Page 19 of The Sound Of Silence

“Ashley!” Dad scolds as Pippa blurts out, “Excuse me?”

While technically Ashley’s words could be considered genuine curiosity, her tone suggests otherwise.

Jesse stiffens slightly, but I doubt anyone else notices, and I almost mimic his stance, wondering what he’s going to say.

He’s known in the hockey world as a reclusive mystery, so if that’s all an act, tonight he’s playing his part well, only really answering questions when he’s asked. Albeit, politely at least.

“I meant nothing by it,” Ashley lies. “I just—”

“That’s easy,” Jesse interrupts, a smile on his face as he looks toward Pippa with genuine warmth. “She’s Pippa.”

How can so little mean so much?A mix of emotions hits me as Pippa smiles in return. I’m happy for her; I’m sure I am. And yet the ache in my chest says maybe I’m not. Is it because I want that? I’ve never wanted it before…but maybe since I’m in my late twenties now, my wants and needs are changing?Surely, that has to be it.

Dad nods at Jesse with a smile on his face and then launches into a conversation about hockey. I’m actually surprised it’s taken him this long to bring up his favorite topic, but I suspect that maybe he’s been trying to play the protective father role first. It’s safe to say Jesse’s comment won him over.

When the strange feeling flowing through me doesn’t subside, I excuse myself to use the restroom, but instead sneak outside through an emergency exit, needing a quiet place to breathe.

I’d almost forgotten how beautiful the courtyard was, because I only come when everyone’s home, it’s been so long since I’ve eaten here. But I’ve used this as an escape many times before, and I’m grateful to find it empty again now.

Inhaling slowly, I let the air flow back into my lungs hoping it will calm me, but this time it doesn’t help. Especially since I barely get two minutes alone before the door flies open, and Jesse rushes out, quickly closing it behind him.

Without turning around, he runs a hand down his face like he’s trying to wash away his miserable expression, before leaning forward and banging his forehead against the wood paneling of the exterior wall, mumbling something to himself.

Stunned to see him out here, I take a minute to process it and spend the time just staring in his direction, trying hard not to focus on any particular aspect of him, so I don’t accidentally check him out. So I don’t take in the way his ass looks in his fitted black pants, or the way his forearms bulge under his shirt…Dammit.

“Hiding away?” I blurt, interrupting his moment and making him startle. I probably shouldn’t have done that, but it’s better than secretly ogling him from the shadows.

Jesse turns to face me, and his eyes widen before he curses under his breath. Saying something that sounds like buttercup? But that can’t be right.

Closing his eyes briefly—as though it’ll change the scene before him—he sighs, a subtle frown appearing. “I didn’t realize anyone was out here,” he says grumpily. “I’ll leave you alone.”

When he turns back toward the door, an unexplained panic runs through me, and I find myself rushing forward to stop him. “Wait.Please,” I say, but the voice that comes out of my mouth sounds foreign. Jesse’s eyes flash to where I’m gripping his bicep before he shakes himself free. I hadn’t even realized I’d reached out for him, but now that I’m conscious of it, I wish I’d given the thick muscle a squeeze before he pulled away.Jesus.

With his gaze on mine, Jesse’s expression sends a chill right through me. He’s positively seething. But God only knows why. “I can’t do this now. What do you want?”

“I don’t even know,” I half yell because he evokes that reaction from me, and I really have no freaking idea.

Pain flashes across his face, but in an instant it’s gone, and his nostrils flare as he studies me intensely, looking for something. “Do you know who I am?” he barks out after a moment, startling me with his tone.Not that I let him see it. And what an odd thing to ask?Of course I know who he is. We’ve just spent the last couple of hours sitting next to each other. Or does he mean it in an “I’m so much better than you” kind of way?

“Yeah.Hot shot,” I say, resting my hand on my waist as I pop my hip, giving him some sass. “I do. So what if you’re a star—”

“You know what?” he says, cutting me off “Forget it. I’ll see you back in there.” While he still seems annoyed, I don’t miss the way his body subtly deflates before he shakes his head and curses again, visibly defeated.

Turning on his heel, he pounds a fist against the door as he pushes through it, leaving me rooted to the ground in utter confusion, my heart still racing like it has the other times I've been alone in his presence.What the hell kind of conversation was that?

Chapter Nine

Jesse

Thedoorslamsshutbehind me, and I suck in a breath.Willow. Fucking Willow.I feel sick. Why’d she have to be so goddamn beautiful, and how the hell is she Pippa’s sister? Of all the people in the goddamn world.

I didn’t even know Willow had a sister. Although, I didn’t even know her name was Willow. I never really knew much about her at all, apart from her stunning green eyes and confident smile. A smile that seems to be missing from her now.

I’m still trying to process it all as I take in another gulp of air and drag my fingers slowly down my cheeks before turning and coming face-to-face with the reason I’m stuck in this nightmare. An easy smile plays on Pippa’s lips until it fades on seeing my expression.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m good,” I lie. I can’t drag Pippa into this.“I just—”

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