Page 22 of Two Minutes for Holding

“I didn’t expect to see you back up here,” he said.

I smiled. “Why’s that?”

“Sonya, that’s why.” He chuckled. “Figured she’d have you tied up most of the night,” he said, wiggling his brows. “No pun intended, of course.”

“Ah, no. We are over. She’s a thing of the past now. Best left there too,” I said, shoving a couple of nachos into my mouth.

“Not into her anymore?”

I studied him. Fuck, if he only knew the reason I wasn’t into her anymore, but he was the last one of these guys I could ever tell. If he knew I’d had his sister in my bed last weekend, I’d be a dead man.

“I’ll admit, she is a ton of fun.”

“Guess that is why I’m a little shocked you’re back up here.” Knox chuckled.

“I should have just been honest. I’m not in the mood to be out tonight.” I shrugged.

Knox nodded, looking over his shoulder at the guys. Dylan, Lucas, Levi, and Colton all sat there talking about some of their past games, laughing it up and enjoying themselves. It was nice to see the two of us opening up and welcoming the two new guys. Knox was a different story. You had to earn his trust. Normally, I’d be just like the others, but my entire being was consumed with everything else.

“Funny you should say that. I was just speaking with Lorelai and thinking of heading home. Did you want to come hang out at our place?” he questioned.

I glanced over at the other guys, knowing if I stayed here, I’d be here all night. At least if I went back to Knox’s I’d be home at a decent hour.

“Let’s go.” I nodded.

Knox satin his usual spot—the oversized chair in the corner. Lorelai was curled up on his lap, her head resting on his shoulder. It was nice to see them so happy together, I thought to myself. Reese, Knox’s mom, came into the living room with a tray of coffee.

“Clay, yours is on the front left,” she said, smiling as she lowered the tray in front of me.

“Thanks,” I said, taking the mug carefully.

“It was so nice to see you boys on the ice tonight. I admit, I don’t watch nearly enough of your games,” she said, waiting as Lorelai and Knox both took their mugs.

“Well, if you didn’t allow that piece of shit to dominate—”

Knox stopped speaking as Lorelai glared at him, gently shaking her head.

“Not helping,” she sang, placing her fingers on his lips.

“I know, Knox. He was a mistake. I’m sorrier than anyone that I got mixed up with him,” Reese said, taking a seat across from me.

“We all make mistakes,” I added, looking over at Knox. “Sometimes, we have no choice but to learn the hard way.”

He met my eyes, and for a moment, I felt as if I were confessing the truth about Peyton and me. That it had been a mistake, but one I’d learned something from.

“That’s so true, Clay, and this unfortunately was one of my hard lessons. Now, what are you doing for the summer?” Reese questioned.

“I’m not sure. The boys are really the only family I have, so if I’m not a part of whatever they are doing, I’m pretty much on my own.”

“Oh dear, where are your parents?” she questioned. “Surely, they’d want to see you.”

“Mom…” Knox said, shaking his head, basically telling her not to go there.

“It’s alright, I don’t mind sharing,” I said, clearing my throat. “My parents and little sister unfortunately died in a house fire two months after I signed the contract to play for the Dominators.”

“Oh my god,” Lorelai cried out. “You never told me that!” she said, looking at Knox.

“That’s because some things are to be kept private amongst us, and that is one of them,” Knox answered, looking my way.

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