I fall asleep in his arms, and for once, I don't let myself worry about tomorrow. I don't plan or strategize or think about consequences.
For once, I just let myself be happy.
Even if I'm falling in love with a man who might break my heart.
21
Liam
The team's new jet is nice with upgraded leather seats and more legroom than the old one, but right now it feels like torture.
Avery is sitting three rows ahead on the opposite side of the aisle, talking to Jennifer. So close yet so fucking far.
I'm stuck next to Jake, who keeps giving me shit-eating grins every time he catches me staring at the back of her head.
“You're not subtle,” he says, flipping through his phone.
“Fuck off, Jake.”
“Never seen you like this, man.” He's grinning wider now. “Completely pussy-whipped and she won't even look at you. It's beautiful, really.”
“I said fuck off,” I warn under my breath.
“Just saying. The great Nova, brought to his knees by his PR specialist. Who would've thought?”
I shoot him a glare. “You done?”
“Not even close. This is the most entertainment I've had all season.”
He laughs but drops it, turning his attention to whatever video he's watching. Around us, the plane is filled with the usualpre-game energy. Guys talking shit and the occasional burst of laughter.
Up front, Coach and the assistants are huddled together, probably reviewing Toronto's recent games. Behind us, the rookies are being loud and obnoxious like always. And scattered throughout are trainers, equipment managers, and PR staff.
All perfectly normal. Except for the fact that I'm hyper-aware of every move Avery makes.
She shifts in her seat, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. God, I wish I were the one doing that. My fingers are practically itching to touch her.
“Remember last time in Toronto when Ethan got catfished on that dating app?” Ryan's voice carries from a few rows back.
“That was one time,” Ethan says with a laugh. “She looked nothing like her photos.”
“She was like sixty years old, dude,” Jake shouts back.
“She said she was young at heart,” Ethan adds.
The whole section erupts in laughter. Even Cole, sitting across the aisle from Ryan, is grinning.
“Listen up, boys,” Cole says once the laughter dies down. “Toronto has been on a five-game winning streak, and we’ve been in a nosedive. They're going to come at us hard tonight.”
“So has Nova,” Ryan quips. “No more club appearances?”
Everyone within earshot turns to look at me, and I shrug. “Just staying focused on hockey,” I say, keeping my voice casual.
“Since when?” someone behind me asks.
“Since I decided I wanted to actually win some games.” I lean back in my seat, projecting confidence I don't feel. “Problem with that?”
“No problem,” Ryan says, but he's grinning. “Just surprising, that's all. Nova turning down parties? That's like Cole turning down a leadership opportunity. Unnatural.”
