Page 99 of Breakout
He reaches out as if he’s going to touch me, so I step back. A small part of me feels guilty when his face falls, but I won’t just let him touch me.
“Just give me a minute, please. That’s all I need.”
Sighing, I look around and see that we aren’t busy. “Fine, real quick. What is it you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Your boyfriend Beckett.”
Hearing someone call him my boyfriend has my heart racing in my chest. I like the sound of it. Even if Gabe sounds ominous as hell.
“What about him?”
“I didn’t like how territorial he was over you the other night. In fact, as your friend, I feel like it’s my duty to point out that it was a giant red flag the way that he came over and draped himself all over you.”
I let out a humorous chuckle. “Are you kidding me?”
“No, I’m not. It’s also a red flag the way he’s always around you and the way he frowns whenever a guy looks your way. Don’t even get me started on the fact he plays hockey. The violence, Peyton, it’s out in the open, and you’re just ignoring it. He’s going to start hitting you one day.”
I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity. “Like it’s not a red flag the way you keep asking me out when I’ve made it clear that I’m not interested? Or how you keep showing up places I’m at? The only red flag here is you.”
“We’re not talking about me. I’m trying to be a good friend and point it out. I wish someone did with my sister when she dated a football player, but instead she ate it up because he was popular. Then when it ended badly, everyone left her to pick up the pieces on her own.”
Some of my anger deflates at his words. I cross my arms over my chest.
Am I reading this situation wrong? Is he jealous or truly concerned? Granted, his concern is pointless, but still.
“Look, I’m sorry about your sister. I am. It sucks that her friends left her when it sounds like she needed them most, but just because a guy who played sports did her dirty doesn’t mean all athletes are bad. Beckett is literally the best man I know. He would never, ever hurt me.”
“You don’t know that,” he says through clenched teeth.
“I do actually, and while I appreciate your concern, it’s unwarranted. I hope you stop letting your sister’s trauma taint those around you and your perception of people. Hell, half my favorite people, the ones that I would call if I ever needed help, put on a uniform every week. That should say something.”
He huffs and leans back in his seat. “I just worry, you know? Women tend to wear rose-colored glasses and don’t see the signs that something is wrong until it’s too late.”
His words absolutely piss me off. Any sympathy I had dissolves. How the hell did I miss how fucked up this dude is? Has he always been like this or is it new?
“And we’re done. I’ll send Cole, my manager, over with your bill. I hope you have a great day, Gabe.”
“Peyton…”
“Bye…” I wave over my shoulder as I walk away.
Seriously, the fucking nerve of that guy.
On a serious note, though, maybe it’s time I take my own advice and stop using my hang-ups against those who care aboutme. Maybe Grace and Cora are right, and I should give Beckett a chance to prove himself. Prove that he wants me.
I hope you’re ready, Beckett Hayes, because I’m not quite sure I am, but I’m willing to try.
“Dude, was it just me, or was practice extra brutal today?” Kellan groans.
“I don’t want to hear shit. You aren’t the one who took a puck to the skate,” Wyatt grumbles.
I can’t help but cringe thinking about his ankle that was already turning black in the locker room.
“That’s going to leave a nasty mark,” Clay says, reading my mind.
I look over and see that Brett’s still with us but quiet.
“When are you getting back on the ice?” I ask him.
