Page 45 of Power Forward

Wow, this is great news, Hayden. How do you feel about it all?

Amazing! I can’t stop smiling, my face kinda aches. We’re going to talk about what happened before, which I know is needed for us to move forward, but I feel like everything is coming together, you know?

I feel like I’m being rewarded for the hard work I’ve been putting into myself.

Roberta

I can sense your smile through your words. Let’s catch up next week. I look forward to hearing about it.

There’s a light knock on the door, and then Jackson pokes his head through the gap. When he sees I’m awake, he comes in, a soft smile on his face. He’s wearing plaid pajama pants and a worn T-shirt. I lock my phone and place it on the mattress beside me.

“Hey, I’ve brought you coffee.”

I sit up against the pillows, wincing slightly when my hip pinches. I haven’t taken my meds yet today. He sits on the edge of the bed and hands over the steaming cup. I take a sip, letting out a satisfied “ah” as the delicious caffeine hits.

I wet my lip with my tongue, and Jackson’s eyes zero in on the movement. It was like no time had passed when we were making out last night. Like I had been transported to our bathroom back in Boston after a game when we would shower together. We’d exchange lazy kisses and stroke each other’s hard cocks before tumbling into bed, where we’d fuck for most of the night.

“Did you sleep okay?” he asks.

“Like a dream.” I smile, taking another sip before placing the cup on the table. “Did you?”

He dips his chin, and his cheeks flush slightly. “Yeah, I, uh… had to see to something, then I slept better than I have in a while.”

The thought of him touching himself on the other side of the wall sends warmth down to my groin.

“Damn, I wish I could’ve helped you out with that.”

“Me too.” He smirks. “Maybe next time.”

A beat of silence passes between us as our eyes remain locked, a silent promise of what’s to come when the time and place is right. I have to trample down the urge to grab the back of his head and slide my tongue into his mouth because now isn’t the time. And Jackson’s next words solidify that.

“There’s two kids waiting downstairs who haven’t stopped asking about you since they woke up.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, they’re very excited that you’re still here. Isabela’s drawn you a picture too.”

I grin. “You have two amazing kids, Jackson. You must be so proud.”

“I am.” He nods, his smile full of pride. “Do you need to head back to California for anything?”

“No, only a therapy session, but that’s not until next week. Other than that, I have nothing going on that I can’t do from here. Why?” I lean closer. “What are you thinking?”

His hand lands on my thigh over the comforter, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I’m hosting Thanksgiving here this year. My parentsand some of the guys from the team are coming. I’d love it if you could stay and spend it with us.”

My eyes widen slightly, not expecting him to say that. I usually go to Zara’s for Thanksgiving because she refuses to let me sit around on my own, but I’m sure Connor would love to not have his girlfriend’s ex-husband around. “I mean… I’d love to. Is there anything I can help with? I’m not good at cooking, but I can help chop veggies?”

“My mom’s pretty much got it covered, but thanks.” He smiles, and then something in his eyes flickers as he tugs his lip between his teeth. “Also… we’re playing in Los Angeles next week…” His hand inches higher as his words trail off, and my cock doesn’t fail to notice. “We’re staying the night before heading down to San Jose.”

“What are you thinking?” I ask huskily.

“Maybe you could come stay the night.”

I beam. “You want me to be your booty call, Wilde?”

“Fuck off.” He laughs. “We’re limited on what we can do while the kids are here, but fuck, Cas. I want to get my hands on you so bad.” My cock is half-hard by the time his fingers coast over my lap. His tongue darts out, swiping over his lips. “Wanna taste you so bad. Wanna feel you on my tongue.”

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