Chapter 40
The amber glow of my bedside lamp casts shadows that match my mood—confused and disoriented.
A gentle knock startles me from my thoughts. I open the door to find Jayden, his usual scowl replaced with a look of concern.
“Mind if I join you for a bit?” he asks. “Thought maybe you could use a friend.”
I’m surprised by his uncharacteristic softness, but nod. “Yeah, I’d like that. Thanks, Jayden.”
He sits beside me on the bed, not pushing for conversation, just offering silent support. I appreciate him giving me space while still making me feel less isolated.
Maybe he’s not the callous jerk he pretends to be. Could he actually care? I don’t know what to make of this vulnerable side of him.
“Rough day, huh?” Jayden finally says. “Don’t let it get to you. I know that there’s a lot going on, and a lot for you to think about. But no matter what happens, we’re here for you, Dylan.”
His sincerity catches me off guard. I’ve spent so long fighting for respect and worrying that my new team, my new friends, would betray me like my old one. But Jayden’s compassion gives me hope—hope that I’ve found people in my life who truly see me for more than just athletic ability and what purpose I can serve them.
“Thank you, Jayden,” I reply, managing a small smile. “I didn’t expect this from you, but...I’m glad you’re here.”
For the first time today, the weight on my shoulders feels a little lighter. Maybe I don’t have to prove myself to them. Maybe these guys, this whole situation, will truly be different.
I take a shaky breath, trying to hold back the emotions bubbling up inside me. But it’s no use—the stress of everything catches up and I feel hot tears spill down my cheeks.
Jayden wordlessly hands me a tissue. “It’s okay, let it out,” he says gently. “We’re all just figuring this out as we go.”
“I just hate that all of you want me to choose sides, and I know Noah is the one in the driver’s seat with this,” I sob. “It reminds me of my old team’s politics and mind games. I feel like I’m right back where I started. It’s like my rugby situation from back then repeating, but with relationships this time.”
Jayden nods thoughtfully. “Noah can be stubborn, always thinks he has to fix everything. He has a need to call the shots. This might not actually be about you choosing—it could be his way of regaining some control. Of making sure he’s looked at every angle before confirming that something less conventional than any of us ever expected could actually be the best option for everyone involved.”
I dab at my eyes, sniffling. “I don’t know. It feels like he’s pushing me away. That I’m being forced into something that doesn’t feel good for anyone. I don’t know if I can do this.”
“He’s not perfect, that’s for sure,” Jayden says. “But I know he cares about you a lot, Dylan. We all do, in our own ways.”
His words are a balm, easing my hurt.
Jayden looks at me earnestly. “Just remember, you’re not alone in this.”
I meet his gaze, sincerely touched. “Thank you, Jayden. That means a lot.”
He gives my shoulder a supportive squeeze. “We’re more than just roommates now. You’re one of us. Whatever happens.”
I feel a glimmer of hope. If we stick together, perhaps we can weather any storm. I smile for the first time all night, comforted by Jayden’s support.
Maybe he’s right, and there’s a solution where no one has to lose, I think, new hope rising within me. One where we can all stay together… but first, we just need to do this whole date thing. For Noah.
“Try to get some rest,” Jayden says gently. “Tomorrow’s a new day. We’ll figure this out—together.” He squeezes my shoulder with a massive hand, his touch both comforting me and turning me on.
Still, now’s not the time to get all sexy. There’s too much on my mind.
“Yeah...thanks again, Jayden. I really needed this.”
He smiles and rises from the bed. At the door, he pauses. “You know where to find me if you need anything. Hang in there.”
With a final reassuring look, he closes the door behind him.
Alone again, I feel lighter somehow. Jayden’s kindness has given me a new perspective.
I’m not solo in this—we’re a team. And together, we can find an answer that works for all of us.
I snuggle under the covers, a tentative smile on my face. The future seems less daunting now.
As I drift off, my last thoughts are of gratitude...and hope.
And curiosity about what Killian has planned for our date.