Page 250 of Breaking the Pucking Rules

---

It’ll be easier this way.

We can focus on what’s really important.

Our jobs.

The dots continue bouncing, making the dread that’s only been growing since I walked out of the arena and away from her earlier to get heavier and heavier in my gut.

I was an asshole to her.

Mom chastised me over it the second Sutton was out of earshot, demanding to know what my problem was.

Of course, I didn’t tell her.

But I have a feeling she might be seeing a hell of a lot more than I want her to.

Those hickies on my neck after I spent the night with her, and then my reaction today.

Fuck.

I need to lock it down.

Mom knowing is one thing.

Linc is another.

But anyone else?

Combing my hair back from my face, I tug until it hurts.

But still, the dots keep bouncing.

I’m either going to receive the world’s longest reply, or she’s doing exactly what I was before I sent that message.

Write.

Delete.

Write.

Delete.

I hate that I could be causing her pain.

I just…why didn’t she tell me?

Anger bubbles under the surface, battling with a million other emotions I’m struggling to get in line.

Getting frustrated with those dots, I abandon my cell on the bed and throw my legs off the side.

I need to move. I need to?—

Everything stops when my cell pings, the screen lighting up.

She replied.

There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to look.

I just want to forget all about this afternoon.

---