Page 15

Chapter Fourteen

Jamie

I’m barely through my door when my phone’s in my hand, dialing Mom’s number like some instinct I can’t shake. The moment I hear her pick up, the tension in my chest loosens.

“Hey, honey!” Her voice is warm, a little surprised—it’s late, and I’m probably the last person she expected to hear from on a random Tuesday.

“Hey, Mom.”

She pauses. “What’s got you calling this late? Did something happen?” There’s a note of worry sneaking in, which makes sense. I don’t usually call her at this hour unless something’s up.

“Nah, just…wanted to hear your voice.”

She chuckles. “Since when?”

“Since tonight. Can’t a guy get a little nostalgic?” I lean against the wall, running a hand through my hair. “Hey, I wanted to ask…did you ever regret it? Having a kid, I mean.”

Her laughter fades, and I can picture her, a thoughtful look on her face. “Oh, Jamie…that’s a loaded question.”

I wait, feeling the quiet settle over me, filling the space between her breaths and mine. Finally, she says, “It wasn’t easy, honey. Not one bit. I was twenty-four, barely making ends meet. I had to work two jobs to make sure you had food on the table. I saved for months for your Christmas gifts.”

I swallow hard, a lump forming in my throat as I listen. She rarely talks about those days, about what it was really like.

“But regret? Never,” she says firmly. “Jamie, you were the best thing that ever happened to me. Sure, there were days when I’d be so tired I’d cry myself to sleep. But you…you made it all worth it. And, for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t trade a second of it.”

I close my eyes, letting her words sink in, feeling my heart soften. “I guess you’re, like, proud of all that, huh?”

“Proud?” She laughs, the warmth back in her voice. “Honey, you’re my son. I’m so proud of you, I’m practically glowing every time I see you on the ice. I never miss a game, you know that.”

Her words feel like a hug, pulling me in, wrapping me up in a feeling I forgot I missed. It’s funny how I can be halfway across the country from her and still feel her support.

“You okay, Jamie?” she asks, her voice softer now.

I clear my throat, shaking off the lump that’s settled there. “Yeah, I’m good. Just…feeling a little nostalgic, I guess.”

“Hmm,” she says, drawing out the sound, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “You’re not still out there breaking half of Chicago’s hearts, are you?”

“Breaking hearts?” I ask.

“You know what I am saying, son . I read the tabloids. I know you are fucking half of Chicago. They call you the Ice-Heart-Breaker …”

“Mom…” I groan, unable to stop the laugh. “I’m just…having a good time. I’m happy, all right?”

She lets out a snort. “Oh, sure, honey. You’re a real heartbreaker, just like your dad was before I got him to settle down.” She sighs. “But you know, just because you had your heart broken once doesn’t mean you have to keep living like this forever.”

“All right,” I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Time for bed, huh?”

“You’re the one who called me, Jamie. But fine, be that way. Just remember, Loverboy, my door’s always open if you ever wanna come visit your old mother here in Denver.”

“Soon, Ma,” I promise her. “I’ll come visit soon.”

We say our goodbyes, and I hang up, still smiling, her words lingering in the air around me.

I look around my empty kitchen, stomach growling. I should’ve stayed at Troy’s place for dinner because now I’m starving. It’s late, and my kitchen looks exactly like I left it: spotless, everything in its place, but no food in sight.

The lights from the ceiling hang low over the marble countertops, reflecting off the shiny black cabinets. The whole place is pristine and…quiet. Too quiet.

I think of the whirlwind that is Savannah, with her Christmas sweaters, her mini skirts, and her making the kitchen a mess.

Suddenly, my tidy little world feels empty and hollow, like it’s missing something…a lot of things.

I move to the fridge, tugging it open. Nothing. A bottle of water, some leftover pizza that’s seen better days, and a half-empty jar of salsa. I let the door swing shut, sighing.

“Guess it’s takeout again,” I mutter, walking into the living room. The whole place is open concept, modern—everything’s either gray, white, or black. It looks sleek and minimalist, like something out of a catalog. It’s the kind of place people admire and tell me is “so you”, but right now, it just feels…empty.

I sink down onto the couch, scrolling through my phone, half-heartedly looking for some decent delivery options. But somehow, my finger drifts away from the food apps, and before I know it, I’m staring at a Google search page.

I type in “baby stuff”, and the screen fills with images—cribs, blankets, toys, bottles.

I click through a few pages, my heart weirdly tight as I stare at tiny hats, little socks, and onesies that look soft as clouds.

I’m scrolling, just staring at page after page of baby stores.

I’m not sure when my eyes go blurry, but suddenly everything’s hazy. Before I know it, I’m out cold.

The doorbell jolts me awake, and I scrub my face, the grogginess hitting me hard. Noah. I sit up, heart hammering, and rush to the door, barely checking the time.

I swing it open, and there she is—Savannah, standing in the hallway, holding a Tupperware container.

She’s wearing a loose sweater, the kind that dips off one shoulder, and some black leggings. Her hair is pulled back into a messy bun. She gives me a small smile.

“Noah… is he okay?” I ask, probably looking as panicked as I feel.

She nods, her smile widening a little. “Yeah, he’s fine. He’s asleep in Troy’s room. I just…thought maybe you hadn’t eaten.” She holds up the Tupperware. “Brought noodles.”

