Page 32 of Puck and Prejudice

“I’m not lying. That’s why I’m here. I need your help.”

My brows shoot to the heavens. “Oh… I can’t wait to hear this.”

“I need you to convince Jane to give Chad another chance.”

My jaw drops, and I just stare at him for a couple beats. “They broke up thanks to you! You should be ecstatic.”

“Ecstatic to see my best friend suffering like Chad is now? If that were the case, then yes, I’d be despicable. I’m not in the least bit happy about it. Chad is a mess, he won’t talk to me, and he can’t even play hockey anymore.”

My stomach bottoms out when I realize the real motive for Jackson’s visit. “I knew it.”

“Knew what?”

“That there had to be a reason for your sudden change of tune. You need Chad’s head back in the game, so you have a shot at winning your precious Stanley Cup.”

His eyes widen. “That’s not why I’m here.”

“Bullshit.”

He moves closer, but I hold my ground. I won’t let him intimidate me on my own turf. “I’m not lying. I was wrong. I should never have interfered in Chad’s relationship with your sister.”

“Are you saying Chad doesn’t care about Jane’s past or that our family is broke?”

“He truly doesn’t. He was upset that she didn’t tell him.”

“What about you, Jackson?”

He flinches. “My opinion doesn’t matter.”

“Itdoesmatter.” I poke his chest with my finger. “I won’t help you bring Jane and Chad back together so he can focus on hockey, only for you to sabotage their relationship again.”

He looks at my finger, still embedded in his chest, then into my eyes. I’ve never been this close to him on purpose, and I can’t say it isn’t a rush. The air between us seems to crackle with electricity.

“I swear on my mother’s grave that I won’t interfere ever again.”

I step back. “Your mother’s grave? Is she…”

“Dead. Yes.”

Knowing that about him snuffs the anger out of me. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It happened a long time ago.”

A phone rings, and it takes us both a moment to realize it’s Jackson’s phone. He fishes it out of his pocket and glances at the screen. “I’m sorry. I have to take this.”

He walks away, and I return to my spot behind the desk.

Flora, no surprise, was watching us this whole time. “My, my… you’ve been keeping a secret, Izzie.”

“What do you mean?”

“You and that man. I wasn’t sure if you were going to punch his handsome face or kiss him in the middle of the waiting area.”

I grimace. “Kiss him? Are you crazy? I detest him.”

She watches me as if she doesn’t believe me. “Sure you do.”

“… what do you mean Dr. Lawrence isn’t available?” Jackson blurts out loudly. He seems agitated. “What about his replacement?” He starts to pace.

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