Page 47 of Power Forward

Blaine grins and wraps his arm around Alex’s neck, pulling him in close to kiss his temple. “Damn right you did.”

“I believe they’re due any minute now,” I say. And right on cue, the door opens, and Isabela’s loud shriek causes me to flinch.

“Ethan!” she squeals.

Jackson’s on his feet in an instant as the sound of her little feet pounding against the wooden floor echoes down the hallway. “Iz, be careful! He’s had sur?—”

“Whoa there, kiddo,” Jacob says around a laugh. “We’ve gotta be slow around Ethan. He’s not too steady at the minute.”

I peek my head around the corner and see Ethan’s oncrutches after his recent knee replacement. I scan his expression, looking for any sign of pain or regret, but there’s nothing. His usually stoic face is soft as he smiles down at Isabela, allowing her to take a look at his crutches.

“Hey, Hayden.” Jacob smiles when he spots me.

Ethan’s head snaps up, and his eyes narrow behind his glasses.

“Hey,” I reply and tilt my chin, motioning to his leg. “How are you holding up?”

“All good,” Ethan grumbles, and Jacob rolls his eyes.

“He’s fine, just grumpier than usual because he doesn’t like being told to rest.”

“I don’t like sitting still and doing nothing,” he argues.

“Well, tough shit. Now, go be a good boy and sit down in the living room.” Jacob points in the direction of the living room.

A flash of heat crosses Ethan’s expression. He bends forward, and whatever he whispers in Jacob’s ear causes him to shiver. Jacob rises on his toes to kiss Ethan, and then Ethan makes his way into the living room with Isabela at his heels.

“Is there anything I can help with?” Jacob asks.

“No, I think we’re all set.” Jackson looks over at me, and I nod.

Dinner is chaotic, but Jackson’s mom seems to revel in it. She beams as every dish is emptied and bellies become fuller. Jackson takes the kids upstairs after they fall asleep on the couch, and the rest of us settle in the living room to watch the football game before having dessert.

He sits next to me and gives my thigh a gentle squeeze.

“You okay?” he asks quietly.

“Yeah.” I smile, resting my head back against the cushions. I want to kiss him so bad. “Thanks for inviting me.”

He winks, making the urge to kiss him even stronger.

Elliot returns minutes later, wearing pajama pants covered in cartoon otters holding a slice of watermelon.

“What are those?” Peyton asks from where he’s slouched in an armchair with the button of his jeans undone.

“Dude, I’m so full my stomach might explode. Jeans make me feel constricted.” He gets on the floor and lies on his back. He bends his knees and grabs hold of his feet, pulling his knees toward the floor, and lets out a groan. “That feels so good.”

Shock filters through Peyton’s face. “Goalies are fucking weird, yo.”

“I’d like to see you try that.” Blaine grins.

“I don’t think I’d be able to get back up. You’d have to roll me out the door.”

We all burst into laughter.

By the time the others begin to head home, I’m happy and content and full of dessert. I’m loading the dishwasher when Jackson comes into the kitchen. He glances over his shoulder, then wraps his arms around my waist. He ducks his head, pressing his lips to the delicate skin over my pulse point.

“Did you have a good day?” I ask, tipping my head back to give him better access.

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