Page 129 of The Love Penalty

“Of course.” Rachel leans forward to squeeze my shoulder. “You can always count on us.”

I look over my shoulder with a watery smile, then glance at Baxter. “Do you think Asher’s okay?”

He grunts, his left shoulder hitching. “I think he was about ready to kill his cousin, but I doubt he’ll go that far.” After reversing out of the parking space, he changes gears and spares me a glance. “He really loves you. Never seen the guy so protective before. I’m pretty sure he’d do anything for ya.”

I wince. “That’s partly what I’m afraid of. He’s willing to give up everything for me, and I can’t help feeling guilty about that.”

“Don’t waste your emotion on guilt. It’s not your fault his cousin’s a shithead.”

“It’s not his either,” I mumble. “And his decision to stand by me affects everyone at Hockey House too.” Rubbing my forehead with a shaky sigh, I feel the tension starting to build again.

“Look, at the end of the day, he wants you more than all of his family bullshit and… and so do we. Love can make people do crazy shit, but it also helps them figure out what’s worth fighting for.”

My lips part. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Baxter say so many words in one go. I wonder if he’s even aware of it.

Rachel shifts in the back seat, leaning forward as if transfixed by the marvel of what is happening right now.

“If Asher loves you, we all do. Hockey House is a family, and you’re part of that now. If we get kicked out on our asses, we’ll get up, brush ourselves off, and find someplace else to live.”

I give him a weak smile. “I just don’t want this to pull you guys apart.”

He snickers and shakes his head. “We’re stronger than that.”

I blink, then glance in the back. Rachel looks like she’s ready to cry. She has the biggest smile on her face as she gazes at Baxter in awe.

Seriously. This is like a phenomenon.

I wonder how far I can push it.

“Do you have a girlfriend who you’d do anything for?”

His jaw clenches, and he shakes his head.

Glancing at Rachel again, she gives me an eager nod, so I keep going. “I was just wondering if there’s anybody you’ll ever bring into the Hockey House family.”

“Nope.” He shakes his head more firmly this time.

“So, you want to stay a bachelor for the rest of your life?” Rachel’s voice pitches with surprise.

He doesn’t say anything, and I study the side of his face. “Is it that you… don’t like… girls?”

He throws me a side-eye. “I like girls.”

“Okay, so… what’s with the look on your face, then? Why are you so determined to stay single?”

He clenches his jaw, his shoulder hitching.

“Oh, wait.” My eyes round. “Have you been burned before? Is that it?”

His nostrils flare slightly, and I know I’m probing, so I try to throw the attention back on me for a moment.

“I get it. After what happened to me, I was determined to stay single for the rest of my life. I didn’t want anybody, and I wasn’t going to fall for some guy. I wouldn’t let myself be that weak. But…” I let out a soft laugh. “Asher was meant to be mine, and every time I tried to fight it, I just felt worse. And then I finally let go… and it’s been amazing.”

“Same for me and Liam.” Rachel grins, her smile dreamy. “When love comes a-knocking…”

“Do you girls have a point, or are you just trying to make me feel like shit?” Baxter grumbles.

“No.” Rachel’s eyes bulge. “That’s not what we’re trying to do at all. We just… If there’s someone out there you want, well, we’re just saying you should go for it.” She looks to me for backup, and I clear my throat and angle my body to face him.

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