Page 200 of Wrong Pucking Jersey

The real problem is Jayce.

He’ll never take advice until it’s too late.

“You’re right, Sweetheart,” I quietly praise. “But do you think he’d ever take your warning to heart?”

She doesn’t have an answer, and we both know that’s the best response we can give about someone who isn’t close enough in our lives for us to protect.

To save him from himself.

“If you two want to act like you’re lovers for show, you’re trying too hard.”

My lips dip in a deep frown as I look up and see the man in question standing a few steps from us.

Maybe that means he won’t self-sabotage himself into oblivion.

If you talk about someone and see them shortly after, it means they’ll live a long life. That’s what Grandma always mutters about.

“Jayce,” Mikayla states in greeting.

I don’t bother doing the same because I’m not in the mood to deal with him. Unlike Maddox, I’m on the side of the spectrum that doesn’t like Winchester.

Maddox still had feelings for him somewhere in his big heart. Damien only tolerates him out of his respect and admiration for Maddox. Wolfgang absolutely hated his guts.

And I’m only a few steps away from where Wolfgang stands on the despise spectrum.

I notice the way he’s checking Mikayla out. His green eyes are not even trying to hide how they graze down Mikayla’s body and back up.

“You need something?” I ask and let go of Mikayla so I can get out of my seat to the ground.

With a single step, I’m in front of Mikayla, blocking those hooded eyes that are doing more than just “admiring” what isn’t his.

He lost that privilege years ago. What makes him think he can do this shit now?

Especially in front of me.

“You’re parked next to my limited-edition Toyota 4Runner, stupid,” he insults with an eye roll. “I’m allowed to be in the parking lot.”

“Whatcha so cranky about? Lost a game?” I taunt and watch how the lines on his face deepen with anger. “Guess I’m right.”

“You guys had a game today?” Mickey asks. She has such a big heart to even tolerate this man’s existence after all the shit he did in the past to try to ruin her reputation when they broke up.

“Yes,” he surprisingly answers, even though I’m practically blocking his sight of Mickey. “Oscar fucked up and pulled something. Your annoying bestie caught it, and he was benched. We lost because of that.”

“For the safety of your goalie,” Mickey emphasizes. “Otherwise, he could’ve got seriously injured to the point of being benched for weeks. You wouldn’t want that. Oscar’s a good goalie.”

“Hmph.” Jayce doesn’t even seem amused by her smart response. In fact, he looks upset that she’s right. “It’s a nuisance that cost us the win. We’re lucky we have two more strikes, or we’d be out before proving our worth.” He looks to be in a bad mood over it.

He’s so selfish. Worries more about the idea of losing versus his comrade avoiding further injury.

Selfish bastard.

“Hopefully, Oscar gets the care he needs to recover fast and return to the ice,” Mickey sums up.

“You don’t care,” Jayce grumbles. “Aren’t you all happy with all the fame you’re getting?”

“Me?” My sweet girl is pointing to herself in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“Didn’t see how you’re going fucking viral on TikTok. #MikaylaCrossJohnson. #MikaylaXMaddox. #MikaylaCoachDaughter. I can list all the fucking hashtags they’re making over you matched with you sporting Maddox’s jersey, which no one else can get dibs on,” Jayce complains before he stomps to his white ride. “Didn’t think Mickey was a spotlight girl, but clearly, you proved us wrong.”

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