Page 53 of Treacherous
He washes my body, massages knots from my tense shoulders, and whispers pretty words against my skin.
I wish I fucking hated it. Every moment is intimate and domesticated. What the fuck have I gotten myself into?
Chapter 19
Willow Rogers
Goosebumps form on my skin as I approach the ice in Lakewood Arena. My duffle bag is thrown over my shoulder, storing my skates and water bottle.
The matcha I made at home is cool against my right palm. I’m still not sure how matcha powder found itself in the kitchen, as I didn’t buy it. It surprised me further when I realised it was my preferred brand. Only a couple of people know it is my favourite.
I place my belongings on the stands before sitting down to put my skates on. I finally found a time free in my schedule to help the local girls' hockey team out, and after checking with Coach West, he said the ice would be free.
So, imagine my surprise when Jayden Allen is skating across the ice without a care in the world.
“What are you doing here?”
Jayden tilts his head from across the ice, skating over to meet me. Without all the excess hockey gear, I can spy the outline of Jayden’s abs through his tight, long-sleeve shirt. That piece of clothing should be illegal.
“Coach West lets me come for extra practice sometimes. What are you doing here?”
“I’m coaching the local girls’ team. They should be here any minute.”
He smiles. It’s extremely weird. “Oh, that’s cool. Can I join?”
What? My brows scrunch, and I shake my head. “You want to actively spend more time with me?”
“You seemed to love spending time with me on Tuesday, in fact, I recall you moaning–” I interrupted him, slapping my hand over his mouth.
“Children could walk through that door. They do not need to hear about–”
“Willow!”
Girls chant my name, discarding their backpacks–most of which are pink–onto the floor and race over to me. I raise my brows at Jayden as if to say:see.
He chuckles, the sound hitting my palm. I yank my hand away, forcing it to my side.
“We are so excited for today,” Maddie says.
I smile, blinking back the stray tears welling in my eyes. Maddie reminds me of myself before the belittling and manipulative comments became embedded underneath my skin.
Maddie is loud and proud, not caring what anyone else thinks. I want to show her that girls are just as tough as boys. If anything, we are tougher and stronger.
Maddie pulls her ponytail tighter and looks up at Jayden. “Is this your boyfriend? He’s cute,”
Fuck. Curse eleven-year-old girls. They just have to stick their noses everywhere, and I would know, it is exactly who I was at this age.
“No. Jayden wishes he could be my boyfriend. I’m too cool for him.”
Behind me, Jayden scoffs, but all the girls laugh.
“I heard Willow was teaching you to skate, can I join you girls too?” He asks.
Maddie pauses, bringing her hand to stroke her chin. I bite back a laugh. This kid is fucking funny. She will keep Jayden on his toes, that’s for sure.
“Usually, I would say it’s girls only, but I suppose I can make an exception for you.”
A smile lights up Jayden’s face, showcasing his dimples. My stomach flips at the sight. I’m in trouble.
