The guy is cagey though.
Sometimes he’s aggressive as hell, and other times like today he’s flighty.
Is it the fact that I heard their conversation airing all his dirty laundry? The guy's probably embarrassed.
I don’t know how Alli would feel about me making it my business.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about each other. Truthfully, I don’t think there’s a singlething I could learn about her that would dissuade my interest in her.
She’s soft spoken and kind to everyone. Matty has taken to her. That simultaneously makes me happier than ever and scared beyond belief. My son is my reason for breathing. I can’t do anything to put his heart at risk.
Allison has had her heart broken and been humiliated publicly by her ex-husband's infidelity. The last thing I want to do is embarrass her further.
Right now, she dances around me. Keeps her heart at arm's length. I understand. Still, there’s nothing I want more than to break through those walls like a fucking wrecking ball and give us both everything I know she wants. I just have to play my cards right.
“Fucks sake, Bridges. Don’t just stand there, put your hands in your pockets.” Fitz rolls his eyes at my daydreaming.
“My bad.” I say sheepishly and get to work. There’s still tension between TJ and I. I don’t miss the glares he throws my way. I blow a kiss with my lips when I steal the puck from him and pass it off to Ripley. Ripley sets up for a slap shot, winning us the scrimmage.
TJ just turns to his buddies. He lets it go for now. That feeling in my gut still sits heavy. I know it’s not over yet.
Fitz's words echo around in my head.
Chapter 18 Tate
I lean back on the patio couch next to my outdoor fireplace. Bedtime ran long, due to Matty's ability to chat about anything and everything just to avoid going to sleep.
He’s taken the move so well and I know his buddy next door has had everything to do with it.
I light up a cigarette. A habit that’s been coming back to haunt me this year. The smoke curls in the air. I should be sleeping. We have a home game tomorrow and then we head right out for a three day away game series.
Allison has to travel with us for the press conference scheduled. I guess we can thank Fitz and Quade’s media coverage lately.
I hear a door close next door and the jingle of a leash. Allison. I don’t turn. Just because she is bringing the puppy out to do its business doesn’t mean she wants to talk. I don’t want to crowd her.
I run a hand through my hair, trying to tame the waves and my acute awareness of her nearby. Shit is it weird if I don't say hi first?
“Hey.” She says softly, saving me from my inward spiraling. I glance up at her and feel like I am hit by a freight train at the sight of her. Her beautiful blonde locks are in the messiest knot on her head and she’s wearing my old UT hoodiethat I left on her couch after the TJ and puppy fiasco. “Couldn’t sleep either?”
“Not tonight.” I breathe. I realize I'm just staring at her. I blink a few times, trying to come out of this daze she unknowingly put me in. Smoke curls in the air. Rambo is panting softly. He lays his head down on her boots.
“Sorry about the smoke. I've been trying to quit. Again… just picked it up again after my dad died this year.” I clear my throat awkwardly. “Not that it’s an excuse.”
“Just a reason. I get it.” She gives me a small smile. There’s no judgement on her face. Something like relief flushes in my chest. I hadn’t realized I cared about her reaction as much as I do.
I stamp out the cigarette.
I notice the little vest and booties Rambo has on.
“Cute.”
“Huh? Oh.” Allison flushes a light pink across her cheeks and nose when she realizes I meant the puppy. “Yea, I just didn’t want his little paws to be cold. Hudson loves him, you know?”
“Just Hudson?”
Alli blushes deeper, her eyes flicking to mine then away. She shrugs one shoulder.
“I guess he’s growing on me too.”
