Page 16

Chapter Sixteen

Hayden

I wake up in Jackson’s spare room the following morning. The sheets smell like him, all clean and fresh.

I would prefer to be waking up in Jackson’s actual bed, but after we made out in the shower and I bared yet another fracture in my wing to him, he explained that his kids have a habit of climbing into his bed during the night. And while he really wanted to continue our epic make-out session in bed, it was best we slept separately for their sake, which I fully understood. They’ve literally just met me. I can’t imagine the shock they would experience if they found me in bed with their dad. So after we managed to tear our mouths away from each other, I had the best sleep I’ve had in a fucking long time.

I still can’t quite believe he wants to give things a try again. Yeah, we have a lot to talk about, and that’s going to be a tough conversation, but it’s needed. We need to clear the air in order to move forward.

I’m grinning into the pillow as I slowly roll over to grab my phone from the bedside table and pull up the text thread with Roberta. She was understanding yesterday when I had to reschedule our appointment because she knows how it is with my pain. Sometimes we swap to video call, even though I don’t find them as personable. I know it’s very much a me thing, but like I said yesterday to Jackson, I’ve trained my brain to use those jellyfish as a marker, and I can’t see them when we video call.

I don’t want to alarm you. I may have done something reckless yesterday, but it had the best payoff.

Roberta

Do I want to know? Do you need bail money? Because I hate to break it to you, while you pay me very well, I don’t know if I can stretch that far.

I let out a bark of laughter.

No, it’s nothing like that.

Jackson called me sounding very stressed out. His kids were sick, and he was spiraling. I may have gotten on a plane and flew to Chicago to help him out. And he may have kissed me late last night and agreed to give us a try.

I hold my breath and watch as those three dots bounce across the screen.

Roberta

Wow, this is great news, Hayden. How do you feel about it all?

Amazing! I can’t stop smiling, my face kinda aches. We’re going to talk about what happened before, which I know is needed for us to move forward, but I feel like everything is coming together, you know?

I feel like I’m being rewarded for the hard work I’ve been putting into myself.

Roberta

I can sense your smile through your words. Let’s catch up next week. I look forward to hearing about it.

There’s a light knock on the door, and then Jackson pokes his head through the gap. When he sees I’m awake, he comes in, a soft smile on his face. He’s wearing plaid pajama pants and a worn T-shirt. I lock my phone and place it on the mattress beside me.

“Hey, I’ve brought you coffee.”

I sit up against the pillows, wincing slightly when my hip pinches. I haven’t taken my meds yet today. He sits on the edge of the bed and hands over the steaming cup. I take a sip, letting out a satisfied “ah” as the delicious caffeine hits.

I wet my lip with my tongue, and Jackson’s eyes zero in on the movement. It was like no time had passed when we were making out last night. Like I had been transported to our bathroom back in Boston after a game when we would shower together. We’d exchange lazy kisses and stroke each other’s hard cocks before tumbling into bed, where we’d fuck for most of the night .

“Did you sleep okay?” he asks.

“Like a dream.” I smile, taking another sip before placing the cup on the table. “Did you?”

He dips his chin, and his cheeks flush slightly. “Yeah, I, uh… had to see to something, then I slept better than I have in a while.”

The thought of him touching himself on the other side of the wall sends warmth down to my groin.

“Damn, I wish I could’ve helped you out with that.”

“Me too.” He smirks. “Maybe next time.”

A beat of silence passes between us as our eyes remain locked, a silent promise of what’s to come when the time and place is right. I have to trample down the urge to grab the back of his head and slide my tongue into his mouth because now isn’t the time. And Jackson’s next words solidify that.

“There’s two kids waiting downstairs who haven’t stopped asking about you since they woke up.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, they’re very excited that you’re still here. Isabela’s drawn you a picture too.”

I grin. “You have two amazing kids, Jackson. You must be so proud.”

“I am.” He nods, his smile full of pride. “Do you need to head back to California for anything?”

“No, only a therapy session, but that’s not until next week. Other than that, I have nothing going on that I can’t do from here. Why?” I lean closer. “What are you thinking?”

His hand lands on my thigh over the comforter, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I’m hosting Thanksgiving here this year. My parents and some of the guys from the team are coming. I’d love it if you could stay and spend it with us.”

