Page 79 of Face Off
“I want us to be a family again, Hayl. You. Me. Camden. I want to make this work between us. Not just as co-parents but as a couple.”
Hold the fucking phone.
Did I just hear that right? I swear there has to be some wax obstructing my hearing right now.
There’s no way in hell Boyce just said he wants me back.
A second chance.
A second chance to what? Prove exactly why we’re not together now. Why he broke my heart in the first place? To be Camden’s father for how long before he lets him down again.
This has to be some sort of sick joke. In fact, if I knew for a fact thatPunk’dwas no longer a TV show, I would think I’m the next guest.
“Family?” I snap as a low chuckle vibrates across my chest. “When were we ever a family, Boyce? You left me the minute I told you I was pregnant.”
“I know…”
“You told everyone I was a liar. You denied Camden being yours that very moment I told you. You made me out to be some slut who slept around. But the moment a blood test proves you wrong, you want to come back into his life. Our life. And act as if you were here all along. That all the wrongs you committed in the past can be forgiven.”
He sighs while wiping his sweaty palms along his jeans. “I wish I could go back and take back everything that happened, but I know I can’t. But I want the chance to make it right. to try to be the man you needed.”
“And what happens to you and Miss Arizona? You’ll end your engagement just like that? Leave that whole life you created behind?”
He stays quiet as if he hadn’t thought about the fact he’s engaged.
“Right, you didn’t think that far ahead. Am I right? Tell me this, Boyce, do you really want to be Camden’s father or is all of this going down because of bad publicity? Or is it because of Brooks?” I challenge as he stays stone faced.
My emotions heighten as the anger I’ve kept at bay for years finally rears its ugly head. My fists clench tightly under the table as I grit my teeth, seething at what transpired. How could he think this was any sort of option? He’s hurt me, broken my trust more times than I can count.
I release a breath before pulling my wallet from my purse, frustrated by his lack of silence. Tossing a twenty onto the table, I stand ready to walk away but pausing for a moment more. “You know what, Boyce. The best thing you can do for Camden is to sign over your rights. You weren’t in his life ten years ago, so what’s really the point of being in his life now?” I readjust my purse on my shoulder. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to throw a wrench into the perfect life you’re currently building.”
With my head held high, I walk out of the bistro, just as broken as I went in. Well, okay, maybe I’m not as bad as I once was, but that has nothing to do with Boyce. Boyce could never fix what he has broken, not even if he came to me ten years ago in an attempt to fix things.
Brooks.
Brooks has fixed me. He’s slowly been piecing me back together.
But how naïve I am to think that the pieces are firmly back in place. That soon what was once on the mend will shatter again.
Hayley
The arena is buzzing as I walk through the team and employee entrance. I wouldn’t expect anything less. It’s Game 6, the game that could end it all and dub the Skipjacks as Stanley Cup Champions. Everyone is focused on the win, except me. I’m distracted. Unfocused, as I mosey my way to my office.
Boyce’s declaration has me reeling. And to make matters worse, I’ve lied to Brooks about the entire meeting. He wouldn’t let me go alone if he knew Boyce was involved. He’s protective of me. Almost possessive, which isn’t a bad thing at all, but I know if he knew Boyce requested a one on one with me, he’d be distracted. And that is the last thing the Skipjacks need tonight.
A season full of ups and downs leading to this very moment.
This. Hopefully, the final game.
The Skipjacks are up 3-2 for the series. All we need is this one final game to prove we are the superior team. Then all the Boyce drama, the one secret I have still yet to reveal to Brooks, can finally all be put to rest.
“Hey,” Brooks says as I reach my office door. Leaning against the door jamb in his three-piece suit looking fine as ever, his piercing blue eyes and signature smirk hit me square in the chest. “I was worried I wouldn’t get to see my good luck charm before taking the ice for warmups.”
He pulls me into his chest, holding me tight as I take in his intoxicating scent. “I know. I’m sorry I wasn’t home so we could come together,” I say, pulling back to look into his heated gaze. “Come with me,” I say, taking his hand, pulling him into my office, and locking the door.
I should tell him the truth before he walks out on that ice and wins the Cup. I should tell him before he hoists the Cup over his head and my father requests his family take a photo. I should tell him that no matter what, I’m still the person he fell in love with, that nothing has changed. But here I am, pulling his mouth to mine. Connecting in a heated kiss. Avoiding the truth once again to avoid causing a distraction.
His right hand tangles in my hair, wrapping it around his fist, pulling it back to expose my neck. Licking, sucking, and nipping along the sensitive skin as his other hand snakes around my waist. A small moan spills from my lips as his fingertips dig into my sides, pulling me flush against his hard chest.
