Page 68 of Tight End

“It’s just really…complicated.”

“Sam, I feel for him. Really, I do. But he comes with a lot of risk, not only to your career and future, but to your heart. I don’t know much about him beyond what I’ve seen since you two have been linked together online, but it’s not one case of bad judgment on his part. The more I read, the more I see that concerns me. Because of you. Because I know you, sweetie. And I don’t want you to get caught up in someone else’s troubles. You can’t fix everyone.”

“I know. But there’s more to him than people realize. The more I get to know him, the more I can see what hides beneath the mask he wants the world to see. I know he’s hurting and maybe he’s projected it in ways that aren’t the best for him, but he could have cut and run after that press conference over a week ago. He didn’t. He came to Play It Forward and has been there every day. He’s in it. And it’s not to improve his image. Ibelieve it’s actually helping him. That tells me I’m right, that he wants to fix himself.”

Mom nods and opens the oven to check on the prime rib. I breathe in the rich scent but my gut is so knotted, I can’t even think about eating it.

“What about Jack?”

I lean back on the stool and sneak a look at the clock in the hallway.

Six fifty-four.

“You ended things because the distance was too much. But now he’s back. And from the looks of it, he wants more than friendship from you.” Mom shuts the oven and gives me a pointed look. “You were great together. Everyone loves him. He’s a stable, good-hearted guy. Hell of a hockey player.”

“We haven’t talked about getting back together. I mean, yeah, I get his signals, but right now it’s platonic. Neither one of us is making any moves.”

“Because you’re drawn to Brixton.”

“No, because I’m just not sure how I feel right now.”

“Sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself of that, but I think you know exactly what you want.” Mom takes another sip of her wine. “You know, I just want you to be happy. That’s all I want for both of my boys. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that this time, you might be making the wrong choice.”

The sound of heavy footsteps gets louder as the guys come upstairs from the basement. Jack beams at Mom when he walks into the kitchen.

“Smells amazing in here.”

Mom gives him a wink. “I hope you’re hungry. I made all your favorites.”

He gives her a quick hug. “You were always so good to me.”

The doorbell rings at the second I take a gulp of water. Icough and sputter. My foot slips from the rung of the stool as I scramble to stand.

Jack gives me a long look. “You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. All good.” I run a hand through my hair and walk to the front door.

Silence falls around me and I’m sure it’s because my family is busy exchanging looks behind me.

I grab the handle and pull it open.

Speechless.

I can’t do anything except stare.

He’s fucking gorgeous, looking like aGQmodel standing in my parents’ doorway.

His dark hair is slicked back, face clean-shaven. He’s got on a light-blue, long-sleeved dress shirt buttoned up high enough to cover his tattoos. The color makes his eyes look even brighter than normal. His shirt is tucked into black pants, and he’s got on dress shoes. I melt a little just looking at him.

“Umm…hi,” he finally says with a smile when I don’t speak.

I swallow hard. “Sorry, I, um…you look really great,” I blurt out.

“Thanks. I wasn’t sure how dressed up I should get.”

“You’re perfect.” The words tumble from my lips before I can catch them.

“Sometimes,” he says lightly. “Not always.” Then he holds out two huge shopping bags. “I wasn’t sure what to bring, so I figured dessert was a safe bet.”

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