Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59092 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59092 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
“He was,” I growl. “The shit he was saying about you made my blood boil. I couldn’t stand hearing him talk about you like that. Like you were trash. Like you were his. It made me sick.”
“You didn’t start the fight, though. He did. Anyone could see he punched you in the back after you guys scored. The game was over. He was always a sore loser.”
“I hope the league sees it that way.”
“Me, too. My dad is afraid they will suspend you for the remainder of the year.”
“It’s possible.”
“But he started it. Doesn’t that count for something?”
“Not necessarily. He’s having surgery because of me. The NCAA will take his injuries into consideration.”
“My dad said Kellan will probably get the same penalty as you. He’s not sure. He has to make a few calls.”
“Speaking of calls, would you mind talking to my dad for me. Let him know I’m here. I can’t bear to have a conversation with him right now. He’s going to be so pissed.”
“My dad already talked to him.”
“What did he say?”
“He wasn’t happy.”
“What am I gonna do, Bex?” I rest my head on her shoulder, taking in her sweet feminine scent. “I am so fucked.”
“No, you’re not. We will get through this together.”
“Easy for you to say,” I growl, and something snaps inside me. “Tonight’s game might’ve been the last I ever play.”
“Don’t overreact.” She raises her voice to match my dark tone.
“How do you expect me to act? I feel like someone is holding me underwater, like I’m drowning and have no way of swimming back to the surface.”
“I’m here, Preston. Whatever you need.”
“You weren’t supposed to be here tonight. If you weren’t at the game, Lehane wouldn’t have seen us together. I wouldn’t have gotten into the fight. None of this shit would have happened.” I close my eyes, disgusted with myself for being a dick. “Can you just go?”
She looks like she might cry. “Are you serious?”
I nod. “I need to be alone. I have to think things through.”
Her cheeks flush. “Please don’t hate me for this. I love you.”
I don’t know why, but I can’t say it back. Everything hurts. My hand. My heart. I want it all to stop. I wish I could take it all back.
As I roll onto my side, Bex hops down from the bed. She leaves without another word, and I close my eyes wishing I would have taken the pain meds the doctor offered. Because I want to be numb.
Chapter Twenty-Four
BEX
An entire week has passed since I left Boston. Seven long days without a word from Preston. He hates me. Preston blames me for everything. And he should. Because the fight was my fault.
My dad is pissed about Preston’s suspension. He won’t say it aloud, but he knows I’m to blame. If I could turn back time, I would. I would have stayed the hell home like I was supposed to.
I knock on Preston’s front door, and Jamie opens it.
He forces a smile, but it’s obvious he’s not happy to see me. “Preston is sleeping.”
It’s a lie. I can read it on his lips, see it in his eyes. Every time I’ve come to see Preston, he’s sleeping. Right.
“Can you relay a message for me?”
Leaning against the door frame, Jamie shoves his hand through his shaggy brown hair. “Yeah. What do you want me to tell him?”
The last time I was here, I spoke to Drake. The time before that Tucker. I still haven’t received a return call or text from Preston. He hasn’t been to class in a week. From what I can tell, he hasn’t left this house at all.
“Tell Preston I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have involved him in all of this. This is my fault, and now he’s paying for it.”
“Wait… what?” Jamie’s eyebrows rise in confusion. “What are you talking about? Why is this your fault?”
Surprised, I say, “He didn’t tell you?”
He crosses his arms over his thick chest. “Tell me what?”
“Oh.” I bite my bottom lip. “I assumed he told you since you two are like brothers. What did he tell his parents about the fight?”
“That he reacted without thinking. Lehane and Preston have never gotten along. They’ve always gone after each other on the ice. But never like this. So, you’re saying you had something to do with the fight.”
“Yes,” I whisper. “I wish I could take it all back.”
“Bex, spit it out. What’s going on? Preston won’t talk to me, and now you’re being all cryptic.”
“Sorry. I don’t mean to be.”
I can’t share my past with Jamie. It was hard enough to let Preston in. Even though he’s close to Preston, I’m not comfortable telling Jamie about what brought us to this point.
“Let Preston know I came by, would you? Ask him to call me. If he’s feeling up to it.”