Page 80 of The Break Out

After he leaves, I go to the showers to get Brynn who is dressed, which is slightly disappointing.

“What do you think that means?” she asks, panic evident in her eyes.

I cup her face, brushing my thumbs across her cheeks as I take her in. Something about the way her bright green eyes are looking up at me, and the way she slightly melts into my touch, has me falling even deeper in this moment.

“I don’t know, but everything will be fine,” I try to reassure.

The look she gives me seems like she doesn’t believe me, but I lean down, pressing my lips against hers lightly. When I pull back I just look at her, and don’t miss the way she looks back up at me.

For the first time it seems like I might not be alone in my feelings. But I know that neither of us are going to say anything about it.

“Go back, Princess, I’m sure your friend is worried about you.”

She chuckles. “I’m not sure worried is what she’s feeling.”

I press another chaste kiss to her lips before sending her out with a pat on her ass. She glances back once before walking out of my eyesight.

Fuck me, I’m so fucking gone for that woman.

36

The season has become intense for the Dragons now that they are in the thick of it, leading up to the holiday season. After the new year it’s going to be even crazier with the build up to the playoffs. I know this is when I know not to bother Brent as much, but I know Chandler is going to need more help with Evie.

Help I’m going to be more than happy to give because I need the distraction. Ever since Colton fucked me in the locker room my head has been a mess when it comes to my emotions.

Over the last couple weeks since that happened, we’ve seen each other a handful of times and I’ve done my best to make sure it was purely sex. No sleep overs. No talking about anything outside of what we are doing. Only physical.

The last time I saw him was right before the team was going to their last away game before Christmas and as I was getting dressed, I was tempted to ask what he was doing for the holiday. I knew that could easily lead to him joining my Christmas and we don’t need a repeat ofThanksgiving.

I really don’t need any other reason to fuel the emotions toward him.

Now, it’s Christmas morning and I spent last night wrapping all the presents I got for everyone, mostly Evie, and am shoving them all into my car to head over to my brother’s house. I almost tried calling Bailey, but then didn’t want to start the day off on a negative note when she inevitably doesn’t answer. Though, I know I’m going to end up trying later. Bryson too, since he did decide to go to his girlfriend’s instead of coming here.

Jared and Spencer went back to their hometown in New York. Charlie and Audrey are at his parents so it’s going to just be me with my brother’s family. I shake away the pang of disappointment that I’m not showing up with someone who I’m sharing my life with. That my whole family won’t be there. I wish things were different, but I slam my trunk shut, letting the sound pull me back to reality and am determined to enjoy this day.

My phone goes off after I climb into my car. For a moment I think it might be one of my siblings, but when I look down and see Colton’s name, I can’t deny the mix of disappointment and excitement hearing from him. Instead of acknowledging the text, I turn my phone on “do not disturb” and toss it into my purse, vowing to ignore it for the rest of the day.

Once I get to my brother’s house, I do my best to bring all the gifts in with one trip. I’m struggling to balance it all and have to use my foot to knock on the front door. I’m pretty sure it’s all going to come crashing down when I hear it open and a male voice says, “Whoa, let me help you out there.”

Vince takes some of the packages from me which lightensthe load significantly and I don’t feel like my arms are about to give out.

“Hi!” I call out in greeting to the house.

“Aunty Brynn,” Chandler’s cheerful voice calls back.

I find her sitting in the living room with Evie dressed in festive Christmas footies lying on her chest. Vince and I drop off the presents under the large tree in the corner of the room.

“Those better not all be for Evie,” Chandler scolds.

I place my hand on my chest, feigning a gasp, “Of course not. What kind of an aunt do you think I am? One that is going to spoil that little precious bean rotten?”

Chandler is quiet for a few seconds, narrowing her eyes. “Yes.”

Smiling wide, I respond, “You’re right, but there’s presents here for everyone, not just her.”

Brent walks into the room with a large cup of coffee he hands to Chandler. She looks up at him and I see the love written all over her face the second her eyes meet him. The pang in my chest increases at the sight. I see my brother give her the same love filled look and it’s a look I’ve only ever seen him give Chandler. He never brought girls around when we were younger. I’m sure he had girlfriends, but I never met any of them until her.

Because I’m needing to break some of the tension in my own chest, I do what I do best, which is joke to lighten the mood. “That’s enough, break up the love fest and let’s open somepresents. Brent,” he looks over to me, “I expect to find something fancy and expensive from you.”

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