Page 34 of The Way We Win

His straight white teeth close as if stopping himself, as if he said too much. “I know what it’s like to trust the wrong person, to wish someone could be different… could be what you need.”

Inhaling a shaky breath, I want to be what he needs.

“I always knew Rip was bad. I guess I thought he would make my life more exciting. I was so stupid. I should’ve known he would only hurt me.”

He shakes his head. “You never know.” Stepping away, he rubs his hand over his forehead. “I just wanted to be sure you were safe.”

He’s shutting me out again, withdrawing, and I want to scream for him to stop, to come back to me.

I take a step closer. “Jack!”

“I can’t…” He pauses. I think he’ll leave, but instead he takes my hand roughly in his. “Come on.”

He walks ahead of me, leading me to the house. I watch his broad shoulders stretching that shirt, so strong and imposing. He’s moving fast, and I stumble behind him as we get closer to my door.

When we reach the still-open entrance to my house, he turns, pulling me in front of him. Need pulses through me on every rapid heartbeat.

“Go inside and set the alarm. I’ll take care of Austin tonight.”

“But Jack…” It’s a pleading sound, but he practically lifts me off my feet and puts me through the open door.

“Do what I say, Allie.” Reaching forward, he grabs the doorknob, pulling it shut with me inside. “Set the alarm.”

Our eyes hold through the glass. Mine are begging, but his are firm.

He waits as I slowly go to the panel and enter the numbers. It’s armed, and I look up at him through the locked door once more.

He’s not smiling, and instead of goodnight, he simply says, “Good.”

Lifting my hand, I press it against the cold barrier.

He only returns the way he came, walking fast until he disappears into the darkness.

8

Jack

“Edward wants to join the team.” Zane stands with his hands on his hips, looking out at the boys on the field.

My brow furrows, and I glance at my brother. “He does?”

“Apparently, he’s been watching my old reels and reading about kicking techniques. Last night he told me he’d like to learn in case Rome can’t play.”

I take a beat to consider this. Zane wouldn’t suggest Edward for the team if he didn’t think he could do it, especially with Edward’s situation.

“It’s a lot of stress.” I study my brother’s face. “Will he be okay with that?”

Zane puts both hands in his back pockets, looking at Edward standing on the sidelines. “He taught himself to play pool, and he won the tournament. He taught himself to ride, and he’s one of our best horsemen. We don’t have a backup kicker, and I can work with him at home.”

“Okay, then.”

A hint of a smile crosses my brother’s lips and for the first time since I left Allie last night, I feel like I got somethingright.

Walking over to the cooler, I think of her standing in front of me in her bare feet in the moonlight.

I left the house needing to see her. I needed to tell her I was sorry for walking away after what George said. I didn’t expect the rush of feelings I had when she ran out to me in the darkness.

Her bright eyes were so blue. It was as if she were outlined in silver light. Her lips seemed fuller somehow, and when she said,I wish…

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