Page 52 of Power Play

“I’m actually not lying though. He did text me asking if she needed something for class, then we started talking about the injury... and I ended the conversation when he told me to quit my job here,” I rush out.

Serena starts to laugh.

“I thought you said he kicked you out... like he wasn’t into you.”

“He did. He’s obviously not,” I snap, her laughing now pissing me off.

“You really think this guy isn’t into you? Look, I know you’re like relationship stupid, but this man totally wants you.”

“Not only is his daughter part of my daycare, which is a strike against me, Max is also a player on his team. Oh, and get this, he thinks I’m too young for him,” I respond, rolling my eyes.

“What? Does he think he’s eighty or something? He’s not a dinosaur.”

“Nope, he’s thirty-seven, but apparently that’s too old for me,” I reply.

“That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. First off, you’re mature as fuck, and if he’s worried about his daughter, you already know her, right?” she asks.

“I mean, yeah.”

“So, what’s the fucking problem? It’s like fifteen years, not fifty.”

“Well, regardless of the age it doesn’t change that Max is his player, and he doesn’t want Rory meeting anyone new.”

“Fuck Max. That doesn’t matter at all. Your brother’s a prick and I’d love to see the look on his face when he finds out you’re getting dicked down by his coach,” Serena starts laughing, and I can’t help but follow.

“I mean, you’re not wrong on that. I couldn’t care less about the Max thing, but Rex doesn’t agree,” I sigh.

“You realize these are all bullshit excuses, right? You both are so stupid, and you obviously avoid any real feelings, so you’re coming up with every excuse possible to avoid it.”

“I don’t think that’s it,” I say, shaking my head.

“Really? You obviously like the guy, you’re texting at midnight. He told you to quit your job, a job where other men pay to look at you. He’s a tad possessive over you if you ask me. It’s fucking hot.”

I can’t respond. She’s not wrong... about any of it. Are we just avoiding something because the feelings might go past just wanting to fuck?

“Just think about what I said,” Serena tells me, heading back out to check on her tables, not realizing the mind bomb she just planted.

It’s all I can think about through the rest of my shift, and long after, until I finally fall asleep.

15

REX

Trevor has been the absolute biggest pain in my ass these past two days. He’s constantly messaging me, reminding me that we’re meeting tonight. I get it.

Hudson’s. Five p.m. Don’t be late.

Fucking nag.

Stella came by tonight and planned a movie night with Rory while I’m gone. Cade offered to come make them dinner, and they’re both thrilled. Outside of being a bad ass hockey player, Cade is an excellent cook, so we usually try to make sure he’s the one making dinners if we can help it. Stella usually leaves early to work at the bakery for a few hours, so as long as I get back home at some point in the evening to be with Rory, everything should run smoothly.

By the time I get to Hudson’s, it’s 4:50, and as expected, Trevor is already here and has secured us a table. I spot him waving me over, and I walk past the hostess with a quick nod of acknowledgment.

I feel like I’m preparing myself for an attack, which is honestly fucking uncomfortable. Trevor means well, and I know he truly wants me to be happy, I just don’t want him to come at me with his “logic.”

“Hey, man! You’re here on time,” Trevor says happily as I sit down across from him.

“Yeah, and you’re early as usual.”

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