My lips twitch, appreciating his effort in trying to lighten the mood. “Given the fact it’s the dead of winter and there’s no way she’d be able to shovel through solid ground, I’d say none.”
“Hmm maybe your mom’s a secret assassin who received anoffer she couldn’t refuse and decided to come out of retirement for one night.”
“Jake, be serious.”
“I am! Don’t underestimate her. When we first met, she had her eyes locked on me with laser precision. If she wanted to kill me. she totally could.”
“You can be so annoying sometimes, did you know that?”
“Is that why you’re holding back a smile right now?”
“I am not.” My stoic face lasts all of a second before I let out a laugh. “Don’t mistake my laughter for joy. I am still very stressed and anxious right now.”
“That might just be your permanent state, my love.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. “What would your therapist say in a moment like this?”
“That short of having a crystal ball, I can’t know for sure what has happened with my mom, and that most of the times I’ve predicted something bad happening, it ended up being fine or at least nowhere near as catastrophic as I thought it would be.”
“Well there you go. Let’s ride this wave of joy for a moment.”
“Yeah I guess you’re right.” I wanted nothing more than to believe my own words, but I couldn’t stop the nagging feeling in my gut that my world was about to be turned upside down. And all I could do was brace myself for the storm that was to come.
Chapter 46
Eliana
“Your heart’s beating a million miles a minute,” I state, my ear pressed to Jake’s chest as he wraps my loose curls around his finger.
“That’s because I have a pretty girl curled up next to me. Whenever she’s around, my mind and body go crazy.” Jake smirks, pressing a kiss to the crown of my head.
“Good deflection. You sure it has nothing to do with the Hockey East championships tonight?”
His eyes wander around his bedroom, never meeting mine. “Nope, I’m as cool as a cucumber.”
Knowing better than to push someone when they were about to go through one of the biggest moments of their lives, I let it be. “Well, I know you’re going to kill it tonight, but if you want to talk, I’m here.”
We lay in silence long enough for me to slowly fade into sleep, when his voice brings me back. “What if I cost us the game?”
Of all the things he could’ve said about tonight, this was the last thing I would’ve expected. It had taken a while, but Jakehad slowly let me in on all his insecurities over the past few months. How he felt like the black sheep of his family, how he didn’t want to be known as just another athlete who had nothing else going for him. In all the moments he had opened up, he had never once doubted his skills as a hockey player. He was one of the few members of Westchester’s team that was already drafted to the NHL and would be signing his contract at the end of this season. He had no reason to doubt his abilities and yet here he was.
“Why would you say that?”
“I don’t know. It just feels like so much is riding on this game. More than usual. We haven’t made it this close to qualifying for the Frozen Four or even making it to the Hockey East Championship in years. Everyone’s hungry for it. We’ve been going hard practice after practice, game after game. But nothing’s guaranteed. One stupid decision is all it takes to cost us this game. This could be my last game with the boys. And I don’t know how to process that. And I don’t always find it easy to keep my head composed when we play against Bolton.”
As if a championship game wasn’t enough pressure, this one happened to be against our biggest rivals. Not only that but the last time the two teams had played against each other, Jake had mentioned how hard it was for him to hold back his temper. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t also scared of what would happen again when Jake faced off with the same players. “I believe in you. You’re one of the best, if not the best, players on the team. And beyond that, you’re one of the most incredible human beings I know. I’ve never felt so supported, cared for, and loved until I met you.” I pause for a moment to let my words sink in. “You’ve been able to keep your temper in check multiple times on the ice. Even when someone was running their mouth about me. Don’t underestimate yourself.”
“I appreciate that. I’ll be sure to score two goals tonight just for you.” He kisses my cheek.
“Only two?” I tease.
“Fine. How about a whole hat trick? Is that better?”
“Yeah I think that will do.” I take his face into my hands. “You’re going to do amazing, Jake. I know it.”
His eyes soften, and he turns his head so he can kiss my palm. “Thank you. I needed that.”
“And if it helps to keep you motivated, I’d just like to remind you that I’ll be decked out in your jersey tonight.”
“Mmm that is incredibly motivating.” He shifts us so I’m pressed under him and buries his head into my neck. “Give me one good reason not to rip your clothes off and bury my tongue into your tight little pussy right now?”
