AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Soon enough nighttime blankets the city, and I head back to the dorm. Christmas music blares from the kitchen when I enter Storm House, and one of the guys is decorating a tree in the main room. I’m in no mood for that. I go to my room, worry gripping me. Where the hell is Josie? A new kind of panic invades my body. What if she’s physically hurt herself and can’t message anyone?
That’s when it hits me. There’s only one place she could be, and I’m pretty sure I know where that is. I snatch up the gift I made to show her exactly what she means to me.
Outside, I leave my car and head straight to the waterfront. I run the long length of it until I come to her grandfather’s boat. I check the chain to find it locked and hop over it. I see a light burning inside and I take a fast, relieved breath, happy she’s safe.
I jump on the boat, and knock on the small door. “Josie, it’s me. Can I come in?” At first my words are met with silence, and I knock again. “Please, Josie. It’s not what you think.”
Her voice comes through the door. “Are you telling me Kendra and Dane weren’t using us so they could be together, and you knew and went along with it?”
The pain in her voice slices through me like a sharpened skate blade, and it’s almost impossible to breathe. “I once asked you to trust me, Josie. I’m asking for you to trust me again. Can I please come in and explain?” A moment passes and then the door opens. The second I set eyes on Josie and see that she’s been crying because I’d hurt her, I clench down on my jaw. My chest aches as I fight back a sob.
She backs up and sits on the small sofa, like her legs are ready to give out and I hurry to her. “Kendra set us up because she knew you liked me, and Dane thought I’d like you. Their intentions were good, but yes, you’re right, they did take advantage of the situation. I allowed it because I owed Dane.”
She sniffs and gives a humorless laugh. “I should have known I was part of the supporting cast. I am such a fool.”
“Want to know why else I allowed it?” Before she can say no, or kick me out, I pull my jersey from my bag, and hold it out to her. She stares at it, completely confused.
“Why did you black out the nine?” she asks quietly.
“I’m number nineteen on the team.” I point to the bright white number one, which is not blacked out. “I want you to have this because this is what you are to me, and I never want you to forget that.” She glances at the number one on the back of the jersey and her eyes grow wide.
“Jesse…”
“I’m in love with you, Josie. I fought it, I really did. I was worried, terrified love would interfere with my game, and my career goals. I was so fucking wrong. Everything about you compliments me, makes me a better player, and you’re not the fool. I was a fool for fighting it, for not telling you right away how I felt.”
Tears flood her eyes. “You love me?”
“Yes, I fucking love you.” I drop to my knees in front of her and pull her to me. I hold her tight, and my heart thunders. “I…I’m scared, Josie.”
“You just said loving me makes you a better player.”
I glance at her. “I never meant to hurt you, and I’m so fucking scared I’ve lost you.”
A small smile touches her mouth, and she glances around the boat. “You found me.”
“Don’t ever disappear on me again.” I cup her cheeks and kiss her deeply to let her know what she means to me. “Come home with me for Christmas.”
She sniffs as happy tears fall from her eyes. “I would love that.”
My heart jumps with happiness, thrilled that we’re going to be okay. “You would?”
I take in the joy on her face, the brightness in her glossy eyes. “Yes, I would, because I love you too, Jesse.”
I sneeze. I’m probably getting sick from running around outside in the cold. “Oh no. Do you have boat allergies?” she teases.
“I might,” I say, knowing where she’s going with this and loving it. “You’re the captain of this boat. Do you know the remedy?”
She grins, and unzips my coat. “I believe I do, Jesse. I believe I do.”
Epilogue
Josie
Christmas Morning:
* * *
My heart is so full I fear it’s going to burst as I sit around a big, beautifully decorated Christmas tree with Jesse’s family, along with Kendra and Dane. We’re all in Bass River for the holiday’s and I have never felt so at home, or so much love in one room.
