Page 33 of Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights

Blake looks wounded by my words. I’m usually so much more careful, but this day is kicking my ass. “You say that like I purposely abandoned you or something. You know that’s not what happened.”

“I know,” I sigh and take his hand in mine. It’s such a familiar hand, yet touching it brings not one tingle to my skin or kick to my heart rate. Again, my mind takes me back to that kiss withBobby in the big Spanish-style kitchen where my entire body was alight. But I block it out. “I’m not blaming you. I’m just trying to explain that the stage of our relationship where you have a say in my personal decisions is over. When it comes to Matty, absolutely. But not me. Even if neither of us technically chose this path, this is where we are, and you’ve got to be okay with it.”

“Fuck.” Blake drops his head back with a heavy sigh. “I really screwed this up, didn’t I?”

My lips twitch. “Yeah, you did a pretty spectacular job, I’d say. I mean, what was with that pissing contest with you and Bobby?”

He shakes his head and shrugs, looking down at me again. “Reflex?”

I raise a finger. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Bobby flirts with everyone. I’m nothing special.”

Blake’s jaw tics, and I see him look over to the rink where I last saw Bobby. I refuse to follow his gaze, instead waiting for his attention to return to me. When it does, his tone is forceful. “Don’t you ever say that, Dollface. You are the definition of special, and don’t you forget it.”

Tears spring to my eyes and I will them away, but not before Blake sees them. He musters a smile and switches to casual. “Anyway, I really did just come back early to see you and Matty—and to tell you some news, but that can wait.”

“What news is that?” I’m as eager as he is to shove emotions aside.

“No, I already caused enough drama.”

I bat at his chest. “You know I’ll only worry if you don’t tell me.”

He grins at that. “It’s really not a big deal. I was just going to tell you that I started seeing someone.”

My eyes widen. “You did?”

“Yeah. I mean, it’s early days but...” His eyes drop to his boots. “I don’t know. It just felt weird not sharing it with my best friend.”

“You know, you make it hard to stay mad at you,” I scold, warmth infusing my chest. “I’m happy for you.” And I am. This hasn’t been easy for any of us.

“I know I’m going to sound like a complete hypocrite, but I want you to find somebody too.” He cocks his head toward the rink. “Maybe not the guy who I’m pretty sure just broke my hand, but somebody.”

“Ha! Well, like I said, there’s no danger of that. He’s just a world-class flirt, nothing more.” Maybe if I keep repeating it, I’ll convince myself.

Blake drops both hands onto my shoulders and gives them a squeeze. “You deserve the best, Dollface. Don’t settle for less than someone who makes you the center of their universe.”

I fight a wince at his use of the exact phrase I thought of minutes ago when watching Bobby flirt with the beautiful woman.

“Yes, sir. Now, go say hi to your son.”

Blake gives me one last squeeze before jogging toward the bleachers and Matty. I watch Matty forget to act cool and instead jump into his dad’s arms. Then I pull my phone from my bag and bring up my text chat with Bobby.

Me: Thanks for asking, but I’m going to say no to the date.

Using every bit of restraint I can muster, I tuck my phone away and stride out the facility’s doors without looking back.

Chapter Fifteen

Bobby

Well, that was as uncomfortable as that Gator jersey I had to wear one year for Halloween when I lost a bet with my brothers. Dad nearly disowned me, right after he ran me out of the house screaming about Bulldogs for life. What the fuck is Molly’s ex-husband doing here engaging in a petty dick-measuring contest? I mean, I know I’d win the contest, but that’s beside the point. I felt that guy’s stare all through practice.

My wife? Shit, I didn’t like hearing that guy call Molly his, nor did I care for his arm around her shoulders. Not that she’s mine either, but considering they’re divorced now, you’d think he could let up on the wholemy wifething. Whatever that was, it put me in a bad mood.

“Bye, Bobby!” Matthew gives me a wave from the exit door as I’m getting my skates off.

Blake wraps his arm around his son’s bony shoulders and hustles him out of the arena with the other kids. Blake, however, doesn’t bother with a goodbye, which is fine by me. It wouldhave taken my entire adult ration of self-control to not flip the guy off.

I toss my skates in my bag and stand up again, stretching the kinks out. Coach went a bit psycho on me at practice today. Said I had some catching up to do since I missed yesterday’s practice due to the python. Like it was my fault Florida Man struck again. Whatever.

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