Page 49

CHAPTER 49

Jordyn

C helsea grips my hand, her body vibrating with excitement as we sit in the seats reserved for family and friends of the players, courtesy of Tristan and Alex. My mom is on the other side of me, laughter in her eyes as they meet mine.

“I’m so excited. I can’t wait until Alex comes out and stretches.” She claps her hands, her eyes moving to the ice as the players skate onto it, warming up before the game.

“We would never have guessed,” I respond dryly.

There’s a bang on the glass in front of me. I jump, my hand on my heart, but the fear changes to excitement when I see Tristan’s smiling face. “Excuse me, ladies.” I jump to my feet, moving toward him. Not only am I wearing his jersey, but I also have the reindeer socks pulled up over my leggings. His eyes drink me in as I saunter to the glass, a flirty smile on my face. “Hey, captain.”

“Hey, captain, my ass. Go over to that door. I need to kiss you before I fucking lose my mind.”

I giggle and wink at him. “Bossy, aren’t you?”

“Jordyn. Do not make me come and get you. ”

I grin, not at all scared of the punishments he dishes out. But when I see Alex skate up behind him, I agree, waving to the goalie. “Alright, captain. But only cause Alex wants to see Chelsea.”

“Hey, bestie,” Alex yells. Tristan turns, punching his shoulder. “She’s not your bestie. She’s mine.”

“You can’t hurt me through my padding, captain. And stop being jealous of my profound friendship with Jordyn. You’re the one who left me to pick up the pieces. You’re lucky she didn’t fall for me.” He strikes a pose like he’s doing a shoot for an ad, and I burst into laughter.

Tristan glowers, looking positively murderous. “I swear to God, asshole. One of these days, I’m gonna knock your teeth down your throat.”

Chelsea’s arm wraps around my shoulder. With laughter in her voice, she levels Tristan and Alex with a look. “You’re both wrong. She’s my bestie.”

“She’s your female bestie.” Alex immediately responds. “Everyone knows you need a male bestie.”

“That’s enough. She’s mine.” Tristan blows out an irritated breath. “Get that sexy ass to the door.” He points in that direction.

I salute him, my smile salacious. “Yes, captain.”

He growls as I turn and strut off, feeling powerful and sexy.

It seems like forever until I open the door, and he bursts through it like a bull charging at me, lifting me off my feet. “Coach is gonna give me and Alex shit for this, so make it worth my while.” Then he plants his lips on mine.

I accept his challenge, my fingers running through his hair as I kiss him back just as hard and thoroughly as he’s kissing me. We don’t let up until we have to break apart, gasping for oxygen .

“My last name looks good on you. Jordyn Harrington has a nice ring to it, don’t ya think?”

“I agree.”

“Wow. I figured you’d freak out and run.” He rubs his nose against mine.

“No way. I’m not going anywhere.”

He winks at me. “Damn right, you’re not. You can’t escape me.” His expression softens as he lowers me to my feet. “I like your socks.”

Grinning, I lift my leg, giving him a better view. “Me, too. I hope they bring you comfort and luck today.”

“They will… but my biggest lucky charm is you.”

I’ve almost made it to my seat when I hear footsteps thundering behind me. I whirl around, fear rolling down my spine as I look into Josh’s bloodshot eyes, his expression furious.

“You fucking whore.” He screams, grabbing my arms and pulling me closer. “This is all yer fault. Always tryin’ ta ruin my life.”

“Josh, let me go.” I struggle against his tight grip, trying to break free. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothin’ wrong with me. But you and my former teammate fucking things up means big problems for the two of ya.”

As he shakes me, I hear my mom’s panicked voice, her long pink nails digging into Josh’s forearms. “Let her go, Josh. What the hell are you doing here? You’re suspended.”

Bloodshot eyes turn to my mom, glaring at her. “Ahh. If it isn’t my dad’s whore of a wife, Mrs. Abigayle Fowler. What the hell are you doing here? My father’s at home.”

My mom gasps. “Joshua Fowler. You don’t insult me like that. ”

Thundering footsteps fill the air, and the next thing I know, I’m being pulled away from Josh’s grip. Tristan’s furious green eyes meet mine before he shoves me behind him. He squares up, ready to fight, when a male voice yells Tristan’s name before he steps between them. “He’s not worth it. You have a game to play,” he hisses. “You need to get back to the ice.”

“But Coach Nelson?—"

Coach Jensen grabs Tristan’s arm. “To the ice. Now. We’ll handle this.”

Tristan gives me an apologetic look before Alex pats his back, ushering him toward the ice.

“Are you okay, baby girl?” My mom grips my arm, her concerned voice drawing my attention back to her.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” My gaze slides to Josh, who is sandwiched on either side by the coaches heatedly screaming at him.

“I don’t give a fuck,” Josh screams. “I’ll kick his ass and put that little bitch he’s obsessed with in the hospital.” He glares at my mom. “And that whore, too.”

“That’s enough.” Coach Nelson grips his arm so hard that Josh winces. “Get the fuck out before we kick you off the team and ban you from stepping foot in the arena.”

Security guards approach the group, grabbing Josh’s arm. Coaches Jensen and Nelson follow behind, although Coach Nelson gives my mom a long, lingering look before he leaves.

“I better follow them. I’ll need to call Robert.” She squares her shoulders, heading toward the group. Coach Nelson immediately notices she’s behind them and steps back, his eyes trailing over my mom as they head toward the exit.

Hmmm. I wonder what that’s about?