Page 30 of Pucking Off-Sides With My Brother's Best Friend

I smile when Jax turns to protest, but my smile dies down when Aiden’s gaze meets mine. There’s something there that leaves me wondering why he doesn’t ask who I was with, but he doesn’t look happy.

“Fine,” Jax says with a huff as he turns back to me. “I’m not trying to tell you who you can hang out with. I’m just trying to look out for you. That’s all. I’m doing my big brother duty.”

I roll my eyes and turn away. “It’s fine. If you must know, a co-worker named Mark asked me out to dinner tomorrow night, and I said yes. That’s probably who your little spy network saw me talking to.”

“Oh,” Jax says. “The dude we roughed up at the arena. I have to hand it to him. The dude’s brave.” I turn around in surprise.

“Really?” I ask. “That’s it?”

“We already let him know where he stands if he fucks with you, so it should be all good. Besides, Mark is just one of our trainers. I officially met him for my shoulder earlier this week— he seems like a good guy after all.”

“Oh, okay. That’s good to know. So, you aren’t going to give me shit about going on a date with him?”

Jax laughs. “I didn’t say all that, but now I know the guy — he seems solid, so I’m cool with it. And if he gives you trouble, I know exactly where to find him. Besides, I’m glad you’re moving on… It’s about damn time.”

I can’t deny that. It’s not the first time Jax has mentioned me moving on from the nightmares of my ex.

“Plus, you probably need a nice, chill guy to ease you back into the dating scene. And Mark’s a good one to do that with. Everyone who’s ever mentioned him talked about what a nice guy he is. So that whole interaction in the arena was just amisunderstanding. You done good sis.”

I snort out thanks and sip my juice as I think about Jax’s words. He isn’t wrong that I probably need someone down-to-earth and low-key to ease me back into getting out there. Immediately, my gaze drifts to Aiden. He’s anything but low-key, and I shiver as I think about the intensity in his gaze that night. It’s the same as it was back then. It’s almost startling to realize that the way he looked at me hasn’t changed.

But Aiden isn’t the type of guy I need, according to Jax.

“Just be careful.”

My smile falls as I take in his words. I nod once sharply before making a strategic retreat to my room.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I look the same, but I feel different. Like I’ve crossed some invisible line, and there’s no going back.

It’s not just about Aiden or that moment in the kitchen. It’s more about me. When did I become this person who reaches for what she wants? And more importantly, do I like her?

Standing there in my silence, I trace the curves of my hips, remembering the feel of Aiden’s hands there. For so long, I’ve been defining myself by other people’s expectations, but last night, inthatkitchen, I wasn’t anyone’s little sister or ex-fiancée.

I was just…Aurora.

Chapter fifteen

Aiden

Islam the doorclosed behind me after walking into the house. The day has been a total wash, and I’m glad to put it the fuck behind me. Dropping my gear bag by the door, the weight of the day heavy on my shoulders, I head straight for the kitchen. Practice was a test in patience, and though I know I did well, it shouldn’t have been as hard as it was. The guys’ eyes were on me the whole time, not saying shit, but they didn’t have to. Their silence spoke volumes. Doubt radiated from their stares, questioning whether I truly have what it takes to lead us to victory. Hell, some days I wonder the same thing.

In the locker room, I feel the guys watching me. They’re not saying shit, but they don’t have to. I know they’re wondering if I’ve got what it takes to lead us to victory. Hell, some days I wonder the same thing. But I’ll be damned if I let them see mebreak—these guys’ll see me bleed before I let them see me doubt myself.

I don’t understand where my head’s been at lately, but I need to get back in gear. Our next game is coming up in a few days, and this next one isn’t just another mark in the win column. It’s my shot at proving I belong here, that I’m not just some minor-league schmuck who got lucky.

If we lose, it’s not just the team that takes the hit. It’s my future, my dreams, everything I’ve been busting my ass for since I first laced up a pair of skates.

We still have an uphill battle for our kickoff season, and I can’t leave anything to chance. There’s too much riding on this shit for me to choke.

The house is thankfully quiet when I come in. I know Jax is out with whatever girl he’s managed to charm recently, and I’m pretty sure Aurora is still at the stadium. Just thinking of her has me feeling the strangest rush of emotions.

We still haven’t talked about what happened between us in the kitchen a few days ago. I’m not even sure if I want to. Talking about it means figuring out if there’s something more, and I’m not ready for that. Because honestly that would mean figuring out how to tell Jax.

Everything in my life is intertwined to the point that one small push could send things crashing and burning to the ground.

It’s like the pressure never lets up.

Security? That’s a fairy tale for guys born with a silver spoon in their mouths. For me, every game, every practice, every fucking breath is a battle.

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