Fuck.
This night took a turn I wasn’t expecting. Even with the crash bangs echoing around the house, I can hear her soft sniffles.
Fuck. I hate her parents. Hate that they didn’t come to our college graduation. Hate that they’ve always made her feel less than. This beautiful, perfect woman that I love solely because she exists.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, a reminder that we have an early practice tomorrow.
Shit.
I wish I could call in sick and spend the day with Alice. Make sure she’s okay. I love what I do. I love getting to be a professional hockey player. But right now? I fucking hate it.
If I can’t be here for Alice, I’ll get others who can.
Chapter Thirty
ALICE
“Hey. You awake?” Declan whispers.
I nod, not moving. He’s curled around me, his body heat warming me from the outside in.
I spent most of the night tossing and turning. Declan turned in early because of practice today, but I stayed on the couch until two, not wanting to keep him awake.
When I finally went to bed, Declan pulled me into him and didn’t let me out of his hold.
At least someone cares about me.
“I have to get ready for practice.”
“I know.”
“Are you going to be okay?” Declan asks, cupping my cheek and turning my attention to him.
“I’ll be fine.”
“You don’t have to pretend,” he says. “I know you’re not.”
“No, but I’ll be fine while you’re at practice. I promise.”
“You sure?”
I nod, turning back over.
“I let Leon know you wouldn’t be in today.”
“You did?”
“Yes. Stay home. Just…” He brushes a piece of hair out of my face. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”
“I will.”
Declan presses a kiss to my cheek as he hops out of bed, taking his warmth with him.
The sun is starting to peek through the closed blinds, casting long shadows across the room.
My mind is a chaotic mess after last night. It’s not that I lost my trust. Fine. Whatever. I’ve been saving every penny since I started working at Enchanted Petals because I love it so much and wanted to take over. Leon always talked about his dream of passing it on to me so he could retire early to enjoy his life with Jacob.
No.
