Page 38 of Breakaway to You

Now, more than ten years later, I didn’t mourn the loss of Anna. Although it had taken me a few years to realize that she and I never would have lasted. We wanted different things, but I had looked past all of that because I had been so desperate to stay in our relationship. It seemed like a lack of a loving family could make you do crazy things.

What I truly mourned was the loss of having someone in my corner, having someone want to be a part of my life, having someone to call home.

I’d be stupid to misread whatever was going on between Piper and me. Just because she liked kissing me didn’t mean a thing. Just because I felt drawn to her didn’t mean that she was someone I could let myself think of being with. Just because seeing her made me happy didn’t mean that things would be different with her than they had been in the past. Just because I couldn’t stop thinking about her didn’t mean that pursuing her was the right thing to do. And just because I felt more at home with her than I had ever felt with anyone else didn’t mean she was a safe option for me.

No, the only one I could truly count on was myself.

I’d been alone for most of my life, and I’d done pretty well for myself. I had a great hockey career that I could look back on with pride. I had…I had…

I shook my head and rolled onto my side, ignoring the sting of pain that wanted to settle in my chest.

I slammed my eyes shut, hoping the frustration that simmered wouldn’t keep me from falling asleep.

I had hockey. And I didn’t need anything—or anyone—else.

Chapter15

Piper

The soft hum of conversation filled the hotel lobby as I strode across the marble floor, my suitcase rolling behind me. I didn’t notice Jordan until he stepped directly into my path, his familiar grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Piper,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with something sharper.

My stomach sank, but I kept my posture steady. “Jordan.”

What was he doing here? And why did he insist on popping up everywhere?

“Didn’t expect to see me here?” he asked smugly.

Of course I hadn’t. I had assumed that blocking his calls and texts, repeatedly telling him I didn’t want to get back together with him, and even going as far as trying to prove I’d moved on with someone else, would be enough to keep him from coming around.

I took a step back, creating space between us. “If it were up to me, I wouldn’t see you anywhere.”

Jordan’s smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. “Come on, Pipes. You don’t mean that. We had something good. I made a mistake, but I’ve been trying to fix it.”

“A mistake?” I shot back. “Cheating on me wasn’t a mistake. It was a choice.”

His jaw tightened. “I’ve changed. I miss you. And this”—he gestured vaguely toward me—“whatever you’re doing with Zeke, it’s just to get back at me, isn’t it?”

My fists clenched at my sides. “It’s none of your business what I’m doing or who I’m with.”

Jordan leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “It’s obvious. You’re using each other. He’s just as much of a mess as you are. You think he cares about you? He’s probably doing this to piss off the team or the league, or heck—maybe even me.”

Heat rushed to my face, anger swirling with hurt. “You don’t get to come here and tell me what my relationship is or isn’t. Zeke is nothing like you. He respects me. He?—”

“Does he?” Jordan interrupted, his tone dripping with disbelief. “He’s been traded more times than I can count. Guys like him don’t settle down. This isn’t real, and you know it.”

“Get away from her, Jordan.”

The deep, gravelly voice made both of us turn. Zeke stood a few feet away, his broad frame imposing even in a casual hoodie and joggers. His gaze locked on Jordan, unflinching and protective.

Jordan scoffed, straightening. “Speak of the devil. Here to play the hero?”

Zeke stepped forward, his expression calm but his presence radiating warning. “I’m here to make sure you don’t bother Piper again.”

Jordan rolled his eyes. “This whole thing is pathetic, man. You’re both just?—”

Zeke cut him off, his voice like steel. “Leave her alone. She doesn’t owe you an explanation, and I sure as hell don’t. Whatever you think this is, it’s not your problem anymore.”

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