Jayce drives us back to the penthouse. We don’t talk much, which is good, since it gives me breathing room to decompress from the morning with his mother. Jayce pulls up in front of the building, and shifts into park. He seems almost distracted, and I chuckle.
“You’re already getting into hockey-mode, aren’t you?” I ask.
He looks at me and gives me a guilty grin. “Sorry. I always get a bit intense on game day.”
“Oh, I know.” I let out a laugh. “I recognize your ‘locked-in’ face. It’s all right. I’ll let you get to the rink.”
“I’ll see you at the game, yeah?”
Grinning, I nod. “Of course. Um…thanks for all this, today. For everything with your mom, I mean. I really appreciate it.”
When he brushes his fingers along my cheek, the light touch makes me blush.
“You know I’ve always got you,” he murmurs. “You don’t have to worry.”
He drops his hand and reaches into the backseat to grab something, then brings forward a folded bundle and hands it to me.
“Wear this tonight.”
Frowning, I unfold the bundle. It’s a jersey…his jersey, though it’s a design I haven’t seen before.
“This is for me?” I gasp, looking back at him.
“Yeah, I figured it was time you got your own so you didn’t have to keep wearing my old ones.” He chuckles like it’s no big deal, but we both know it kind of is.
“Thanks.” My heart is racing and I’m grinning like an idiot.
“You’re welcome.” Reaching out, he runs his fingers through my hair, then gently tugs a teal strand. “Don’t hide this tonight, Starling.”
Heat unfurls in my belly and I feel tongue-tied, but I manage to nod and murmur, “Yes…sir.”
He smirks and lets go of my hair. “Good girl.”
Blushing furiously, I get out of the car, clutching the jersey against my chest as I hurry into the apartment building.
Later that evening, I make my way to the arena.
Getting ready had taken longer than usual tonight, mostly because I’d stood in front of the mirror for a good five minutes debating what to do with my hair. In the end, I’d pulled the top half back into a loose twist, leaving the rest down so the teal underneath showed through in bright streaks against the dark brown. When the arena lights catch it, the color will really pop.
Just like Jayce wants it to.
The thought sends a small flutter through my stomach as I grab my bag and head out.
My phone buzzes just as I step out of the car in the employee parking lot behind the arena.
Grace: You better be on your way!
Skyler: We’re already inside!
Rylee: The guys are doing warm-ups so if you miss it that’s on you, lol.
Skyler: Also, Grace is already on her second drink.
Grace: LIES!
Grace: It’s my first.
Skyler: It’s a very large first. Practically a bucket.
