Page 18 of Taming You

Liv liked the way we grew up in a nice family-oriented neighbourhood, and I’m not surprised she wants the same for her kids. With them potentially trying for more soon, it does make sense for them to try to find a place now, and we all know that Josh, the CEO of his own company, can definitely afford it, even without selling his current place. He dotes on Liv and Cate, and I know he means it when he says whatever Liv wants, he’ll give her. It would be nice if we could find places in the same neighbourhood so our kids can grow up together.

We finish getting ready and head out to the ice to warm up before the game. Before I step on the ice, I make my way to Zoey and check on Jayden, who is perfectly content curled up against her chest. I smile as I lovingly run my finger over his nose. Zoey smiles and wishes me luck before I join the guys.

As we get ready at centre ice, I feel Zoey’s eyes on me. I turn my head slightly and see her soft smile from earlier still there. I’m not sure what comes over me, but I wink at her as I lower my upper body, ready to accept the puck from Josh if he wins the face off. The slight blush that filled her cheeks gives me a little more drive, and as the other team wins the face off, I’m driving towards their forward, vying for the puck. I check the one with possession into the boards, and Luke, one of our players, takes the free puck and makes his way through centre and towards the other team’s goal. He passes to Josh, who makes his way to the left and fakes the shot before quickly moving right and getting the puck just between the goalie’s left side and the post.

We gather around him and cheer before heading to the bench. Josh leads the line in fist bumps before we do a line change. The game is intense and physical, just the way I like it. I love using these games to process things I’m dealing with in a physical way. We barely scrape through with the win, 3-2.

When we skate off the ice, I immediately head to Zoey and Jayden. I feel drawn to both of them, this need to be close to them. Jayden is barely awake, offering me a weak smile when I brush my finger over his cheek and smile at him.

“He was good?” I ask Zoey.

She smiles down at him. “Yeah, he was gem. I’ve got him while you change.”

“Thanks, Zo.”

“Of course.”

I meet the guys back in the locker room, and Grayson grins at me as I sit.

“Someone played with a little extra pep in their step,” he says.

“Just working through some things,” I say, brushing it off.

“Felt more like you were trying to impress someone,” he pushes.

“No one to impress. My kid’s a little too young.”

“Mhhh, sure. Maybe a certain brunette who was holding that new kid of yours?”

“Zo? Why would I be trying to impress her?”

I avoid looking at any of the guys and focus on removing my gear, because I think he might have a bit of a point. Something lately has had me wanting to be closer to Zoey and maybe have her look at me differently. As more than just a friend. I know that’s crazy, though. I’ve got a kid now, and she’s my sister’s best friend. I’d never forgive myself if I ruined their relationship because a relationship with Zoey didn’t work out. I’m also not going to put Zoey into the position of taking on a parental role when that’s not something she’s signed up for.

“You tell me. Why don’t we start with why she was at your place the night before you found Jayden,” Grayson says.

I sigh. “Zo was out the night before on a date that didn’t end well and she got super drunk. I picked her up and she crashed on my couch. That’s all.”

“Why’d she call you?”

I look up and see all the guys in the room trying to look like they’re not paying attention to the grilling Grayson is doing right now, but they aren’t very subtle about it and Josh and Caleb do nothing to hide their interest.

“Because Liv has a baby at home and she didn’t want to bother her, same with Bailey having Charlie, Liz was out of town, and she figured since you and Hannah had the night off together, there was no point in trying to get ahold of your wife because you two would be occupied in other ways. She doesn’t like to call her brothers because she’s the youngest and has always felt bad that they took care of her so much when she was younger. I’m her friend and I always told Liv and her friends when we were growing up if they needed a safe ride home, they could always call me. They’ve each called me at least once in the last ten years.”

“Sure know a lot about Zoey,” Josh points out.

I shrug. “She’s Liv’s best friend. I’ve known her pretty much as long as I’ve known you.”

“Yeah, but I don’t remember you two being close back then.”

“We weren’t, but when Liv and Drew broke up and we needed you two idiots to see what was right in front of you, we spent more time together and we’ve grown close.”

He quirks a brow. “What exactly did the two of you do? I know you put the bug in my ear about Liv needing a place to live, but what else?”

I raise a brow back at him. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

I push up from the bench and head to the showers, making quick work before getting dressed to go get my boy. As I’m about to leave, Caleb calls my name. I turn back to him, and he addresses Josh, Grayson, and I.

“So, Bailey and I were hoping you guys could come for lunch at our place tomorrow.”

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