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Why did my dad expect me to stop my life and take care of my siblings?
What was he going to do when I went to the NHL?
Did he want my money for the signing bonus?
Why couldn’t Mom get better and tell me I was doing the right thing?
Who would hold Penny when she was sad?
Would my dad keep Em out of trouble with Jace?
Fuck.
My throat tightened as I moved to another piece of equipment, smashing before picking up an axe and destroying a piece of plywood. “Yes!” I smashed item after item, not caring that I sweated more than I did during a workout or that my forearms would be sore. I destroyed and took out my rage.
Why did Quentin have to be related to my fucking clinical partner?
Why did Audrey have to be so fucking pretty? The one person who understood my stress, who saw me for more than a hockey guy or a caretaker? Someone I felt a spark with who I’d never be able to be more than clinical friends with? It was unfair.
Fucking Quentin.
I switched to a golf club and crushed an old lamp. The sound was so satisfying I shuddered.
“I think our time is up, Theo.” A soft voice appeared to my left, and Audrey grabbed my arm. “Do you want me to pay for more time?”
I shook my head, my adrenaline coming down hard. My eyes fucking watered, and I didn’t even realize it. “I’m good.”
She placed her hand on mine, grabbed the golf club, and tossed it over to the side. I kept her touch on me as we left through the entrance. We returned our jumpsuits and goggles, paid, and walked back into the brutal summer sun of central Illinois. It smelled like rain was coming, and I inhaled, taking a moment to collect myself.
That experience… changed me. I needed it and hadn’t known it. Closing my eyes, I faced the sun and let the warm rays wash over me. It cleansed me in the weirdest way. I felt less angry about my dad, about my life being unfair. And when I opened my eyes, Audrey stared at me with such a worried expression it took all my effort not to squeeze her in a hug.
This woman had known exactly what to do, and I owed her. “Thank you.” I cleared my throat as emotion clogged it. “This was amazing. I needed it.”
“Good. I’m glad.” She blushed and stared at the corn fields, but that wouldn’t do. I closed the distance between us and cupped one side of her face, dragging my thumb over her jawline. She sucked in a breath as her eyes widened. Her breath tickled my face, and the warmth from her made me shiver.
I gently pressed my lips against hers, craving the emotional connection with her more than I cared to admit. It had been so long since I kissed someone just because I was thankful for them. Years, even, since I’d cupped a girl’s face and wished I could express how much I cared for them with one gesture. God, her lips were perfect and slightly wet. I wanted to nibble them. I lingered for two seconds, loving the way her soft lips felt against mine, then I pulled back. “Thank you. Seriously. I don’t know how to thank you properly, but that’s the best I’ve felt in months. Months, Auds.” I shook my head, admiring the freckles on the tip of her nose and the way her skin flushed while looking at me. “Very few people understand me the way you do, and you’ve only known me a few weeks. Makes me question my teammates.”
She chewed her lip, her gaze remaining my mouth. “You did transfer to a team where most of the guys will hate you.”
“Couldn’t let me live in la-la land for a few more minutes, eh? Had to bring me down.” I forced a laugh and guided her to my car. It wasn’t that I meant to kiss her in a sexual “let’s get naked” way. I mean hell, I was attracted to her. But my love language was physical touch. Physical and emotional connection were essential for me, and that seemed like the right thing to do. “I’ll take you back, Auds. Thank you. You’re a good friend.”
11
Audrey
Theo had kissed me. Then he called me a good friend.
But he kissed me right on the lips.
It was all I could think about. A full day later, I ran my fingers over my mouth and could still smell the mossy field, feel the way the wind and sun touched my skin, the gentle caress of his fingers on my face before his soft lips touched mine. My body heated, and my skin tightened, and my stomach swooped so much I could fall over.
I hadn’t been kissed in years, and he woke up a dormant part of me. Caring for someone was too much work, too exhausting and terrifying, but a quick connection? That wouldn’t be too bad.
Get it together.
Quentin agreed to meet me at a salad place between classes Wednesday, and I knew better than to think about Theo around him. There were almost two versions of Theo, the horrible hockey guy who I hated for hurting Quentin, and the one I knew from clinicals. The one who watched his siblings to help his parents.
“What up, sis?”