My eyes widen slightly, not expecting him to say that. I usually go to Zara’s for Thanksgiving because she refuses to let me sit around on my own, but I’m sure Connor would love to not have his girlfriend’s ex-husband around. “I mean… I’d love to. Is there anything I can help with? I’m not good at cooking, but I can help chop veggies?”

“My mom’s pretty much got it covered, but thanks.” He smiles, and then something in his eyes flickers as he tugs his lip between his teeth. “Also… we’re playing in Los Angeles next week…” His hand inches higher as his words trail off, and my cock doesn’t fail to notice. “We’re staying the night before heading down to San Jose.”

“What are you thinking?” I ask huskily.

“Maybe you could come stay the night.”

I beam. “You want me to be your booty call, Wilde?”

“Fuck off.” He laughs. “We’re limited on what we can do while the kids are here, but fuck, Cas. I want to get my hands on you so bad.” My cock is half-hard by the time his fingers coast over my lap. His tongue darts out, swiping over his lips. “Wanna taste you so bad. Wanna feel you on my tongue.”

I let out a sharp gasp, and my hips automatically press up into his touch. “I’m sure I can make it happen.”

“Good.” He moves in closer, taking my bottom lip in his mouth before kissing me hot and fast. But before it can go any further, he pulls away, stands up, and adjusts himself. “I think we both need a minute, but are you ready to be welcomed into chaos? ”

My grin almost splits my face in two. “I’m more than ready.”

“Hayden?” Isabela appears at my side, peering up at me with her wide blue eyes that are an exact match to Jackson’s. “Can I have a drink?”

“Yeah, of course,” I say with a smile. I take her cup from her and refill it with water from the fridge. I slowly crouch down and hand it over. “Do you need anything else?”

She shakes her head and whispers a quiet “thank you” before running back into the family room with her cup.

Any nerves I had about being around Jackson’s kids have vanished because these last few days have been incredible. Jackson wasn’t kidding when he said the kids were excited to see me that morning. From the moment I got downstairs, they were back to full energy and smothered me with attention. I didn’t quite know what to do with myself. Ryan was asking me a million questions about my time in the NHL, and Isabela had been so obsessed with my tattoos, Jackson had to force her coloring book in front of her to give my skin a break.

I’d let her do whatever she wanted as long as she felt comfortable with me, but it turns out she can get obsessive, and Jackson doesn’t want to enable that behavior.

He had an away game in Philadelphia last night, so his parents had the kids to keep to their routine. It was the first night we had alone together, but by the time he got home, I was fast asleep in his bed, and we didn’t have time for anything this morning as the kids came back early when his parents arrived to help with dinner.

And that’s another thing. I wasn’t anticipating this many people to come for Thanksgiving. I thought maybe Peyton, considering he’s now single, and possibly Zach, as Carter is in Denver because he has a game tomorrow.

Jackson’s parents, Peyton, and Zach are both here, along with Elliot, Blaine, and Alex, and Ethan and Jacob are on their way. If they think it’s weird that I’m here, they haven’t said anything, but I wouldn’t be surprised if when a certain Mr. Ethan Parkes turns up, there will be some questioning looks. Especially after he caught us sneaking back downstairs at Peyton’s Halloween party. The only person who’s missing is Jackson’s sister, but she’s spending the day with her husband’s family.

“What is that ?” Elliot points to a dish with slight disgust.

I follow the direction of his hand, then swallow down my laughter. “Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.”

His eyes widen. “With marshmallows ?”

“You’ve never had it before?”

“No!” He practically lies on top of the counter and takes a deep inhale. “It smells fucking awesome, though. Like my teeth are gonna fall out.”

“Whose teeth are falling out?” Blaine appears with a beer in hand.

“Mine when I eat that.” Elliot points to the casserole. “Have you ever had sweet potatoes with marshmallows?”

“Uhh, no? Who would put marshmallows with potatoes?”

“It’s a holiday classic, you dingus.” I grin at the twins’ puzzled faces .

“I thought you were Canadian?” Elliot frowns.

“I was born in Maine, but I grew up in Nova Scotia.” I roll my eyes. “You two were clearly deprived as children if you’ve never had this.”

“Maybe.” Blaine shrugs. “Do you know what time the old man is getting here?”

I arch a brow, urging him to elaborate.

“Ethan,” he clarifies.

