Page 74 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

“You’re yanking my chain,” he says.

“I think it was more than a crush, Mack. You were always my person.”

The room falls silent for too many beats. I need him to say something after that confession. The silence is deafening.

“I need you to say something, Mack. Anything, really.” My voice is pleading, and I am unable to hide my vulnerability.

“I didn’t know. Leila knew I liked you. She always told me I wasn’t good enough. I don’t know if it would’ve changed anything, but I. . .”

“What is it?” I ask, placing my palm on his abdomen.

“I didn’t have a good example growing up. I didn’t know what kind of life we could have together,” he says, and it breaks my heart.

“Mack, you’re the best guy I’ve ever known. You’ve always been there for me when I needed you most. The flowers you left me could put a smile on my face on the worst days. I trust in you and I trust in us, but I need you to believe you’re good enough because nothing I’ll say will convince you if you don’t believe it yourself,” I reply, and some tears sting my eyes and I sniffle.

“I want to believe it so badly,” he admits. “I’m terrified of Hayden because I know he will think the way I do. That you can do better.”

“Mack, I can’t hear you speaking this way. I basically stayed a virgin because no one measured up to you. I’ve only ever wanted you.” I move my hand from his abdomen to his heart. “I think our life will be great together. Besides, you aren’t getting rid of me so easily.”

“I don’t want to get rid of you, baby, I love you more than life itself. I always wanted you and I always will,” he declares.

I lean in and give him a kiss and then I pull away and walk out the door, but before I do, I turn to him and say, “Sweet dreams.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Family Forever

Ruby

My alarm goes off at seven thirty and I groan. This mattress is shit.

“What is that hellish noise?” Riley says from beside me.

She scares the living shit out of me because I forgot she slept out here too. I barely know the girl so waking up beside her is awkward.

I close the alarm on my phone. “It’s my phone. I need to help Abuela with the cooking.” Even though I am a terrible cook, it’s the bonding time with Abuela and the memories we make that are important to me.

I head over to my suitcase and take out my little travel pouch with my brush, toothpaste and toothbrush, and head over to the bathroom.

On my way I see Macklin by his bedroom door. He’s stretching his arms out and yawning.

“Mornin’,’” I say as I pass him. “Is Hayden awake?”

“No clue. He’s still in the other room,” Macklin says, his face scrunching like he feels bad for sharing that news with me.

“Ew, gross. Can you go wake him? There’s no way I’m going in there,” I state.

He nods and I head into the bathroom. I use the toilet and brush my teeth and hair. When I get out, I see Hayden.

“I can’t believe you,” I tell him.

“Stop being so judgy,” he replies he looks exhausted and pissy.

“Dude, this is Abuela’s house, have some respect. Not just for her but for yourself,” I retort with an attitude that is snarkier than I mean it to be.

“Whatever,” he says, walking past me into the bathroom.

I look over at Macklin. “Go easy on him.”

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