Page 33 of Playing for Keeps (Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey #4)
Jay
The next few weeks pass in a blur. I’m away with the team for most of it, and busy with charity stuff in between and two-weekly dancing lessons online so I don’t lose my groove.
I’m always happy to see Jade’s smiling face on the three-way Skype call.
Even if it really is a different dynamic trying to dance without your partner, I guess it doesn’t help to try and perfect your footwork.
I’ve also been shuffling around in the locker room absently, something my teammates think is a hoot.
Jade and I have been texting consistently since the night I dropped her off. That sexy time in my car has not left the forefront of my thoughts for even a second. I grin now, thinking back to one of the first messages I got after she left.
Jade
I still keep thinking about 3 times being the charm. You are talented in so many areas
Me
Lol. Hi to you too. I told you you’re made for me
Jade
Pretty sexy if you ask me
Me
Yes, you are. How am I going to take my hands off you in Vegas?
Jade
You’re the sexy one. And I’m sure you’ll find a way since my whole family will be there
Me
They say what happens in Vegas…
Jade
LOL. Don’t tempt me
Me
I’ll do my best
Jade
I can’t wait to see that
Me
You’ll probably be feeling it too
Jade
Here’s hoping
Hearing her calling my name like that, enjoying the pleasure I plucked from her while keeping her clothes on, was like a sweet symphony. And fuck do I want to explore those top notes.
I’ve been trying to keep it light in my messages. I mean, the text conversation we had when she landed left little to the imagination. But being sexy with her isn’t all I want, not by a long shot.
She called me the night after she arrived home, after she’d had the family chat about the last few months' dealings. Needless to say, they were pretty shocked. I totally get both sides of it, but I hate to think that Jade felt like she had to go through this alone, so she didn’t worry her family. I never want her to feel like that.
I was so proud of her for coming clean, but I still wish I could have been there.
My feelings for her might be new, but my sense of protectiveness stems long deep, and that isn’t about to change.
I’m dying to see her again, but my grueling schedule allows for no down time until I fly in for the Vegas game and have a few days off for the wedding.
Jade has been busy too, working on her yoga app and teaching at a local gym while she gets herself sorted out.
We talked about her coming back for a visit before Vegas, but since I’ve been away so much there really wasn’t time to do that, either.
I’m glad she’s not in LA anymore, and whilst I wish it was here, it’s good she’s at least with her parents and her friends. It didn’t seem like she had much of a life when she moved to LA from what she’s told me.
Her dad wanted to go break down Aaron’s door and knock his lights out after she confessed about him cheating.
I don’t know why she was protecting him, but I think it all comes back to her not wanting to be a burden to anyone.
I’m not sure where she got that notion from, but it’s the only thing I can put it down to.
The night before I head out for Vegas I’m laying in bed after packing my suitcase and making sure I got everything I need for the flight. I pull out my phone. My fingers are moving across the keys before I can even stop myself.
Me
I can’t believe I’m finally going to get to see you tomorrow
Jade
I can’t either. I’m really looking forward to it
Me
I’m sorry things have been so crazy
Jade
It’s okay. They’ve been like that here too. When I’m not working I’m helping Deb out with the wedding preparations and spending time with Luca
Me
I can’t wait to see the little guy
Jade
He’s grown so much. He’s going to go crazy when he sees you
Me
Yeah. He seems to recognize me no matter how long it’s been between visits
Jade
LOL. That’s so cute
Me
I know someone else who’s cute
Jade
Robbie? Lol
Me
Well yes, he’s always been cute. But so have you
Jade
You’re way too kind. We need to talk about what happened when you get here
Uh oh. She has made no indication she’s having second thoughts about us picking up where we left off, but that sounds a little too close to it.
Me
Am I in trouble?
Jade
Isn’t that your middle name?
Me
LOL. Um, nope it isn’t
Jade
What is it?
Me
I’m not telling you that
Jade
Tell!
Me
Nope. You’ll have to torture it out of me, maybe tickle me to death or something
Jade
OMG you’re ticklish?
Me
Giving all my secrets away
Well, maybe not all of them, but I don’t want to scare the poor girl when I tell her I’m falling for her and I haven’t slept with any other women since I saw her after the Stanley Cup finals all those months ago. That might just be a little TMI.
Jade
I have ways and means of getting that out of you
Me
Challenge accepted
Jade
I’ll see you tomorrow. Tanner insisted on coming along to the airport with Luca
Me
You know I can call an Uber
Jade
Don’t you dare!
