“I feel a ‘but’ coming.” Ford smirks.
“But not yet. I’m not ready for that. I need to wrap my head around what the fuck just happened. Plus, I want to make surenone of thisgirl on the guys’ teamcomes back to bite us in the ass. I should have just left my helmet on.”
Jacob nods. “We’ll be right there with you, Pickle. Whatever you need.”
I smile, gratefully. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”
We finally get out of the car and walk up to the house together, a united front. I take a deep breath before opening the door, ready to face whatever comes next.
Inside, the house is quiet. The only sound is the clock ticking in the hallway. I glance around, half-expecting him to be waiting, but there’s no sign of him.
“Do you think he’s here?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Probably in his room,” Jacob says.
I shake my head. “Good. I don’t want to see him yet.”
“Come on,” Ford says, giving me a reassuring smile.
We make our way up the stairs, my heart pounding. I pause outside his door, but I’m met with silence from the other side. So I hurry to my room, the guys on my heels, and once we’re inside, I slam the door shut.
“What are you gonna do, Kitty? You can’t avoid him forever. And he’s gonna want to talk to you.”
His words catch me off guard. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, after what happened tonight. There’s a good chance—no, a hundred percent chance—he’s going to want to speak to you. Clear the air.”
I close my eyes and sigh, moving closer to my bed. “You mean like what are we gonna tell our parents? Holly is going to have a conniption if she ever finds out.”
He flinches slightly, but nods. “Yeah. That.”
I sit down on my bed and fall backward with a huff. “Why do I have to have such a complicated life?”
Jacob sighs, running a hand through his hair. “It’s gonna be okay, Pickle.”
How am I going to avoid Matthew? We live in the same house. Our parents are getting married this fall. I was supposed to spend the rest of the weekend celebrating our win and planning a way to tell my mom I’ve been playing lacrosse.
Jacob looks down, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. “I’m sorry. How can we help? Tell us and we'll do it.”
“I can’t stay here. I’m not ready to face him and, like Ford said, he’s going to want to talk. Can I stay with one of you tonight? Both of you?” My voice trembles slightly.
“Ummm,” he replies. “I think Ford had something going on with his parents. But you could come back to my house.”
Ford laughs. “No plans. Not now that our girl needs us. But we’re not going to your place. I’ll get us a room at the hotel again.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to put you out.”
“Kitty, I’m sure. My parents could give two shits about what I do and they gave me a card to use for what I want or need. Out of sight, out of mind for them. So we’ll get a room and sort this out.”
He reaches down, pulling me up from the bed. “Pack a bag, baby. We’re going to wine and dine you like the champion you are. Then, if you’re a good girl, we’ll see if you can play with two sticks.” He wags his brows.
“Christ, Ford,” Jacob sighs.
“You’re stupid.” I laugh. “But I love you. Thanks for lightening the mood.”
“My pleasure.” He smiles. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make you feel better. I care about you more than I’ve cared about anyone.”
I move from the bed toward my closet to grab a duffel bag before shoving clothes inside of it. “Alright, let me get somethings together and we’re out of here. But I want to get food on the way. No fancy hotel dinner. I want greasy diner food.”
