn’t she fly to Europe with three kids once?”

“She did,” Iris confirms. “Just wanted to double-check with you before I pulled the trigger on flights.”

“Do it. I’d love to see them at a game. I miss them when we’re gone. Thanks for planning this, Iris.”

She stands, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “No problem. That’s what I’m here for.”

Iris heads back to her seat beside Penny, and there’s a beat of silence before Jaden slowly turns to me, one eyebrow raised.

“ Them , huh?”

“What?”

“You said you miss them when you’re gone.”

“I meant Caroline.”

He grins like a jackass. “Sure you did.”

I sigh.

“Come on, man. Spill it. What’s going on with you and Delaney?”

“Why do you assume something is going on?”

“Because I’ve known you forever. And there’s been something between you two for weeks now. Hell, maybe longer. I’ve been waiting for you to admit it. Time’s up.”

I stretch my legs out in front of me. “It’s… complicated.”

“Try me.”

“We have this thing.”

Jaden’s eyebrows shoot up. “I knew it. A thing thing?”

“Friends with benefits. Nothing serious. Just… fun.”

He laughs under his breath. “You say that like you actually believe it.”

I shoot him a glare, my brows furrowed.

“Come on,” he says. “You’ve got that look—the one people get when they’re way more into someone than they’re willing to admit. You caught feelings.”

“She doesn’t want anything from me,” I mutter. “No relationship. No strings. No pressure. Just… sex.”

“Yeah, and you’re totally cool with that?”

I don’t answer.

“That’s what I thought,” Jaden states, but the sentiment is lacking his usual cockiness. He appears almost concerned.

I shrug. “The truth is, I don’t know what I want. Bottom line is, that’s what we agreed to. It’s what she wants. She’s made it clear that she doesn’t want more, so I have to accept it.”

He tsks under his breath, shaking his head. “I really think there’s something more on her end, too. I see the way she looks at you.”

“Maybe. Sometimes I think so too, but then she brings me back to reality.”

“She could be scared—like something happened in her life that causes her to put up boundaries around relationships,” Jaden suggests.

I blink, my mouth turning up with a grin. “Who the fuck are you, man?”

He grins. “Dude. I’ve learned a lot with Anna. I’m telling you. Life is complicated.”

“Thank you for your sage advice,” I tease. “Perhaps I’ll talk to her about it.”

“You should. But let’s get down to the important details. How is it?”

“Really?” I raise a brow.

“Yes, really.” He scoffs.

I sit for a minute and look straight ahead, weighing my answer, but opt for honesty. “The best I’ve ever had.”

Jaden claps his hands together and bounces in his seat. “I fucking knew it, dude.”

“Yeah, well… change of subject,” I say, not wanting to give away any more details. It feels wrong—like I’m betraying Laney’s trust in some way. Or maybe I just want to keep what Laney and I share between us because it’s too incredible to share.

With that thought comes the overwhelming truth that, for me at least, whatever is going on between me and Laney isn’t just… for fun. I don’t yet have the words to give our relationship a proper title, but it’s so much more than that.

It’s quickly becoming everything.