He pauses.
Just for a second.
“Family and partners are welcome,” he says deliberately.
The room perks up immediately.
A few guys grin. Someone whistles.
Petrov doesn’t react.
He just keeps looking at me.
He expects me to bring her.
Of course he does.
Because husbands bring wives.
Because serious relationships show up.
Because this lie has weight now.
16
TALIA
Hungry
Up until a few days ago, I didn’t know Jake could be sweet.
The first glimpse came the night I found the art supplies he bought for me. The supplies were amazing, but what really got me was his reaction. That gruff, almost embarrassed shrug when I thanked him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more endearing.
The second glimpse came after practice, when he walked in exhausted and told me about the charity event the team has to attend. The way he explained that I’d kind of have to come along. His sheepish expression. The way he could barely meet my eyes.
God. It did something to me.
So of course I said yes.
Not just because I helped create this mess. But because I wanted to.
Still, stepping onto the team bus is intimidating.
I stand at the bottom step for half a second too long, clutching my tote bag like it’s a shield, staring down a narrow aisle full of huge bodies and louder voices. Everywhere I look is broad shoulders, expensiveathleisure, and that confident athlete energy that makes me feel like I accidentally wandered into someone else’s world.
Which… I have.
At the very front of the bus, I spot my dad already seated, rigid posture, eyes forward. He gives us a stiff nod.
Jake is behind me, one hand on the rail, the other already reaching for my bag like it’s automatic. Like he’s done this a thousand times.
“I’ve got it,” he says low, and before I can protest he lifts it from my shoulder with casual ease.
It’s not even heavy.
But the gesture makes my stomach flip anyway.
Because it’s… boyfriend behavior.
