Page 79 of Off Season

“Hey, guys!” The loud voice startles me, and I turn to see Elliot rushing toward us with ice cream in hand and a large grin on his face. “We’re gonna go see the otters! Wanna come?”

Close behind him is a young guy with shoulder-length hair who can only be Mitch Henry, based on what Ethan told me, followed by Blaine and Alex.

A flash of hurt rushes through me as Ethan quickly drops his hand from my waist. When I glance at Alex, I assume he saw it too, based on the scowl he’s sending Ethan’s way.

We follow the others, but Alex lets go of Blaine’s hand to take hold of my elbow, pulling me back slightly so we fall behind.

“What’s going on?” he whispers.

“He showed up at the house with a big bouquet of flowers and told me he missed me,” I start before telling him everything else.

“That’s amazing, right? So why do you look so…blue? Is it because he let you go when we arrived? Because I saw that, and I’ll kick his ass for it.”

“Yes.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair to push it off my face. “I’m scared, Alex. He just did that in front ofyou, so what will happen when the season starts? Will he remember all the bullshit his asshole ex said and end things before giving me the chance to show him I’m not anything like him?”

Alex frowns. “I can understand your worries, but I don’t think Ethan does things on impulse. He wouldn’t have come to you if he wasn’t serious about it, or about you.”

“I know. I’m just afraid.”

“I get that. Just…don’t write him off just yet. Give him a chance,” he smiles.

“Didn’t you want to kick his ass a minute ago?”

“I’m going to give him a chance too. For now.”

When we reach the otter enclosure, Elliot is already up against the glass. I can see his bright smile in the reflection.

I stand next to Ethan. His fingers brush against mine in a gentle caress. When I glance over to him, I realize that I need to start taking my own advice.

If I’m going to do this—if we’re going to do this—I can’t lethispast affect how I live my life going forward either.

And I would be a fool to deny this man a chance.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ethan

“I’m really sorry about this,” Jackson says, running a hand through his hair. “I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t desperate.”

“It’s okay,” I say reassuringly.

Jackson called an hour ago, asking if I wouldn’t mind looking after his kids for a couple of hours. He was traded to the Thunder back in February to be closer to his parents following an amicable divorce, and I’ve kind of taken him under my wing ever since. I don’t like seeing people struggle.

Plus, his kids are pretty cool, so I have no problem with him dropping them off with me.

“Take as much time as you need. I don’t have anything planned today, so it’s fine.”

Jackson rubs his face with his hand. He looks exhausted, but I guess becoming a single dad while still playing professional hockey will do that to you.

“Thank you,” he answers with a grateful smile. He turnsto speak to the kids. “Be good for Ethan, okay? Do what he says. I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay, Dad.” Ryan waves, then takes his little sister’s hand. “I’ll look after Izzy.”

She wiggles her hand free from his and clings to my leg like a koala. “I want Ethan.”

Ryan rolls his eyes. “Whatever, Izzy.” He looks up at me. “Ethan, can I watch Sports Network?”

“Sure.” I barely have time to nod before he runs off into the living room and jumps onto the couch.

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