Jersey is shaking her head. Her lips twisted in amusement. Once the sound has died down, she says, “I should’ve known you’d eat that up.”
I chuckle and wrap my arm around her shoulder, dragging her to my side. She leans into me, placing her hand on my chest to stabilize herself. I’m walking a little slower than I would normally, but she doesn’t seem to mind, sticking close to me the whole way to her green room.
Once we make it, she lets go of me to get cleaned up. I give her the space, taking a breather on the couch so I can prop my knee on a pillow. The hours of PT paid off tenfold tonight. Even with that, it’s starting to ache and I don’t want it to swell too much.
Thankfully, Bethany seems to read my mind, and she brings me a bag filled with ice. I suppose it’s a perk of performing in a professional athletic facility.
About twenty minutes later, Jersey comes out of the bathroom in a completely different outfit, fresh makeup, and her hair tied back into some kind of twist, which is clipped to the back of her head.
She does a little spin and I give her a slow clap. Her face is alight with energy and if I didn’t know any better, I wouldn’t have guessed she just performed a two-hour show for thousands of screaming fans.
She settles on the couch next to me, kissing the side of my neck. I wrap my arm around her, cup her cheek, and tilt her chin up so I can kiss her properly again.
When she pulls away, her brown eyes are alight with joy and that alone is worth everything.
THIRTY-SIX
jersey
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
“Well, doesn’t this look cozy?”a sickeningly familiar voice says to my right, breaking the quiet moment I’m having with Hayes. I turn my head to see Corey Shrader standing in the doorframe of the green room, watching the two of us with snide interest.
“What are you doing here?” I ask tightly, standing up to face him. Of all the nights that Corey had to ruin, he had to pick this one.
Corey looks bored with my question. “Cal invited me.”
I cross my arms, almost like a protective barrier between me and my ex.
Hayes stands up from the couch, and I’m keenly aware of his large frame at my back. I can practically picture the unamused glare he’s giving Corey right now.
Corey’s eyes slide to him and again, he is entirely unbothered. He extends a hand to Hayes. “Hayes, good to see you again.”
I roll my eyes and Hayes scoffs, not accepting the handshake. “Actually, not really.”
Corey’s lips pull into a smirk. He lets his hand hang in the air for a second before he drops it back to his side. “All right, then. She’s sure got you whipped.”
My shoulders tighten and Hayes makes a dissatisfied sound low in his chest. I wonder if Corey can hear it, and I wonder if he’ll heed Hayes’s warning.
Hayes is much bigger than Corey, in height, in stature—in every way that matters.
Corey would not fare well going up against Hayes one-on-one.
But of course, I should’ve already predicted that wouldn’t stop him.
“She’s pretty good at that. Hopefully, you’ll wise up like I did and realize she’s only interested in using people who help promote her career.”
“Stop it, Corey,” I say. Of course, he’d take that angle. In Corey’s mind, he probably takes credit for everything I worked so hard for, thinking he gave me a one up.
He didn’t. I earned what I have.
“Let’s go.” I turn to Hayes and reach for his hand.
“What’s wrong, princess?” he sneers, using the old nickname he used to call me. It makes my skin crawl that I’d ever thought it was endearing. “Worried I’ll scare your new boyfriend off and you’ll be all alone again?”
“I think we’re done here.” Hayes steps in, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “You can see yourself out.”
“What’s the matter, Hayes? Feeling threatened? I bet if you asked nicely, Jersey would be open to a little two-on-one action.”
