Page 13 of The Penalty Shot (Totally Pucked 5)

“I had…” She exhales, a hiccup sob vibrating through her chest. She takes a second to gather herself before she continues, “I had a steady boyfriend, who told me everything that I wanted to hear. And I gave him that part of me, and the next thing I knew, I was pregnant and his family forbade him from seeing me or being involved at all. He never even saw Alex. He just signed his rights away and never spoke to me again. Without a second thought.”

Fuck. This girl has been through so fucking much, and she’s still standing here stronger. I nod, my hand never leaving hers as she talks. Hell, we’re practically strangers, but after tonight, I feel close to her. Protective over her and Alex. Desperately wanting to get to know her more, to peel away her walls, layer by layer.

“And your parents just kicked you out after that?” I ask.

She nods. “My parents have tried to manipulate me since I found out I was pregnant to scare me into getting rid of Alex in any way possible. They used all of my insecurities against me as weapons. They made me believe that I wouldn’t be a good mother because I was still a kid myself, that I would ruin my child by making these mistakes. That I wouldn’t be able to care for him or for myself and that someone would take him away because of it. Because how could a sixteen-year-old possibly be a fit mother? It’s haunted me every day since. By trying to force my hand, they tried to take him away from me before he was even born. Losing Alex…It's my biggest fear. It’s just been us since he was born. He’s my best friend, and the best kid in the world. Everything I do is for him, and I’m just paranoid that something will happen, and they’ll find a way to take him from me.”

“Listen, Auden, I don’t know you very well, but from what I can see, you’re a fucking incredible mother, and no one would have any reason to take Alex from you.”

She nods, wiping away her tears. “Realistically, I know that, but it’s just a fear that I can’t seem to shake. Tonight, it reared its ugly head because something went really wrong, and I’m trying to hold it together and not worry.”

“I will be right next door if you need anything. You have my number and you can call me or text me the second you feel scared, Auden. Even when you’re not scared, I’m here.”

Her piercing blue eyes meet mine. “D-do you think you could stay tonight, so we don’t have to be alone? I-”

Relief floods my body that she’s asking. Little does she know, I was planning to stay anyway, even if it meant camping outside the damn hallway.

“Of course, I can. I’ll sleep on the couch. Tomorrow, we can have management change the locks, and Hudson, my best friend, can come and help me get all of Jarrett’s shit out of here. Is that good with you?”

Her shaking hands slide through her hair, pushing it back off of her face. “Yes, but Asher, you’ve donemorethan enough. You have been saving my ass for days now. I can’t expect or ask you to do anything more than what you already have.”

She glances down at her foot, and I see that it’s still crusted with dried blood. Auden explained to the police that when she woke up and got out of bed, she found the kitchen destroyed, and there was broken glass everywhere, which sliced her foot open.

“Let me look at it. Please. I won’t be able to fucking sleep knowing that you’re in pain. Please, can I look at your foot?”

After everything that’s happened tonight, she glances down at it with a look of surprise. “God, I forgot all about it. Uh, there should be supplies in the bathroom cabinet.”

I quickly head down the hallway to find the bathroom, taking note of all of the photos hanging on the wall of Auden and Alex smiling, and how happy they seem. Her house isn’t just a house; it’s clear it’s a home filled with love. I gather the supplies from the bathroom cabinet and carry them out into the living room, retaking my seat next to her.

Her bright eyes are dull tonight, red-rimmed and puffy from crying, and she looks utterly exhausted.

“May I?” I ask.

She nods, lifting her foot and placing it in my hand. Her skin is soft and delicate in my palm. It makes possessiveness fill my chest, that she’s trusting me enough to take care of her. To let me in.

I know even now that I’m in way over my head, but I make no move to put distance between us.

The cut is on the heel of her foot and it looks deep, but is no longer bleeding. I’ve treated enough hockey wounds to know whether a trip to the ER is warranted or not. A butterfly bandage should do. Gingerly, I swipe my thumb along the arch of her foot, trying to ignore my reaction to how she shivers beneath my fingers. I carefully clean the cut, apply antiseptic and the butterfly bandage, before wrapping the sole of her foot in gauze.

I clear my throat that’s suddenly much tighter after having my hands on her. “It probably could’ve had stitches, but I think it’s good for now. It’ll just be sore to walk on for a bit.” Reluctantly, I place her foot back down and she nods.

“Thank you, Asher, for everything. I don’t know how I’ll repay you, but I’ll find a way. This means so much to me. Thank you.” She stands from the couch with the blanket still draped around her shoulders. “Uh…let me get you a blanket and pillow.”

I nod and watch as she walks down the hallway. Her couch is half my size, but I’ll sleep like a damn baby knowing that she and Alex are safe.

When I lie down, feet hanging over the edge of the small couch, I think of Auden in the other room and hope that me being here will offer her some security, so she can sleep tonight. As I fall asleep, part of me wishes I could be in there with her, holding her in my arms, even if it is a bad idea.

The next morning, every fucking muscle in my body aches and groans when I sit up. I underestimated just how bad that couch was going to fuck me up, but seeing Auden’s smiling face this morning made it hurt a little less.

“Good morning,” she says, tucking her hair behind her ears. She’s already dressed in a pair of black shorts, and a bright pink shirt with worn Converse on. “I, uh, have an early shift this morning, and Alex has to get to school.”

At the mention of his name, he appears through the doorway with his sketchpad in hand and backpack on, smiling excitedly. “Asher…you’re still here.”

The excitement in his voice makes me grin. “Yeah, had to make sure you and your mom were okay.”

I’m still fucking shocked that Alex is Auden's kid. All of the time that I’ve lived next door, I never caught on that he was my neighbor. Makes sense now though. He’s a great fucking kid, and knowing that Auden’s his mom, it all makes sense.

He passes by me and gives me a fist bump, then takes a seat at the small kitchen table and pours a bowl of cereal.

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