Page 41 of Home Ice

Me:

Because I’m right?

Hawke:

Because you’re ALWAYS right.

It’s like I can hear that message in his grumbly voice.

Hawke:

Okay, well I still have to talk to Amelia. Tell her … I don’t know. That I want to be in his life, I guess.

Me:

That’s a good start.

Hawke:

Will you come with me? Not going to lie, she’s kind of terrifying.

I want everything to be able to say yes and support him through it. Just the fact he’s asked at all means more than I’ll let on. But I can’t get involved.

Me:

No. Kasen’s my player so I have to take a backseat on this one. But I’m happy to give you a lift there and then wait in the car until it’s over. At least then, good or bad, you can let it all out to me?

Hawke:

Smart as always.

My cheeks hurt from the way I’m smiling at my phone. Then one more text comes through.

I’d love that x

Chapter Thirteen

JENSEN

Maybe I should have offered to be the one to drive, but it’s a relief when Barrett pulls up out front. I’m way too jittery to be operating heavy machinery. Before this visit home, I would have said nothing scares me, but I think Amelia does.

It’s a very new feeling to be intimidated by a little old lady, but Amelia’s steady gaze, stable attitude, and demand to take Kasen away is a lot to deal with on top of … no.

No more what-ifs.

Barrett looks up as I open the door, hair over his forehead swooped to either side of his face, long, straight eyebrows sitting over the top of his sunglasses, both all too familiar. The few days of old growth across his jaw isn’t. Neither is the way his shoulders and arms fill out his shirt.

“Hey,” he murmurs in that deep rasp of his. “You ready?”

“Fuck no.” I drop into the seat, and as soon as my door is closed, he takes off. “Why am I so damn nervous?”

“I think it’s a sign that this means a lot to you.”

Air rushes from my lungs. “Maybe.”

“Hawke, it’s okay to admit you have feelings.”

“I know, I know … it’s just …” I know the words that have been eating at me, but I’m not sure I can say them out loud. I haven’t even told my parents what my plans are because, really, what if I fail? Let’s face it, there’s a higher chance of failing than succeeding here, and it’s almost like if people don’t know how much I want this, then I won’t look like an idiot when it all blows up in my face.