Page 53 of Back On Ice

“Nah.” Jake shrugs. “You know me. We’re just having fun.”

Unease fills me. I hope Abbie agrees. “Be careful, you know she’s not your usual hookup?—”

“Thank fuck,” Jake mutters under his breath.

Ignoring him, I continue, “Just, make sure you’re both on the same page about what you’re doing, otherwise someone could end up hurt. By someone, I mean Abbie.”

Jake rolls his eyes. “That’s not?—”

“I mean it Jake.” This time my voice is serious. “If you end up hurting her, you know Sophie is going to be pissed. Those two are like fucking wolves when it comes to protecting each other.”

If she thinks it’s just sex as well, then great, but Jake’s never been in any kind of relationship where he sleeps with a girl more than once. I don’t think he realizes what that could do to Abbie’s emotions if she’s thinking they have something more than what it is.

“And let me guess, if it comes to picking sides, which it won’t, by the way, you’re standing by Sophie?” He raises a brow, already knowing what I’ll say.

“I’m not trying to be a dick, but yeah.” I shrug. He knows where I stand.

He shakes his head. “I know, man. I wouldn’t ever dream of coming between you two.”

“I didn’t think you would. I just need to make sure I’m taking care of Sophie, and that extends to looking out for Abbie as well.”

He chuckles. “You’re too fucking noble for your own good, Carter.”

Giving him my best shit-eating grin, I wink. “Only for Soph.”

“And on that note… I have some interesting news that pertains to both of us.”

Well,thatpiques my interest. “Oh yeah? What’s up?”

“I’ve been in contact with the team manager of the Boston Reapers. They want to meet us. They should be calling you today.”

My heart leaps into my chest. This is… it’s like Jake walked in here and served me the answer to all my problems on a silver platter. A few more offers have come in since the press conference, all teams considerably closer to Ivy Glen than my previous offers, but none of them have feltright.

I can’t help but think this is why. Boston is a dream come true.

“That’s amazing!” I tell him. “Being in the same state as Sophie, and playing on a team with you? That’s… shit, not to sound corny, but that’s like a dream come true.” I can’t help the enthusiasm that permeates from my voice, but Jake looks less convinced.

“I don’t know, I’m not sure I want to stay in the state with my family so close. You know I love them, but…” Jake trails off, his expression neutral.

Hedoeslove his family, but he feels like he’s on the outside looking in sometimes. He’s already insecure about his relationship with them without having to add family dinners and shit into the mix.

I’m just about to tell him that they love him too, when his expression dissolves, and he turns back into his usual laid-back self. “Regardless, they’re asking if we can meet in three days. That good for you?”

“Yeah, set it up for whenever. We can drive together.” I can’t help the huge cheesy smile on my face. Damn. It’s possible that I could have it all if this works out. The girl, the job… what’s left after that?

I’m not going to tell Sophie about the meeting quite yet though. If everything happens how it needs to, I’ll be able to make some sort of grand romantic gesture, showing her how much I want to be with her.

“If this works out, I’ll probably live in the city and you can commute to the suburbs if you want to be near Sophie.” His tone is teasing. “The ‘married’ life just isn’t for me, man.”

I chuckle at his comment, but… fuck, the thought of Sophie with a ring on her finger, one thatI’vegiven her, does something to me. Something primal and possessive surges into my chest at the image in my mind, andshit, I want that. I want a ring on herfinger and a house in the suburbs with a white fence and a dog and even kids someday.

But… what if it doesn’t work out? I can’t help but worry about what will happen if they try to hand us a shitty contract they won’t budge on. This meeting could be the ticket to having everything I’ve ever wanted. What I wouldn’t give to get to stay with Sophieandplay with Jake again.

My face must be reflecting my emotions because Jake looks at me with compassion. “Hey, it’ll work out, Carter. They’re getting a hell of a package deal if they sign both of us on.” His expression morphs to a goofy grin. “They could call us ‘Cake Willford’, our NHL duo name.” He seems so proud of his combination of our names, “Jake Ashford” and “Carter Williams”.

“Fuck off,” I chuckle, shaking my head. “You’re right. We’re two players with great stats, I’m sure the meeting will go well, and everything will work out.”

I don’t want to think about the possibility of it not working out. After all Sophie and I have been through, I can’t stomach leaving her again.

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