I feel the tension ease, my hand clutching my chest. “Damn…thanks. Really. You didn’t have to do that.”

She shrugs. “I don’t mind. Can I come in?”

“Yeah, of course,” I say, stepping aside, and she heads straight into my kitchen.

She looks around, her gaze sweeping over the room. “Wow, your place is…really nice.” She grins. “A little sterile, but nice.”

I chuckle. “Guess it is a bit…sparse. But hey, I like it that way.” I move to the cabinets. “You need a bowl or something? You said the noodles are still hot?”

She nods. “Yeah, a bowl would be great.”

I grab one, and she starts serving, the smell of garlic and spices filling the room. It’s way better than anything I’d get with delivery. My stomach growls, and she glances at me, amused.

“You eating too?” I ask, eyeing her as she stirs the noodles.

She hesitates, then shakes her head. “I’m fine, really. It’s all yours.”

I grab another bowl anyway, setting it down in front of her. “I’m not eating alone. Dig in.”

She rolls her eyes, but she grabs some noodles, twirling them around her fork as we both settle at the counter.

“So,” she says, after a few bites. “How’re you doing with all this? The news about…Noah, I mean?”

I lean back, letting out a long breath. “It’s…starting to hit me, I guess. I don’t know. Feels surreal, y’know?”

She nods, her expression softening. “Yeah, I get it. But…just so you know, Troy’s probably more freaked out than you are.”

I snort. “Yeah, I bet. Still need to talk to him, though. Can’t avoid it forever.”

She nods, giving me a small, understanding smile before turning her attention back to the noodles. She slurps one up, her lips wrapping around the fork, and suddenly my mind goes straight to that earlier with Jared. The way she looked…her eyes fluttering, that little moan slipping out.

My face heats up, and I focus on my food, willing myself to look anywhere else but at her mouth.

We’re halfway through the noodles when she glances up, a flicker of something nervous in her eyes. Her fingers play with her fork, and I can tell she’s working up to something.

“About earlier…” she starts, her voice soft.

I raise an eyebrow, smirking. “Earlier? With Jared?”

Her cheeks turn pink, and she clears her throat, obviously uncomfortable. “I just…I hope you don’t feel like you have to tell Troy. I don’t want him…I mean, it was a mistake.”

I let out a low chuckle, leaning back. “You think I’m gonna rat you out?” I shake my head, grinning at her. “Nah. I’m just sorry you got interrupted. Looked like you weren’t quite…finished.”

She chokes, her eyes going wide. I grab her a glass of water, passing it to her with a wink. “You hadn’t finished, had you?”

She clears her throat, avoiding my gaze. “We don’t have to talk about that.”

I grin, leaning in a little closer. “Why not?”

“Because it’s…complicated and awkward.”

“Maybe the way to make it less awkward is if you saw me naked too,” I say, trying to keep a straight face.

She laughs, rolling her eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Am I?” I stand up, tugging my T-shirt off over my head, watching her reaction. Her eyes drop to my chest, lingering, and there’s no mistaking that look. It’s lusty and hungry, and then she’s licking her lips like she’s already imagining what’s underneath.

I lean back, giving her a grin. “So…do I stop here, or can I go on?”

She’s quiet, her face flushed, and I swear her breathing’s getting quicker. Her eyes stay on me as I slowly unbutton my jeans, pulling the zipper down. I push my pants down, leaving myself in just my boxers.

“Jamie…” she whispers, her voice a little shaky.

I tilt my head, smirking. “Yes, Savannah?”

Her chest rises and falls as she stares, and I take a step closer, letting her take me in. “Want me to keep going?”

She shifts, looking like she’s debating every choice that brought her here. “I…I should go.”

But she doesn’t move. I can tell she’s torn, standing there looking at me like that. I grin. “No need to run off just ‘cause you find me hot, Savannah.”

She shakes her head, muttering something under her breath. “What about Jared?”

I shrug. “What about him?”

I reach for the band of my boxers, fingers brushing against it, and she reacts instantly, reaching out to stop me. But her hand accidentally brushes over my cock, and I can’t help the way I react. I stiffen, heat pooling low as I watch her, seeing the way her eyes darken, hooded with want.

“We shouldn’t,” she says, her voice low, almost pleading.

“It’s been a long day,” I murmur, leaning in, my voice just a whisper. “And if you want to…we totally should.”

Her hand slides up my chest, warm and soft, and I let out a breath, closing the distance between us. I tilt her chin up, leaning in slowly, giving her a chance to pull back if she wants to. But she doesn’t move, her breath coming fast and light.

I brush my lips over hers, soft at first, but as soon as she leans into me, I’m gone. I press harder, tasting her, and she lets out this soft, needy whimper that drives me over the edge. I slide my tongue into her mouth, feeling her melt against me, her hands slipping up around my neck.

She tastes sweet, warm, like something I didn’t know I’d been craving until right now. She’s soft and pliant, her lips parting as I deepen the kiss, one of her hands slipping down to press against my chest, nails grazing lightly over my skin. I growl softly, pulling her closer, feeling her pulse race under my fingers as I hold her tight.

Her whimpers fill my head, and I don’t want to stop.