“Why, Ellie? I say it’s been a long time coming.”
“Because Jamie. There’re a million reasons we shouldn’t do this. One, I may have forgiven you, but I haven’t forgotten. Two, we work together. Three, we’re housemates. Four, how do I know you won’t bolt again when you heal and go back to your pro hockey life? And five, if we continue, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop myself.”
My eyes narrow in question. “Stop yourself from what?”
She sniffles, peering up at me with big green eyes and wet lashes.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to stop myself from falling in love with you. Again. And the last time I loved you, you broke my heart.”
Chapter 24
Ellie
Y
ouwhat?!” Lainey screeches as I watch her jaw drop so far, I’m surprised it didn’t hit the floor. I probably should have kept this to myself for a while, but I couldn’t keep this from my best friends. It was driving me crazy hiding it, and I knew they’d be a little pissed about it, but they’re my family. They know everything about my life, just as I know theirs. I called them as soon as I got home.
The whole drive home, which is only five minutes, I sobbed. I sobbed like a freaking baby because I just dug myself a hole I don’t know if I can crawl out of. I don’t even know if I want to get out of it. The whole thing is overwhelming and completely unexpected.
“Oh, honey…” Gwen sighs. I can feel their disappointment through the phone.
I fall back onto my bed, throwing my arm over my face and holding my phone above me.
“I know, I know. I fucked up. I made a mistake.”
“In the locker room?” Lainey asks, a grin growing on her face. I nod, cringing in embarrassment.
“Lainey, seriously? Ellie, you could have gotten caught!”
“Okay, miss chemistry room,” Lainey rolls her eyes and Gwen glares into the phone.
“Oh, whatever. I’m just saying, you both work there. If you’d have gotten caught, you would have been fired.”
Gwen, ever the voice of reason.
“Guys, that’s not the point! I’m freaking out here!”
Lainey stifles a laugh and Gwen rolls her eyes.
“Hey, El. I have a question.” Lainey says, and I know it’s not going to be serious by the way she’s trying to keep her smile contained.
“What?”
“Is it as big as you remember?”
Lainey laughs hysterically as if that’s the funniest thing she’s ever said.
“Lainey!” Gwen and I say in unison.
“Oh, calm down, I’m kidding,” she waves her hand dismissively. “On a serious note, Ellie. Like I said before, you’re too good for him, and he doesn’t deserve your forgiveness. But if this is what you want, you know I’ll support you no matter what. I can’t say the same for Holland though.”
Gwen scoffs. “Oh, no. Holland’s definitely going to kick his ass.”
“I don’t even know if itiswhat I want! I mean, yes, he’s attractive. He’s been nothing but kind to me since we moved here. He’s apologized every chance he’s had. But it’s a bad idea, right?” Absentmindedly, I play with a strand of my hair as I wait for their reply. Gwen takes a deep breath.
“Look, El. We can’t make this decision for you. You need to let your heart decide what it wants. Clearly, a part of you still has some sort of feelings for him or you wouldn’t have slept with him. Plus, Lainey and I can’t really judge because we both went for questionable men. Hell, both of you tried to talk me out of being with Ryker. Now look at us. We’re happy, we’re thriving—”
“You’re pregnant!” Lainey interrupts with a shout. My eyes widen as I watch Gwen’s reaction.Her cheeks turn red, and my eyes begin to fill with tears.
