Game Changer by Kelly Jamieson Page 0,88

be apologizing to you. You’re the one who has to work in an, um, awkward situation.”

“Seems like Steve is more pissed about me hurting you than about us being together.”

I suck on my bottom lip and turn my eyes up to him. “That’s what it seemed like.”

Steve’s already shown he’s not in love with me anymore, but it seems like maybe he still cares. That’s…nice.

“When do you get rid of the tadpoles?” he murmurs near my ear.

“Their parents get back around six tonight. I guess seven-ish by the time they get home from the airport.”

“Can I come see you after that?”

I swallow. “Okay.”

“I need your fucking address.”

Thankfully, he’s talking in a quiet voice on the side opposite to where Cam and Josh are sitting. “Why do you sound angry about that?”

“Because I don’t even know where you fucking live. I should know that.”

Oh. I give him my address and he enters it into his phone.

He says goodbye to the boys and leaves, everyone around us watching all of this take place.

What is even happening?

25

Jax

What the fuck just happened?

I try to smile and focus on the fans as I sign autographs and make small talk, aware of Chucky next to me doing the same.

I thought Chucky was going to deck me, and I was ready to take it like a man. But maybe I should be thanking him. Haha.

All I know is, when Molly said she fell in love with me, I was done.

Done. Finished. Dead. My heart cracked at what she said. I can’t bear that I hurt her. I didn’t know.

Okay, maybe I did.

I sign another jersey and pose for a photograph, smile in place.

I knew it was hard for us both to say goodbye at the end of her stay. I knew I was a miserable bastard after she left. I guess I didn’t realize how hard it was for her.

Then she was crying and apologizing for falling for me, and fuck! That’s not right!

She said she can’t get over me. Christ. What have I done?

I think I fucked up big time.

All I know is, I can’t lose Molly again. She’s what’s been missing in my life. She’s why I haven’t been interested in seeing other women. She’s why signing this contract hasn’t felt that celebratory. I need her to celebrate with. I need her to commiserate with. I need her for every damn thing.

I’m still not sure what happened there with Steve getting pissed at me for hurting her, when he’s the one who broke her heart.

When Modi finally tells us we’re done, we push back our chairs and stand. I meet Chucky’s eyes and jerk my head to the back of the tents where we were earlier. “We need to talk.”

He narrows his eyes, lifts his chin and follows me.

Behind the tent, I turn to face him, my shoulders hunched. But I hold his gaze steadily when I say, “I’m in love with Molly.”

“I got that,” he says quietly.

“I’m sorry, man. I know it’s weird and awkward and I never meant for it to happen.” I suck air into my lungs. “We both agreed we’d just have fun over the summer, but it turned into more.”

“For her too, apparently.”

He’s remarkably calm. Although there is a vein pulsing in his forehead.

I swallow. “I have to find out. If she really feels the same.” I still hold his gaze.

He stares at me and I start to think he’s going to try to hit me again. Then he says, “I get it.”

“We have to play together. I don’t want things to be…weird and awkward,” I repeat lamely.

“Oh, it’s going to be weird and awkward.”

My gut tenses.

Then Chucky sighs. “We’ll get over it. Go do what you have to do. Just…don’t be an idiot. Like me.”

Shared understanding vibrates between us.

Maybe this will be okay.

I give him a short nod and turn to bolt.

In my vehicle, I sit for a moment before starting the engine. It’s goddamn bizarre, but whatever. It feels…right. Like this had to happen.

I grip the steering wheel of my SUV. Okay. I got this.

No. I don’t. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.

I don’t know what to do. I’ve never been in this position before. I’m always the one making a quick exit, and this time…well, I tried, thinking that was what we had to do. But I screwed up.

I tip my head back and let out a long stream of breath.

Who can I talk to? I need help.

Fuck.

I don’t have friends I can talk to