29
AURORA
“I’m sorry.” His tone is pleading but playful—classic Jackson.
I bet if I spun around, he’d give me those puppy-dog eyes I typically fall for.
Unlike him, I’m not in a joking mood. Call me crazy, but I don’t enjoy being screamed at. Plus… “Reece is leaving. He doesn’t want to cause problems between us.”
I’m struggling to pinpoint the source of my irritability. Is it the lies and secrets? Jackson’s furious accusation that Reece and I are sleeping together? It’s not the worst I’ve had to deal with from him, not by far. Maybe it’s the disappointment of Reece leaving?
I like the Viking. They keep me in the dark. I don’t know everything, but I know Reece is good for us. He allows them to focus on hockey, and we’re not so overwhelmed.
“Shit.” Ethan sits up. “Now?”
“No. After the baby’s appointment tomorrow, since I don’t have a ride.” My words come out more bitter than intended. I’m trying to be understanding, but my frustration keeps resurfacing. “He said he’ll stay in his apartment to prevent another fight.”
The guys have a morning practice and an evening game. I’ll meet them at the doctor’s office in LA. I could get up at the crack of dawn and go with them, but I value my sleep, which, lately, I’ve been getting little of. I’m no longer vomiting as much, but we’ve been traveling, and I’m exhausted.
“I can always leave you the car,” Ethan offers.
Jackson and I stare at him. The lack of vehicles is not the problem.
“What?” he asks. “You’re doing that twin thing, scowling at me identically.”
“I can’t drive. I don’t have a license.”
Ethan’s brows nearly hit his hairline. “Seriously? I spent six figures on a vehicle, and you don’t have a driver’s license?”
“I’ve never needed one.” I’m far too fearful to drive. Can you even imagine? I’d be a nervous wreck driving a luxury SUV. “I thought you bought it for you.”
“I’d rather she wasn’t behind the wheel,” my husband adds.
“Of course you would.” Ethan gives Jax a hard stare. “What do you wanna do then?”
The gentle glow of the outdoor lights casts a shadow over Jackson’s green eyes as they meet mine. “Is that why you’re upset? ’Cause the Viking is leaving?”
I hesitate, and Ethan interlaces our fingers, his thumb running over my knuckles.
“Not if it’s going to hurt you or if he’s a source of trauma for you.”
Jax is not fixable—no one truly is. He is, however, worthy of love and healing, and unfortunately, having Reece in our home prevents that.
A little voice inside my head questions my innocence. I was in his bed, after all. I said things I had no right to and crossed lines I shouldn’t have. I knew Jax’s temper, knew he’d be livid, but I wasn’t attempting to hide anything.
He cocks his head. “That’s not what I asked.”
“I’m disappointed.” Despite the lump in my throat, I force myself to say the words. “I want him to stay. I think he’s good for us. He just spent twenty minutes telling me it’s your past that doesn’t trust him and explaining why he needs to leave.” A tear slips out, and I brush it away.
He caresses my stomach and nods in contemplation. “So…” he drags out the word. “You’re not mad at me?” That boyish smile curves his lips. “Except for running Reece out of here?”
I tilt my head, gaze at the sky, and gather my thoughts. The night is dark but not overcast, allowing the stars to take center stage. For a moment, I lose myself in the glittery void.
Earlier, I wanted to escape all three of them, but now, I realize we’re all messed up, confused, and doing our best to make this work. I want everyone to be happy, preferably together. “I can deal with everything else, but not you screaming at me, intimidating me.”
Ethan grabs Jackson by the nape and gives him a tug. “It won’t happen again, will it?”
His answer is immediate. “Nope.”
“Who’s going to talk to Reece?” Ethan asks Jax. “You or me? She needs to eat.”
Some silent conversation takes place between them, and Jax smirks. “When are we getting tattoos?”
Ethan shakes his head. “You’re such a child. Set it up.”
“Fine,” Jax relents. “You deal with Reece—he likes you better. I’ll cook dinner.”
I stand, tuck my hands into my hoodie and head into the house.
We enter the living room, and Jax wraps an arm around my neck. “I love you. I love you. I love you,” he chants. “We’ll work it out with Reece.”
“I love you.” I encircle his waist. “Do what’s best for you.”
“You’re what’s best for me. If you trust him, I’ll try to do the same.”
We reach the kitchen, and he plops me onto the onyx island.
Ethan strides down the hall. Jax hands me a bubbly water then rummages through the stocked fridge.
I open the glass bottle and take a swig. “You two are getting tattoos?”
“Hopefully.” He sets packages of fruit on the counter. “We’ll see.”
“Of like…crossing hockey sticks? Or…” I bite my lips to suppress my mischievous grin.
He throws a grape at me. “That’s vulgar.”
I giggle, and it echoes through the mostly empty space. “Not as vulgar as you stealing my boyfriend. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”
He pops a grape in his mouth, all smug. “You have another one. Get over it.”
“Ha-ha, funny,” I deadpan. “I have a question, though. Where were the cameras?”
“Downtown penthouse, in the smoke detectors.”
Fucking Jackson.