14. Are You Jealous? #3
“You make it sound so transactional. What about love and attraction?”
Gen runs a finger over the edge of my jaw. “I know you’re attracted to me. You’ve had a crush on me since we were kids.”
Some of my anger wanes at the hint of doubt in her voice. Genevieve has always put on a confident, arrogant front. But she always showed me a different, softer side. The side that needed reassurance and validation. That was what made me like her even more than her obvious exterior beauty.
“Gen,” my tone softens. I’m still angry at her, but I don’t want to hurt her. “That was six years ago. I’ve moved on since then. Seeing you with Mack definitely helped me realize that my feelings for you were one-sided. A childish crush.”
More of that vulnerability flickers in her gaze.
“But the physical attraction is still there. I see the way you look at me. And we’re still friends.
We could really be something together. I could help you become more popular than Mack.
You’re just as good as your brother on the ice.
You know why there isn’t the same hype and interest around you?
Because I helped him build a solid social media presence.
Being great on the ice is just one part of the equation in today’s hockey.
Teams want stars that will elevate their profile beyond game day.
Mack was just one of many young prospects before I got involved and helped him build a brand.
Then he became the prospect. I could help you do the same.
You could get a better contract than your brother.
Show the world that you’re the real star of the Shayba family.
Together, we’d be a powerhouse. You would win on the ice and I would take care of all the rest for you.
We both come from hockey royalty. It’s in our genes, and we could pass it on to our kids.
Produce the next generation of champions.
And Mack will only have himself to blame for missing out on all of that.
He’s gonna want what you have for once and not the other way around. ”
For one second, I picture it.
The golden contract, the fame, the fans. Even the legacy we could build beyond what our fathers achieved in their Hall of Fame careers.
We could really have it all, and finally our families and the world would stop looking at me like Macklin Shayba’s little brother.
Mack would find himself in my shadow.
But it doesn’t take long for the power-drunk haze induced by Gen’s offer to dissipate.
Mack has refused to discuss why he ended things with Gen.
For the first time, I think I might have an idea of the reason behind what looked like a sudden, reckless decision.
There is one thing that Gen never mentioned when she painted the vivid picture of our future together. She never once mentioned love.
What kind of relationship she and Mack had is none of my business; but if what they had was a brand rather than a true love connection, I would understand Mack’s choice to walk away.
Mack can be a cocky little shit, annoying as hell, but he has a big heart and his heart has always been in the right place.
If Gen was offering everything but her heart, it would be a deal breaker for him.
And it’s a dealbreaker for me too.
I want to have the same opportunities my brother has. I crave the spotlight. When the name “Shayba” is mentioned, I want to be the first man associated with that name.
But I want to beat my brother fair and square. There is rivalry between us, but I don’t hate him.
I actually look up to him.
“Gen,” I tuck a strand of her long, dark hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry, but we can’t go there. It would create a rift that could never be repaired between me and Mack. If you want my help to see if he can give you a second chance, I’m happy to help you. But it can’t be to make Mack jealous.”
She looks away, trying to compose herself. “Is this because you like Talia?”
“Talia has nothing to do with that. Things between me and Mack have been strained lately. He’s still my brother, and you’re his ex. I can be your friend, but nothing more.”
“Fine.” Disappointment is written all over her face. “But if you change your mind, you know where to find me. Now, let’s go back to the party. I’m the president of this sorority; I can’t disappear like this.”
When we return to the party, people are still drinking, dancing, and having fun.
There’s a heated beer pong tournament happening outside and a group of Zetas and hockey players are playing “suck and blow.”
There is no sign of Talia and Mack.
I can’t help but wonder if there is something between them.
Go figure that out of all the women on campus, I had to like the one who’s into my brother.
The only silver lining in this disaster is that at least I didn’t try to kiss her the night we met. The embarrassment of being turned down because of my brother would have messed with my head.
Maybe I should just focus on hockey this year. Leave all the distractions and the woman drama to Mack and keep a clear head so I can be the best where it matters. On the ice.