“Awesome! We got to drop eggs off the roof. Ours didn’t break!” Matty grins. “Hudson got to stay too.”
“Yeah, it was fun, but I don’t think I want to join.” Hudson shrugs.
“How’s Rambo?” I ask and Hudson lights up.
“We taught him to sit!”
“Dad, he can play fetch! Kinda.” Matty chimes in.
“Seems like y'all have been doing a great job with him.” I praise.
“Yes sir.” They say in unison.
“Been taking him to the potty at night, too?” I raise an eyebrow. I nod my head at Quade as he passes by.
“No, Dad.” Hudson rolls his eyes then his face blushes into a crimson shade of red. My heart stops. Not because I’m shocked, but because I realise that’s exactly who I want to be to Hudson.
Matty continues like nothing happened.
“Gloria does that. She says we need our rest cause we are growing boys.” Matty recites with an affirming nod.
I chuckle.
“Well, you boys be good for Gloria, ok?” I raise my brows. I meet eyes with Hudson through the screen. “Bye, son.”
They end the call quickly after Gloria’s voice announces cookies are ready.
I tuck my phone back in my pocket, shaking my head in amusement. When I glance up, there she is.
She leaned one shoulder against the wall, waiting for me with a smile playing on her lips. I take a step towards her, ready to pull her into my arms and— A man steps in front of Alli in one smooth step, effectively placing himself between us. His back is to me but there’s no mistaking him for anyone else. Even the way TJ stands pisses me off.
I hold back a growl, hands curling into fists. As I step closer, I hear his low voice murmuring to her.
“Think about how this looks, Al.” His head tilts to one side. I hate that I can’t see her. I can’t tell if this is something she wants me to put a stop to. “Imagine how this would affect Hudson. Not to mention, that promotion. Do you really think Andrew is going to recommend you for his position if you’re fraternizing with the players?”
“How it will look to who, TJ?” I hear her shoot back. “If this is some sort of threat, then let’shear it. Otherwise, go harass your other baby momma.”
“I’m not the only one who’s noticed how he’s acting around you. Constantly looking for a reason to be near you. It won’t be long before that gets out. I’m just trying to keep you from beingthatgirl. The jersey hopper.” He shrugs like he didn’t just casually sling a huge insult to the mother of his child. I hate that she has no reaction—as if it’s not the first time he’s done this.
I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and unclench my fists. We are in a hallway, not on the ice. I pop a piece of the nicotine gum in my mouth.
“I’m just looking out for you. For Hudson.” He says pointedly. Allison scoffs.
“Oh, you care about Hudson now?”
“I’m just trying to look out for you.” TJ grabs the end of a strand of her hair, toying with it slightly. He steps closer. “I still care about you, Allison.”
I scrub a hand over my jaw. How much of this am I supposed to allow? This is so new between us. She’s not mine yet, but damn if I'm not hers.
Chapter 26- Allison
Istillcare about you.
The words swirl around in my head—a tornado growing in rage with each spin.
I take a deep breath.
“Still? You didn’t care. Let’s not play pretend,” I snap. A little louder than I intended. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a few of the players and their families glance my way. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m starting to think you didn’t see the big old letters that said Divorce at the top of those papers you signed. That word means I’m done letting you drag my heart around. I’m done thinking you could ever change.”
