Page 67 of Puck Right Off

Although I never thought I’d be able to smile today, Alex has proven me wrong. Taking his hand, I swing my legs over the side of the bed and stand. “You know, I thought you were a big goofball. I never imagined this side of you.”

“What? Gorgeously intelligent?” He runs a hand through his hair, flipping his head back. “Don’t hate me for being prettyandsmart.”

I giggle, shaking my head. “Not to discount your looks or intelligence, that’s not what I thought. You’re level-headed and care about your friend. Loyal to a fault.”

“We’re kindred spirits, Jordyn. Gorgeous, intelligent, level-headed, and loyal describe you perfectly. You’re all those things and more.” He looks at me over his shoulder, pulling me from the bedroom. “Trust me. Tristan needs you.”

The sadness lifts, replaced by hope. I squeeze Alex’s hand, digging my nails into his skin. “Do you really think he’ll forgive me? Let alone…” I can’t say the word.Love.

“Yes, he will. And he loves you so much, Jordyn. I haven’t seen him open his heart like this since his parents were alive.”

We step into the bathroom, but I can’t tear my eyes from Alex. Raising onto my tiptoes, I kiss his cheek. “Thanks, Alex. You’re the best.”

“I won’t tell Tristan you kissed me or said that. He’ll kick my ass, and I won’t get drafted into the NHL.” He winks at me and then points to a closet. “Towels are in there. And here’s how you work the shower.” He gives me a quick demo before heading to the door. “Hurry up. Your man is hurting like hell, and you’re the only one who can ease his pain.”

CHAPTER 40

Tristan

Running my hand over my parent’s tombstones, tears flow freely down my cheeks. My throat and chest ache from the grief running rampant inside me. “Hey, Mom and Dad. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I lost you.” My gaze moves to my sister’s gravesite. “Elaine. I miss the way we teased each other more than I can say. Life is so unfair sometimes.”

Bowing my head, my shaky hands lift to my Wolverines sweatshirt, fisting the material over my broken heart. Squatting down in front of their graves, my legs shake from the weakness permeating my body. My eyes are dry and achy from the tears I shed last night and this morning. Between Jordyn and the anniversary of my parent’s death, I’m not doing well.

“You’d be so disappointed in me.” My voice cracks, and I swallow multiple times, my throat constricting before I can go on. “I vowed to chase my goals and focus on hockey. Then I fell for a girl.” I heave out a sigh, bowing my head.

“I tried to resist her, but I failed. It wasn’t until I talked with Coach Jensen that I got my head straight and realized I could have both.” I lift my head, my eyes moving to each oftheir tombstones. “Things were going great until they weren’t. I was so hurt… So fucking betrayed by her actions, and now, I don’t know what to do.” I fall to my knees, the sobs taking over me. “I need your help. I don’t have a fucking clue what to do. My life is a train wreck.” I fall forward, my hands sinking into the cool ground.

I’m not sure how long I remain like that, sobbing my heart out while on my hands and knees in front of their graves, feeling more alone than ever. “I know I can’t have you back.” I sit back on my heels, wiping my face with my dirty hands. “But Jordyn… She made me feel things I’ve never felt. I could breathe around her. Her presence and love replace the vast emptiness that lives inside me since I lost the three of you.”

My breaths rasp in and out of my chest. My head tilts to the sky. “I’ve lost her, too.”

A warm hand squeezes my shoulder. It feels like a dream when a soft voice on my right whispers, “No, you didn’t.”

The mental fog clouding my head makes me think I’m hallucinating Jordyn’s sweet voice in my ear, her hand on my shoulder.

Turning my head, I see a pair of aqua eyes filled with tears. Sunlight cracks through the clouds, filtering around her and giving her an angelic aura.

I’m dumbfounded, blinking repeatedly, unable to trust what I see. “J-Jordyn?”

She nods, squatting beside me. “I’m here, Tristan.” Blowing out a breath, her earnest eyes shine with sympathy and concern. “I’m so sorry.”

I’m so pissed at her… but I need her. The weight on my chest has lessened by her mere presence. Her strawberry scent fills my nostrils every time I inhale, lifting my spirits. I know last night was shitty, but right now, I don’t care.

I reach for her, dragging her against my chest. Burying my face in her hair, my arms cling to her like a lifeline. When shehugs me back with the same intensity, I close my eyes and let go, unleashing the crippling grief inside me.

When I have no more tears left to cry, I pull back. She pulls tissues from the pocket of her hoodie and begins cleaning my face.

My hand wraps around her wrist, drawing her eyes to mine. “Thank you.”

She nods, sadness lingering in her eyes. “You’re welcome. I’m here as long as you need me…” Her head bows, golden hair shielding her face like curtains. “Then I’ll go….”

Fear and panic rise inside me. I remember all the terrible things I said to her last night, but in the harsh light of day, I realize I didn’t mean any of them. She hurt me when she lied to me, but I withheld information from her, too. She was making decisions based on fear and necessity, but I was the one who put her in that position, blindingly expecting her to trust me. “Please, don’t go.”

Aqua eyes dart up to mine, hope flashing in them. My hands push her silky locks away from her face. “I’m so fucking sorry for what I said last night, Jordyn. Although I don’t like you stripping, I understand why. It’s partially my fault for not revealing the truth sooner.”

“I’m at fault for lying to you.” Shaky fingers fidget with the string on my hoodie. “But when Robert revoked my funding, he pulled the rug from beneath me, taking my dreams with it. I swore I’d never put myself in that position again.”

Leaning forward, I press my lips to her forehead. “He’s such an ass. It’s no wonder you don’t trust men.” My hands cup her face, lifting it to mine. “I want to take care of you, Jordyn. I want to support you, helping you obtain your dreams.” My finger presses against her lips when she opens her mouth, effectively shutting her up. “I want to work through this because you mean so damn much to me.”

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