Page 82 of Power Forward

I’m aware of cheers and someone clapping, but my gaze stays locked on Jackson’s.

“I love you,” I say, just loud enough for him to hear.

“I love you too.”

“Wait!” Elliot shouts, breaking the moment. “Does this mean we’ve gotta be on our best behavior now our agent is in town?”

“Well, I’d hope you’d be on your best behavior regardless…” I pause. “Why? What have you done?”

“Nothing!” he says a little too quickly. “Nothing bad, anyway. And it’s probably nothing. It’s probably so irrelevant, it’s like having the ‘does pineapple belong on pizza’ debate.”

I furrow my brows. What the hell is he going on about?

I look over at his twin, hoping maybe he’ll give a clue on what’s going on. Blaine’s face is lit in amusement, and Alex is hiding his face behind his hand, but the pinks at the top of his cheeks and his shaking shoulders give him away.

“Is everything okay, El?” Jackson asks, wearing a matching frown.

“Yes! It’s great. Oh, look! Ethan’s without crutches now. Bye to the old man jokes. So, are we gonna have lunch together before we nap, or are we being kicked out?”

At the mention of him, my eyes land on Ethan. He’s without his crutches, one arm wrapped around Jacob’s waist, and he looks happy. No sign of pain or discomfort.

Maybe I can do it. Maybe I can speak with Ethan about it and finally put the anxious thoughts to the back of my mind and get the surgery.

While the chatter starts about where to order lunch from, I take a seat and add it to my list of things to do to be a better partner for Jackson and to be the best for Ryan and Isabela.

To overcome my fears and continue to put myself first.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Jackson

We end up losing to Edmonton. Coach isn’t pleased, but if I’m being honest, it will take a lot more than a loss in regulation to ruin my mood right now. We threw our normal routines out the window today, and maybe that’s why we didn’t get the win.

The guys ended up staying for lunch, and I didn’t get my preferred nap time. I wasn’t expecting them to be there when we got home from the airport. Yeah, I kinda went off on them yesterday, but I know they have a good heart. Sometimes it’s easy in life to get wrapped up in other things that we often forget those around us. I’m not going to hold it against them, but what they did for Hayden means a lot.

And I know Hayden was really touched by it too.

Then when my mom came to pick up the kids for the night, she threw an exaggerated wink over her shoulder before she closed the door. It means Hayden and I have the night to ourselves.

I’ve been eager to get home since the game ended. I wasfirst to wrap up my post-game cooldown and the first to hit the showers. But as I finish doing the buttons on my shirt, there’s one thing I need to do before I disappear for the night.

“Hey, guys,” I say, getting their attention. “I just wanted to say thank you for what you did earlier. I know it meant a lot to Hayden. He hasn’t had it easy since he retired, and seeing you turn up for him, knowing you’re in his corner…” I look at them one by one, flashing them a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

“Aw, it’s okay!” Elliot bounds over in his boxer briefs and one sock. He wraps his arms around me in a tight hug before releasing me. “I’m sorry we were such ding-dongs. Will he be coming for Christmas dinner? Jacob said he’s making this big cake.” His eyes go comically wide. “Gonna be so good.”

I chuckle. “Thanks, bud, but I think we’re going to have a quiet Christmas this year. But how about New Year’s?” I glance to Peyton for confirmation as he’s hosting this year’s New Year’s Eve party.

“Yeah, just don’t think you can get away with sneaking off to my bathroom again without us noticing, eh.” He smirks.

I grin and flip him off. “Like you give a damn.”

“Truth, dude.” He shrugs. “But seriously, you’re always welcome. Whether I’m hosting a party or not.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

We chatter among ourselves and finish getting dressed, and I promise Blaine I’ll speak with Hayden about creating a group chat with all of us.

By the time I’m walking through my front door, I’m greeted by the warmth from the fire and the smell of my favorite chicken pesto alfredo. Hanging my coat in the closet, I’m about to call out to Hayden when I round the corner to the living room and find him asleep on the couch. His lips are slightly parted, and the sound of his soft snores make me smile. I walk over to him quietly and perch on the edge of the couch. Lifting my hand, I trace over his cheek with my fingertip, then along his cheekbone before moving down to the corner of his mouth. The feel of his day-old stubble scratches my skin, and the prickly sensation sends a shiver down my spine.

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