“I know, Lane. I know. He’s just… I don’t know.”
“If you say different, I’m going to slap you,” she warns. “He is no different than when he left you without a word. You may not have kept up with his hockey career, but I did. He’s an asshole on and off the ice. He is an arrogant jerk, and you are better than that.”
She’s obviously right. I’m not stupid, I know it would be idiotic of me to think that Jamie is a ‘changed man’ but honestly, peoplecanchange. Hell, I know I’ve changed since I was eighteen. I’m not that quiet, naïve little girl anymore. I know what I want, and I go after it. I don’t let anyone walk all over me, even if I am a bit of people pleaser.
Despite what my brother may think, I am capable of standing up for myself. I am perfectly okay with telling someone to back the hell off if I don’t enjoy their presence.
However, even when I’m telling Jamie to leave me alone, deep down, I don’t think I mean it.
“I know,” I agree with her, knowing this conversation isn’t going anywhere. I love my best friend, but sometimes I feel like her strong opinions make it hard for me to talk to her.
She wouldn’t understand the conflict I’m having because she’s the type of person to cut you off if you cross her. She’s not weak. Not like I am. “I’m gonna get to bed, Lane.” ‘
Lainey nods. “Okay, Ellie Bear. Remember you’re a boss ass bitch and you are better than him. Love you,” she says before hanging up and leaving me in the quiet of my bedroom.
Groaning, I flip onto my side and shove my face into my pillow before letting out a small, muffled scream.
I’m frustrated with myself and with Jamie and with this whole situation that could have been avoided if I had just told Dean Ashby I couldn’t do this. But where would that have gotten me? I’d be back in New York trying to make it as an actress without a steady income. At least I’m doing something here. I feel important, and these kids seem to enjoy having me around.
A soft knock on my door has me jumping up so fast I swear I gave myself whiplash. I check the time on my alarm clock on the nightstand. It’s 10:30pm. Shit, did Jamie hear me scream? I thought I’d masked it pretty well with the pillow. I didn’t even know he was home. Damnit. Do I answer or should I just pretend I’m asleep?
Pretend you’re asleep, Ellie. Do not open the door. Do not open the…
Before I can stop myself, I’m up out of bed and heading for the door. I hesitate for a split second, taking a deep breath and trying my best to make it look like I’ve been sleeping. I grip the handle and pull the door open slightly, revealing a wet haired Jamie. His eyes roam up and down my body as if he’s assessing me to make sure I’m unharmed.
“I, uh… I thought I heard a scream. Are… are you okay?” he stutters, his gaze locking onto my face. He looks worried, but uncertain too—like he’s not even sure he has the right to ask.
“A scream? No, I didn’t hear a scream,” I lie, leaning against the doorframe with what I hope looks like nonchalance. God, I’m an idiot.
His eyes shift, dropping briefly to my chest before slowly drifting back up to my face. “I was asleep.”
His head tilts, brows knitting together as a smirk tugs at his lips.
“You were asleep,” he repeats. I nod.
“I was.”
He crosses his arms, his veiny, muscular arms, and my attention snags on them far longer than it should.
“In a towel?” he asks. Heat floods my face.
I glance down, suddenly aware of my bare legs and the white towel wrapped around me—one I’m only now realizing I’ve been clutching tightly shut.
“It’s a new sleep trend,” I mutter. “Very breathable.” God, Ellie. Stop talking.
His lips twitch, like he’s fighting a smile. “Very breathable,” he repeats. “I’ll have to try it sometime.”
“You should,” I say quickly.
He laughs under his breath, shaking his head. “So let me get this straight. You were asleep, not screaming, and just happened to wake up… like this.” He gestures up and down my body.
“Correct,” I nod, knowing I’m full of shit and he knows it. His eyes flick to the towel again, then back to my face.
“You know, most people put on clothes when they answer the door.”
“Most people don’t expect surprise wellness checks in the middle of the night.”
He hums, clearly enjoying my embarrassment far too much. “Right…” he says skeptically.