“Old man? He’s the same age as me.”

Blaine looks me up and down, then shrugs again. “Yeah, do you know when he’s getting here?”

My mouth drops open. “You asshole.”

“Hey! My husband had a crush on you, I’m allowed to be mean to you.”

“It doesn’t work like that.” Alex appears, patting his hand on Blaine’s ass. “I was a teenager when I had a crush on Hayden. Plus, I married you , remember.”

Blaine grins and wraps his arm around Alex’s neck, pulling him in close to kiss his temple. “Damn right you did.”

“I believe they’re due any minute now,” I say. And right on cue, the door opens, and Isabela’s loud shriek causes me to flinch.

“Ethan!” she squeals.

Jackson’s on his feet in an instant as the sound of her little feet pounding against the wooden floor echoes down the hallway. “Iz, be careful! He’s had sur?—”

“Whoa there, kiddo,” Jacob says around a laugh. “We’ve gotta be slow around Ethan. He’s not too steady at the minute.”

I peek my head around the corner and see Ethan’s on crutches after his recent knee replacement. I scan his expression, looking for any sign of pain or regret, but there’s nothing. His usually stoic face is soft as he smiles down at Isabela, allowing her to take a look at his crutches.

“Hey, Hayden.” Jacob smiles when he spots me.

Ethan’s head snaps up, and his eyes narrow behind his glasses.

“Hey,” I reply and tilt my chin, motioning to his leg. “How are you holding up?”

“All good,” Ethan grumbles, and Jacob rolls his eyes.

“He’s fine, just grumpier than usual because he doesn’t like being told to rest.”

“I don’t like sitting still and doing nothing,” he argues.

“Well, tough shit. Now, go be a good boy and sit down in the living room.” Jacob points in the direction of the living room.

A flash of heat crosses Ethan’s expression. He bends forward, and whatever he whispers in Jacob’s ear causes him to shiver. Jacob rises on his toes to kiss Ethan, and then Ethan makes his way into the living room with Isabela at his heels.

“Is there anything I can help with?” Jacob asks.

“No, I think we’re all set.” Jackson looks over at me, and I nod.

Dinner is chaotic, but Jackson’s mom seems to revel in it. She beams as every dish is emptied and bellies become fuller. Jackson takes the kids upstairs after they fall asleep on the couch, and the rest of us settle in the living room to watch the football game before having dessert.

He sits next to me and gives my thigh a gentle squeeze.

“You okay?” he asks quietly .

“Yeah.” I smile, resting my head back against the cushions. I want to kiss him so bad. “Thanks for inviting me.”

He winks, making the urge to kiss him even stronger.

Elliot returns minutes later, wearing pajama pants covered in cartoon otters holding a slice of watermelon.

“What are those?” Peyton asks from where he’s slouched in an armchair with the button of his jeans undone.

“Dude, I’m so full my stomach might explode. Jeans make me feel constricted.” He gets on the floor and lies on his back. He bends his knees and grabs hold of his feet, pulling his knees toward the floor, and lets out a groan. “That feels so good.”

Shock filters through Peyton’s face. “Goalies are fucking weird, yo.”

“I’d like to see you try that.” Blaine grins.

“I don’t think I’d be able to get back up. You’d have to roll me out the door.”

We all burst into laughter.

By the time the others begin to head home, I’m happy and content and full of dessert. I’m loading the dishwasher when Jackson comes into the kitchen. He glances over his shoulder, then wraps his arms around my waist. He ducks his head, pressing his lips to the delicate skin over my pulse point.

“Did you have a good day?” I ask, tipping my head back to give him better access.

His kisses travel up along my jaw before he slants his mouth over mine.

“Mm,” he murmurs against my lips.

We’re both on high alert for the sound of footsteps as he pushes his tongue into my mouth, and I let out a quiet moan. There’s something so hot about stealing kisses from him. A high ecstasy that we might be caught. Not that I want us to be caught because that’ll cause a lot of confusion, but the thought of it goes straight to my balls.

“Wanna shower again when the kids have gone to bed?” I whisper.

“You bet.” He lifts his head, and his blue eyes are dark with heat. “I cannot wait for LA. I hope you’re ready for it.”

And while I’m so ready to get my hands on Jackson’s naked body again, there’s a pool of dread in my stomach at the conversation we’ll need to have before we do anything.