Page 22 of The Players Next Door

"Fine," I lie, pushing past him toward the locker room. It’s not their attention I want. It's hers.

I strip down, letting the steam from the shower fill the air, muscles relaxing, but my gut twisted up tight. I throw on jeans and a tee, not bothering with anything else. The others are joking around, but I don't hear them. I'm listening for her laugh. It doesn't come.

Finally, she walks in, clipboard clutched like a shield. Her smile doesn't reach those big blue eyes. Something's eating at her, and it's gnawing holes into me too.

"Hey, Hol," I say, trying to keep it light. "What did you think of the game?"

"It was great, Jax." Her voice is flat, and she doesn’t meet my gaze. "Good job out there."

"Thanks," I say, but it sounds hollow. We're both playing a part, pretending everything's cool when it's not.

"Something on your mind?" I ask, stepping closer. She shrugs, a small move that screams louder than any words.

"Nothing important," she says, but her eyes flick away. Liar.

"Come on, Hol. Spit it out."

"It's nothing, Jax. Really."

But I see it—the way her fingers twist together, the little crease between her brows. It's something alright. And it's killing me not knowing what. She’s been pulling away from us. Subtly, little by little, we’re losing her. And it fucking terrifies me.

"Talk to me," I urge, voice soft. This isn't just casual anymore, not for me. Maybe not for her, either.

"Let's just forget it," she says, forcing a smile. But it's like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.

"Can't do that," I tell her, honestly. "Whatever it is, it's messing with you. And that messes with me."

She looks up finally, and there's a storm in those eyes. Fear, worry, a whole hurricane of emotions she's trying so damn hard to hide.

"Jax, I—" she starts, but the laughter and chatter from the guys cut her off.

"Later," she says with a finality that feels like a door slamming shut.

"Later," I agree, but I know we won't leave it at that. Not when she's got that look in her eyes—the one that says she's drowning in open water.

I watch her walk away, the weight in my chest pulling me down like an anchor. Whatever's got Holly spooked, we'll face it together. I'll make sure of it.

I pull out my phone, thumb hovering over the screen as I watch Holly disappear around the corner. Her troubled expression is etched into my mind, a puzzle begging to be solved. She might not want to talk now, but I’ll make sure she knows she's got someone by her side.

Once she’s out of sight, urgency makes my fingers move faster than usual. Deacon and Cameron look at me, eyebrows raised with unspoken questions. Without missing a beat, I dial the hotel where we're all staying, requesting a private dinner be set up in our suite.

Holly may be guarding her thoughts, but I know she's fighting a battle alone. If she won't open up, then I'll have to show her I'm serious about being there for her. This isn’t a fling. It’s not just another game. She’s the goal. And it’s time she sees that.

When we get back to the hotel, Holly tries to head off to her own room, but I refuse to let that happen.

"Hol, wait up," I call, catching her by the arm. She looks at me, a mix of confusion and resignation in her eyes.

"Jax, I'm tired. Can we just do this another time?" she asks, but I shake my head.

"Nope. Tonight," I insist, steering her towards the suite I share with Deacon and Cameron. She resists for a moment but then falls into step beside me, clearly too weary to argue.

When we step inside, her eyes widen at the sight of the romantic dinner set up for us. Soft candlelight flickers, casting a warm glow over the table. It's simple but heartfelt—a gesture meant to show her I care.

"Jax, what is this?" Her voice is barely above a whisper, and I see her eyes welling up with unshed tears.

"You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong, Holly. Not if you’re not ready. But I can see something is bothering you. I can feel you trying to pull away and I just…I need you to know we’re here. You're not alone," I say, feeling a bit nervous now. "I might not know what’s going on, but I’m—we’re here for you. Always."

For a moment, she just stands there, speechless. I worry I’ve overstepped, but then she throws her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly. The breath I didn't know I was holding rushes out in relief as I wrap my arms around her.

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