Page 10 of Game Changer
“You had to know that was going to be crazy.”
“Oh yeah.I nearly changed my mind about doing it, but I was just sopissed.”
“I get it.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell him you bailed me out tonight.”
Jax lifts a shoulder.“Whatever.”
“I know he’s your teammate and your friend.I’m sorry I involved you in this.”
“It’s okay.”He meets my eyes.“I’myourfriend, too.”
“Thanks.”My throat constricts.
“Uh…you want to stay here tonight?”
“Could I?”I bite my lip.
“Sure.”His voice sounds like he swallowed sand.
“I might need to borrow a few things.”
“Yeah.We’ll figure it out.”He pauses.“You hungry?”
“Not really.But I am kind of drunk, so I should probably eat something.”
“I don’t have much here.I’m leaving for California tomorrow.”
“Right.”I remember him mentioning something about traveling.
“I can order something in, though.Any preference?”
“It doesn’t matter to me.”
“I’ll get a pizza.”He pulls out his phone.
“Sounds good.”
He orders the pizza, then disappears into his bedroom.When he returns, he’s dressed in pair of well-worn jeans and a gray Chicago Aces T-shirt.He’s carrying some clothing.“Here.”He sets them on the couch next to me.“I know they’re not going to fit, but at least you can get out of that dress and be more comfortable.”
“Thanks.”I scoop up the clothes.“Is your fireplace gas or woodburning?”
“What?”He glances over at the wall.“It’s gas.”
“Damn.I was thinking we could have a dress burning.”
He laughs.“Guess not.”
I trudge to the bathroom where I study my reflection.My mascara is a bit smudged, but otherwise my subtle smoky eyes and blushed cheeks are still perfect.My hair is in an elaborate updo of loose loops and twists, with small white flowers and pearls woven through it.Gripping the marble vanity, I close my eyes as a wave of pain washes over me.
Since I got those texts last night, I’ve been a wreck.A nervous, heart-broken, nauseous mess.But I was also determined not to be a victim.I wanted to make a big, bold statement, and I did it.I hadn’t thought through the aftermath, though, and what would happen next.
Jax has given me a pair of plaid pajama bottoms with a drawstring waist I should be able to tighten, and a huge, soft T-shirt.He’s such a sweetheart.
Big problem though—I can’t get the little buttons on the back of my dress undone.I peer over one shoulder, then the other, nearly breaking my arms trying to do it.
I really don’t want to ask Jax for help.I mean, we’re friends, but he’s a guy, and this is…awkward.