I’m flying separately to the team, so I get to spend an extra night catching up with Tanner and the family and meet up with my teammates the next day for the game. It’s going to be a powerhouse week, but I’m looking forward to it.
Me
I’ll see you when I land
Jade
Goodnight xx
Me
Goodnight, Princess
My flight is uneventful and true to Tanner’s word, he’s waiting at the gate for me with his son perched on his shoulders and Jade standing next to him. They arrived in Vegas yesterday.
I wave over to them as I sidestep the crowd and little Luca comes running towards me after being let off his dad’s shoulders. It’s a wonder the little guy remembers me at all, since I don’t get back here as often as I should. But he always has a big smile and plenty of cuddles waiting for me.
“My favorite little guy!” I pick him up and hug him into my chest as he wraps his small arms around me excitedly.
“My favorite uncle JJ!” he cries, his smile as radiant as a sunbeam.
“Hey!” I scrunch my brow and use a mock silly voice. “I’m your only uncle JJ!”
He giggles and gives me a big, sloppy kiss on the cheek. Tanner pats me on the back and gives me a loose pound hug without crushing his son. I’ve got him cradled on my hip with my arm wrapped around his waist. “Hey man, it’s good to see you,” Tanner says.
“Same, Bro. It’s been way too long.” My eyes flick to Jade over his shoulder, coasting over her pretty features. She gives me a shy smile, then presses her lips together and I see her take a breath.
“Hi, Jay.” The small wave she gives me etches the side of my mouth up in a smile. Fuck, she’s cute.
“Hey, Prin—” I cut myself off while I’m ahead.
I’m not so certain Tanner wouldn’t question, or be too fond of, why I’m calling Jade a princess all of a sudden.
“How are you?” I try instead, as she steps forwards and surprises me by reaching her arms out and embracing me in a hug.
It’s a little awkward to navigate, since I’m jostling Luca in my arms, but we somehow make it work.
“I’m good. How was the flight?”
“Ah, boring.” I wave it off. “I feel much better now I’m back on the ground.” I don’t hate flying, nor am I scared of it, but I just don’t enjoy it all that much. I get a little anxious right before I’m flying to or from anywhere.
“Uncle Jay went on a big plane!” Luca sings out with glee, making engine noises in my ear.
“That’s right, Buddy. And guess what?”
“What?” he cries out, clapping his hands together. He’s smart enough to know there are presents, and probably something involving takeout for his dinner. It’s kind of a ritual when I’m in town.
“I’ve got you a prize in my suitcase. Should we go find it?”
“Yup! I love prizes! Are we having ice cream, too?”
I laugh. There it is. “Yes, as long as your dad says it’s okay, we are, Bud. And I’m buying everyone pizza for dinner!”
“YAY!” He beams his head off and glances at his dad, wanting confirmation about the ice cream.
“If it’s Jay’s shout, then we can all have two scoops,” Tanner laughs.
I swipe a hand down my face and shake my head. “Hear that, Luca. Dad said two scoops!”
Luca claps his hands like he’s just been promised the world, and we all set off in the direction of the baggage claim.
My hand brushes the small of Jade’s back as we go, Tanner is walking in front so he doesn’t see.
The light brush of my hand on the back of her T-shirt is enough for her to turn and look at me with a cute little smile that I want to eat it all up.
The time and distance have only made me more and more certain I want to pursue her.
I could turn pursuing her into my finest art form.
It’s unfortunate that I have to take my hand away, but Luca insists on being hoisted up onto my shoulders while we walk through the airport so he can see everything. He quizzes me with numerous questions about what his prize could be on the way.
I feel the buzz in my body for what’s to come this weekend and being around the people I care about so much. The Jones family is everything to me, and being around them makes me feel more alive right now than even when I’m on the ice.
For the first time in a long time, it feels right. I feel like I’m where I’m meant to be, and I can’t help but want to chase that feeling for all it’s worth.
Catching up with the Jones family is quite a night and I spend the majority of it sitting on the floor of their large pet-friendly suite at The Las Vegas Resort and Spa, giving Robbie a massage.
He’s another one that goes crazy when he sees me, no matter how much time it’s been. Fuck, I love this dog.
“Oh, you’re such a good boy, aren’t you, Robbie. Such a good boy.” He laps it up as I rub him over his head and around his scruff, making a contented noise in the back of his throat, showing me he loves it. “That’s my boy, Uncle Jay has missed you, yes he has, yes, he has.”