Page 4 of Pucking Rebound
“I’m not leaving,” Jordy says more firmly.
“I don’t want to see anyone.” I suck my bottom lip into my mouth to conceal another sob, wiping my runny nose with the back of my hand. I’ll need to check myself into a hotel for the night. I can’t go back to the house.
Not yet.
I’ll return to pick up my belongings. Ideally, when Graham isn’t there.
Jordy lets out a loud sigh. “Well, you’re going to have to see me. I have Wade’s new uniform bag, and it’s full of merch from one of our sponsors.” He pauses. “I was using it as an excuse to stop by and was secretly hoping you’d be here because I wanted to sneak in and see Wade’s new fuck pad. That’s the type of guy I am. I’m jealous and nosy. Mainly nosy.”
Jordy’s confession makes me chuckle.
“Does he really have a heated indoor pool?” he asks.
“And a movie theater.” I find myself telling him while using the sleeves of my sweatshirt to wipe my wet cheeks.
“Bougie bastard.” Jordy knocks on the door again. “Now you have to let me in because I need to see them. C’mon, Lola, unlock the door.”
Tentatively, I take a small step forward. “You promise you won’t judge the state of me?”
“I would never do that.”
“I look frightening.”
“Impossible. You’re always beautiful.”
At any other time, I would be swooning at his kind words, but today I’m just too sad. There is no denying that Jordy is handsome. He’s picture-perfect magazine material that makes the puck sluts’ panties wetter than Niagara Falls.
He’s also Wade’s best and closest friend on the team, and I trust him implicitly. That’s the only reason I’m giving him the all access pass to see my sad face.
In a few short steps, I unlock the door and pull it open.
Jordy’s warm eyes hit mine, twitching for a split second as he takes in my swollen features. “Lola.” His voice is laced with sympathy as he pushes the door open, throws Wade’s new bag full of merch onto the hall floor, wraps me into his arms, and shuts the door behind him with his foot, causing a gust of icy fresh air to swirl around us. “I’m sorry, I brought the cold in with me.”
I shiver for a moment, but I don’t care. With him wrapped around me, the numbness from the shock of Graham’s deceit melts away a little.
His big comforting arms have me breaking down again as I bury into his chest, his refreshing aftershave, which smells like clean ocean air and comfort, enveloping me.
Most puck bunnies would sell their kidney to swap places with me right now.
“It won’t always feel this bad, Lola.” Jordy squeezes me tighter for a split second before he releases me, then stands back. “Did you see him with her?”
I nod, dipping my gaze to the floor, unable to look at him.
“Hey, pretty girl.” Jordy’s knuckle slides under my chin, guiding it upward to meet his handsome face. “You have nothing to be ashamed about. This is not your fault.” Shaking his head, his mouth lifts in a soft smile. “You are beautiful, kind, and smart. The best personal assistant on the team. You sort Wade’s shit, organize his food plans, calendar, and I bet you’re doing some sort of fancy shit in here to sort even more of his things out.”
“I am,” I confirm with a nod.
“Knew it. Youareincredible. Fuck Graham for not seeing that. You deserve a real man. Someone who worships all five foot whatever you are.” He looks me up and down. “Three?” He tilts his head to the side.
“Two.” I’m more than a foot shorter than Jordy. I know this because it’s my job to know everything about the team. Jordan Miller—Jordy for short—looks Roman. Regal even. With a big bump in the middle of his nose, his floppy dirty-blond hair is always perfectly barbered, and he has the kindest of eyes. Don’t get me started on his megawatt smile. It’s bright enough to light up any room.
He adds, “You’re five foot two of sheer perfection.”
“I’m not, and maybe I didn’t try hard enough.” My voice cracks as the words that have been swirling around my head get stuck in my throat. “Maybe… I-I-I’m not sexy enough. Or maybe…”
“Don’t say it. Whatever you are thinking, stop right now, Lola.” The cold tip of his thumb feels comforting against my hot cheek as he glides it across my skin. “You’re the gold standard of every man’s dream. Don’t ever let anyone tell you any different.” Clearing his throat and with a hint of humor in his voice, he asks, “Do you want me to kill him for you?”
“Maybe.” Smiling, I nod my head at his fake offer. “You would do that for me?”
