Page 120 of Nodus Tollens
Nice to hear?
Fuck… I needed to stop my heart from hammering like it was.
Hayes’ girl.
Hayes’ girl.
She’s not fucking mine.
“Nice to hear?” I asked with a dry throat.
“It’s nice to know that I can help make someone feel less grumpy. Or at least, that’s what I hope I’m doing anyway…” She laughed nervously, causing her nose to scrunch and a tiny grin on her face to become visible.
Wren wasn’t like any girl I’ve been around. Attention-seeking or self-absorbed. She was nothing like what I was used to. She naturally carried a lightness inside her that affected anyone she met. They would be entranced by her softness, her kindness, and the sincerity of her words. Even if she wasn’t mine and never would be, I was thankful to have shared a moment like this with her, all alone and without the prying eyes of anyone else. Just like at the hospital, I was given another life-altering moment. One that meant more to me than it would her. And as I stared into those beautiful fuckin’ eyes, I was struck with a realization.
An acceptance.
An approval.
It hit me out of nowhere for no reason at all.
This wonderful, angelic woman who carried a heartache of her own and stole my damn breath away was out of reach. She was long gone now, and her heart had been taken.
By my best friend.
By a man who deserved everything and more, even if I was still pissed at him. I wanted him happy, hell… I wanted her happy, too, and if that wasn’t with me, I could fuckin’ live with that.
I’d try.
“Please tell me I didn’t make you grumpier by saying that.” Her worried stare caused me to shake my head once again, but this time with a faint smile.
God, this girl.
I went to open my mouth, but the sound of Hayes’ voice had me freezing and tensing like I had done something wrong. But I immediately loosened my muscles at the absurd thought.
“Blue, are you out here?” Hayes shouted from the back deck. His voice was laced with worry.
I watched as Wren shot up from the chair. Her frantic movements caused the chair to fall over and for her to trip over her own damn shoe. I went to reach out just in case she ate shit, but she steadied herself before I could get to her. Her eyes landed on my outstretched arm, and a flash of panic crossed her eyes.
Why?
I don’t know, but it made me pull away instantly.
“Uh, yah, I’m out here.” She yelled back, and almost immediately, I could hear the heavy pounding of Hayes’ footsteps closing in on us. I remained glued to the chair, and once Hayes was in my line of sight, I saw the relief in his features when he reached Wren.
“Shit. I’m sorry I left you in the dining room.” He closed the gap between them and pulled her into his arms. Once she was wrapped tightly, he went back and forth between peppering her head with kisses and whispering into her ear. It was all muffled, so I couldn’t make out the words, but it had her sinking right into him.
He really did fucking love her.
And she really loved him.
As awkward as it was, it was heartwarming to see Hayes like this with someone. Vulnerable. Happy. He had found something… someone more important than hockey.
“It’s okay, Hayes. I’m not mad at you.” Wren pulled her head from his chest and glanced over at me. “I was out here with Mal.”
Fuck.
Hayes tensed just as I did. His head then turned in my direction, and when his eyes found mine, we both didn’t look away.
