Page 69 of Fractured Faceoff

“Definitely.” The word slipped out before I could reconsider its weight.

The streetlights flickered past, illuminating his profile—confident and carefree. He parked in front of his townhouse and hopped out, rushing around to open my door. I slid out, a nervous energy swirling inside me.

“Here,” he said, taking my coat when we stepped inside. He hung it on the rack with an easy motion that felt both intimate and casual.

“Now, to enact the next phase,” he declared, turning to face me.

“The next phase?” I asked, skepticism creeping into my voice.

“We lean into this,” he replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “We show everyone we're together. I have a pre-season game this weekend. I need you there.”

"W-what?" My heart raced as I processed his words. “You want me there?”

“Why wouldn't I? You’re my girl, right?” His smile widened, the confidence radiating off him was infectious.

“Yeah, but…” My voice trailed off as memories of Brody’s warnings flooded my mind. He had been so adamant about not mixing business and pleasure—something about keeping appearances intact. The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Jared stepped closer, his expression softening. “What’s wrong?”

I hesitated, searching for the rightwords. “I just… I didn't think you would even want that.” The memory of being sidelined at events played in my head—the feeling of being uninvited and unimportant gnawed at me now.

He frowned slightly but quickly masked it with a grin that was all charm. “This is different.”

“I know,” I replied quietly but felt uncertain about throwing myself into something so public after everything I’d been through.

He crossed his arms casually but leaned in slightly as if daring me to challenge him further. “Look, Isla?—”

But before he could finish, something shifted in the air between us—a tension laced with anticipation that sent shivers down my spine.

“I want you there,” he said. “Will you come? Wearing my jersey? With my name on your back?”

His voice held a possessiveness that stirred something deep in my core, igniting a rush of warmth and uncertainty.

“I don’t have your jersey,” I managed to say, trying to maintain a casual tone.

“Don’t worry,” he replied smoothly, leaning against the doorframe with an air of confidence. “I’ll get you one. There’s also the matter of the Snakes & Bakes event in a couple of weeks.”

I nodded slowly. "That's one of Paige's ideas?"

He nodded. “Seems like Ryker Kane got the team into a bit of trouble and they’re making up for it. You know how to bake?” he asked, raising an eyebrow as if he already knew the answer.

I shrugged, pretending to consider it seriously. “Not really.”

“Luckily for you, I do.” He flashedme a grin that could melt glaciers.

“How?” I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of him whipping up cupcakes or cookies.

“I’m full of secrets,” he declared dramatically, as if he were revealing some grand mystery.

“Secrets like baking skills?” I teased, crossing my arms and leaning against the kitchen counter behind me.

“Absolutely,” he shot back with mock seriousness. “You wouldn’t believe what goes down in my kitchen when no one’s watching.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. “Now I need to know more about this secret life of yours.”

“Let’s just say it involves aprons and some very questionable choices in toppings.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “One time, I experimented with jalapeños in brownies.”

I wrinkled my nose in disbelief. “That sounds disgusting!”

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