Page 35 of Count On Me

Panic makes my eyes widen, but thankfully Angie takes control and types the message for me.

Me

Tom’s a friend. It’s fine. Are you sure you want me to come with you?

Jaxson

I wouldn’t wanna be with anyone else.

With a smile fixed firmly on my face, I let the hope in my heart overtake the doubt in my head.

21

JAXSON

“Stop fucking filming, Jordan. They’ve got enough content of us working out to fill their socials up,” Lockheart growls out as the rest of the guys chorus their agreement. Jordan rolls his eyes and switches the phone off.

Standing behind Antony’s bench while I spot him lifting, I ask, “You picked out your costumes for Charlie's party yet?”

A few groans come from the guys and Antony chuckles at their response. He is the happiest motherfucker in the world and he’s been on cloud nine since he and his girl went official.

“You all act like you hate the idea of dressing up, but I bet you all take it fucking seriously and end up in some sort of best costume competition.” Lockheart’s eyes meet mine in the mirror and he shakes his head at the mischief he sees sparking in them.

“Bro, that’s a good idea. Who’s in?” I laugh as the rest of the guys groan again.

“Who are you bringing anyway, Jordan?” I call over to him. He’s been pissy with me since Coach took him into his office and I want to try and soothe the burn between us.

“Dunno yet. The world is my oyster. And pussies are mine for the taking.” He turns his back to me and grabs his water bottle from the floor.

“Nope! No wannabe WAGs allowed,” Antony calls out to him. “It has to be someone who’s been vetted and isn’t going to sell stories to the press.” Charlie stands up, folds his arms across his chest and nods in agreement, just to make sure Jordan got the point.

“Well where am I supposed to find this magical fucking woman?” Laughter barrels out of my chest at Jordan’s affronted reaction, pulling his attention, and his frown, directly to me. “Who are you bringing?”

“Eddie.” I shrug and try to fight the smile from tipping my lips up. Antony meets my eyes in the mirror and grins. I respond with an eye-roll, but he just grins harder. The dude’s odd, but in the best way.

“Oh, you should dress as a doctor. That way she can squeeze those curves of hers into a naughty nurse’s outfit. Wouldn’t mind getting my pulse checked by her.” Jordan laughs at his own joke, but it's my turn to frown as I force myself to stay where I am and not beat the ever-living crap out of him.

I’ve warned him about saying shit like that about her, and I want nothing more than to give him a reminder. But I want my space on the team. I need my space on the team. And fighting with Jordan is an automatic suspension. So instead of pounding my fist into his face, I clench my teeth together and focus on Antony's reps.

“Or she could dress as a bunny and you could go wearing your robe. I’d pay to see that. You taking the piss out of your reputation and her dressed as a slutty Playgirl. Yeah, that would be a good one. I bet she’s a freak in bed.”

I take a step toward him, but before I can really move too much, Lockheart has his hand on my arm. I look up into hisface and he stares down at me. He motions with his head for me to look, and the smirk on Jordan’s face tells me I gave him the reaction he was hoping for. Without saying a word, I turn on my heel and head into the locker room. Before the door closes behind me, I hear a loud slap and whining ‘ow’ come from Jordan. I turn my head a little and see Charlie frowning down at him while Marcello starts to lecture him about how to treat women.

Still angry, I punch the closed locker door then sit on the bench, burying my hands into my hair. I don’t bother to lift my head to see who’s followed me in here because I know it’s Lockheart.

“Don’t let him get to you. He’s an idiot who’s pissed that not only are you getting your chance on the pitch, you didn’t get reamed out by Coach for partying again.” He sits next to me and asks, “So you bit the bullet and told her?”

I shake my head and sigh. “No. Just invited her to the party. I was going to use it to tell her, but now I’m not sure. I don’t want her around these pricks ogling her. She’s mine. I don’t wanna share her. Maybe I should cancel.”

He mutters, “Fucking idiot,” again and I nudge him with my elbow. I can feel his eyes on me, and he’s obviously not done with his pep talk, so I turn to face him. “It doesn't matter if they ogle her. Little Red’s there with you. If you cancel now, you’ll make everything worse. Just lay off the sexy costumes if you want. But bring her. Tell her. Life’s too short.” He stands up and heads back out to the gym.

He’s right. She seemed happy that I’d invited her. I can’t go back on that now. Maybe I need to come up with a non sexy outfit for her so everyone will leave us the fuck alone and I can spend some much needed alone time with my Eddie.

Me

Wanna meet?

Angie

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