Page 125 of Mr. Broody

“I love you, Henry. That was amazing. Your dirty talk is on point.” I kiss his jaw and go to retrieve my clothes.

“I could take you again, I swear.”

I wiggle my ass when I bend over to grab my pants, but we don’t have time. Bodhi’s downstairs and will start to wonder where we are.

“Well, I’m not going anywhere. You’ll get your chance,” I say.

“It’s only a few more months.”

I don’t love the way he’s almost making an excuse. I never want him to feel guilty for his schedule. I knew what I was signing up for, and I’m good with that. I just need him to be too.

Fifty-Four

Henry

We’re on the bus on our way back to the hotel after a morning skate before our game tonight in Tampa Bay. This is a long three-day stretch that I’m not looking forward to.

It’s already been hard to find alone time with Jade. She seems really understanding, but I wish we would’ve started this during offseason when I could make us a priority.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I figure it is Jade, so it pulls a smile out of me. But Mack’s name shows up instead. I hate that quick flick of fear that runs through me when I see his name during my away games.

“Hey, Mack. What’s up?”

He coughs then sneezes. “I’m sick.”

“I can hear that.” Fuck.

“I don’t want to give it to Bodhi, plus I can barely get out of bed without my head spinning. But if you want me to…”

“No. I’ll get someone to pick him up from school. Thanks. Feel better.” I click End, and all the guys look at me. “Mack is sick.”

They cringe because this couldn’t come at a worst time.

“Kyleigh’s at a fashion thing,” Rowan says.

“What about Jade?” Conor asks.

Jade is the first person who comes to my mind, and I know she’d do it in a heartbeat, but are we there yet? We’re in Tampa Bay, then heading to North Carolina with no break in between to come home. “It’s three days.”

My grandparents left two days ago for Italy, and I know Reed is in the middle of some case that’s all over the news. Victoria just recently went back to work. The twins aren’t old enough. This is when I really wish my circle was bigger.

“She’s gotta get used to it sometime,” Tweetie says. “We all know she’s gonna be permanent anytime now.”

Truth is, I hoped to ease her into this family thing. I’ve been trying to keep a balance. She hasn’t spent the night yet. And I don’t want to just throw her into the mother role without me being there. It’s one thing to think you’re up for it, but only a parent knows how much work goes into being a parent. The day-to-day drudgery. The moments that come when you just need a break. I still find myself wanting to shield Jade from all of it because I don’t want to overwhelm her too soon. But I really don’t have a choice.

The bus stops, and we all file into the hotel, each of us grabbing our room keycards and heading to the elevators.

“I could call my dad,” Conor says in the elevator to our rooms.

“Ruby?” Tweetie says.

Maybe if it was just the day, but we’re talking two nights. Really three by the time I get back from Carolina in the middle of the night.

When I shake my head, Tweetie pulls out his phone. “I’m sure I have someone in my phone who can probably?—”

“No,” we all say in unison.

“My only option is Jade. I’ll make the call when I get to my room.”

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