My spine stiffens. “What happened?”
“Oh, nothing really,” she says dismissively, waving her hand as she swallows another bite of food. “It wasn’t a big deal. Aiden was there and came over.”
My heart pounds harder against my ribcage. Fucking prick. “What did he want?”
“To apologize, I think.” She shakes her head, rolling her eyes. “It was just easier to leave. I didn’t really want to see him for any longer than I had too.”
Seriously, what the hell did he do to her in the past?
I hate the thought of someone being that much of a problem for her. That someone hurt her so badly that she can’t even stand to be in the same place as them. I should have been there with her.
I don’t doubt Jade’s ability to stand up for herself, but it’s just the primal gut reaction I’m having. The need to protect her, to make sure she’s safe. That’s what friends are supposed to do, right?
I’ll be seeing Aiden Scott again this season… and now I have his fucking number.
“Matteo?”
Her voice pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to look at her. Her eyes slowly search mine, the space between her eyebrows creasing. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” I swallow hard, bobbing my head. “Are you?”
A slow smile pulls on her lips, a pink tint spreading across her cheeks. “Yeah, I am.”
I hate everything about her douchebag ex. He wasn’t my favorite person before I met Jade, but now there isn’t a single thing about him I like. She hates the sport I love because of him.
Whatever happened between them has left her jaded. I know Aiden Scott. He loves to be the center of attention and someone like Jade… her presence alone demands everyone's attention. She shines brighter than anyone else around her.
She outshines everyone in this world.
The words fall from my lips without thinking.
“Do you want to come to one of my games sometime?”
Her eyes widen slightly. “What?”
“I know you hate hockey, but I want to try and change that for you.” A smile tugs on my lips. “I’d love to know you’re there in the stands.”
She lifts her brows, a smirk dancing across her face. “So, it’s about you. You just want to know someone is there to show off in front of.”
“Yeah,” I lie, nodding. “It’s all about me.”
It’s not, though. It’s not that simple and I don’t even fully understand it. I don’t want to show off to her; I just want her there.
I want her to not hate the one thing I love.
“I get two free tickets for every home game. You can bring a friend if you want.”
“Really?” Her face lights up. “I’m not a huge fan of hockey, but I think I could stomach it for a night.”
A soft laugh vibrates in my chest. “You think so?”
Her eyes shimmer beneath the light as she stares back at me. “For you? Yeah.”
My heart stumbles inside my chest. Jade gets up from her seat and cleans up all the trash. She turns back to me, walking to stand on the opposite side of the island.
“I’m sure Ellie will come.”
I lift my drink, slowly taking a sip as I trace the freckles across the bridge of her nose. “She single?”
