AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And second, I have exactly one minute. I’m about to see the team doctor.”
My back stiffens as I silently panic. “Why? Everything good?” I ask casually.It’s no big deal.
Jesse chuckles. “Are you worried about me, Buttercup?”
“No, of course not. But…”
“It’s nothing. I’ve just got to get my blood pressure checked before my games.”
That’s not nothing.“Like a formality. Do you all do that?”Please, please be a hockey thing?
Jesse’s silent, giving me my answer without any words. “No more lies.”
“I know, but I don’t want you to think this is more than it is.”
“What is it?”
“It’s just stress-related. I’ve spent my life pushing my emotions down and now I’ve set them free. Apparently, it’s stressful. So my blood pressure is alittlehigh.”
“How high?”
“They’re still letting me play, so doctors aren’t worried.”
“But high enough to get it checked.”
“I’ll be fine. The stress is gone. I’ve got you. We’re happy. It should drop any day now.”
Unless I tell you about the call from Tate.I saw his reaction last time I mentioned it. He played it down, but I know he was worried. And if I add Alex to the mix… I can’t.
“Okay, that’s good. I’m glad it’s getting better, but I’m sorry for my part in that.”
Jesse growls, making me laugh. “You’re not allowed to blame yourself for this, Willow. Only for the good.”
“If you say so.”
“I fucking do.”
Damn him.That gruff tone gets me every time.
“Shit. They’re waving me in. We didn’t get to talk about what you needed.”
“Just wanted to hear your voice,” I lie, even though we said we wouldn’t.
Jesse laughs. “Which voice?”
“Definitely the growly one.”
“Figures. I’m finally nice to someone and she doesn't want it.”
“Shut up,” I snap.
“Mmm…yeah, I see the appeal.”
I burst out laughing until I remember why I really called and my smile fades. “I better let you go do your thing,” I say, keeping my voice light. “See you soon?”
“Definitely.”
I try unsuccessfully to push Tate out of my head, but he’s freaking wedged himself there, like a song that gets stuck on repeat in your mind. An annoying one. One that makes you want to scream.
