Page 103 of In My Hockey Era
I glare at her.“Lucy—”
She steps closer, her expression a littletoosmug.“Are you jealous, Wilder?”
I let out a low, humorless laugh.“Is that a serious question right now?What thehell, Quinn.”
Her eyes flash, that fire I love—loved?—burning hot.“You don’t get to do this.You don’t get to show up here, act like I owe you an explanation.”
“Idon’tget to do this?”My voice sharpens.“I don’t get to be pissed that you’re out here dancing with some guy when one week ago, you were in my bed?”
Her jaw tightens, her throat working.I watch her swallow, see the hesitation flicker across her face.
But just as quickly, it’s gone.
She squares her shoulders, lifts her chin.“Yeah, well… a week ago, I didn’t know you had a secret past.”
The words land like a slap.
I clench my fists at my sides, counting to five before I respond.“I should have told you,” I admit.“I know that.And I’m sorry.”
Her mouth opens, like she’s about to say something else, but then she closes it again.She shakes her head.
I step closer, lowering my voice.“Lucy, I didn’t keep it from you to hurt you.I just… I didn’t know how to bring it up.”
Her breath hitches.And I can see the moment she decides that’snot enough.
She steps back.
Every part of me screams to reach for her.To fix this.
Instead, I swallow the lump in my throat.Lucy looks a bit unsteady on her feet, and I realize, she’sdrunk.
I shoot Mia a look.“Make sure she gets home safe.”
Lucy glares at me.“Don’t talk black to me.”
Mia snorts.“Oh, she’s drunk drunk.”
I barely suppress a groan, rubbing a hand over my face.
Lucy wobbles again, and I instinctively reach out, steadying her before she can argue.
Her fingers curl against my forearm for half a second—before she pulls away.
My jaw tightens.
I step back, nodding at Mia.“Get her home, okay?”
Mia gives me a look—one that saysI have questions, but now’s not the time—before looping an arm around Lucy’s waist.
“Come on, babe,” she murmurs.“Let’s go.”
Lucy doesn’t fight her.
But just before they reach the exit, she glances back at me.
Our eyes lock.
There’s so much I want to say.So much Ishouldsay.
