Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
He nods, still unable to look at me. “They are. Everyone has been. I’m just in my feelings.”
“Which is thoroughly understandable. But as my mom would say, ‘It’s only a moment of your life. The next moment could be greater or worse, so go in headfirst and enjoy the ride.’” He finally meets my gaze, and I smile. “She’d add I’m her favorite and she loves me the most, even though I have four other siblings, one of whom is a twin.”
He grins. “That’s funny.”
“She’s the best mom,” I say proudly. “But for real. And maybe go see Kayla over at the autism center. She’s an incredible sports therapist.”
“I don’t need therapy.”
I scoff. “We all need some kind of therapy, Jackson. But I hear you, and if the voices in your head start tearing you down, go talk to her.”
“I will.”
“Good. How do you feel? Better?
“Yeah,” he says, nodding. “Thanks. I think I’m good.”
“You are. I know it, Jackson.”
His eyes tell me how grateful he is before he says, “I’m gonna hit the weight room.”
“Awesome. If I don’t see you before you leave tonight, have a good break.”
“Thanks, Adler. You too.”
I watch as he heads down the hall, but when he stops at the corner, I smile.
“I wish you were going back to the NHL, but I think I’m more of a fan knowing you’re taking care of you and not giving up on yourself.”
Wow, talk about a slap shot of emotion. “Thanks, man.”
He nods, sending me a smirk before he turns the corner. I head back into the room to see Callie sitting up in the bed, pointing to my phone that’s ringing. “It’s loud, you’re loud, and I’m tired.”
“Well, good morning to you too, my beautiful love.”
She grumbles something as I cross the room to my phone. “It’s my mom.”
“Were your ears burning?” I ask as I answer, sitting down.
“No, they weren’t. Were you talking about me?”
“I was,” I admit, grinning. “I told one of the guys I have the best mom.”
“It’s true. I have the trophy to prove it. I think you guys got it for me before Quinn was born, so really, I need another or six now that I’m a grandma.”
“Man, I hadn’t ever realized that. We need to get you a Best Grandma one.”
“Exactly,” she laughs, and my grin grows. “You sound very cheerful.”
“I am. I had a great night, and I helped one of the guys before you called, so I feel good.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful and probably means you won’t say no to me.”
I press my lips together. “I am very able to say no, Mom.”
She laughs. “Shh, you,” she teases, and I chuckle. “Would you like to come to dinner tonight?”
I pause. “Who’s coming?”
“Just family.”
“Exactly who?”
Her laughter rings across the line. “Shelli, Aiden, Posey, Boon, the babies, and Quinn.”
“No Brookses, right? I cannot do round two of Emery and Quinn.”
Her laughter stops. “That was awful.”
“It was.”
“But no, they’re not coming,” she says. I’m about to say yeah, I’ll come, but then she asks, “Maybe bring your girlfriend, Callie?”
Owen, I’m gonna cut you. “I hate being a twin.”
She laughs. “I mean, it’s been over a month since she showed up at my door, and you’re going home with her, so I feel—”
“I’m not going home with her. I’m going to Owen and Angie’s, but I am riding with her.”
“See! So, it’s serious?”
I glance over to where Callie is watching me sleepily, a little smirk on her face. “I’m a pretty serious guy, Mom.”
“Yes, but are you serious about her?”
“I think I am,” I admit, and Callie blows me a kiss before cuddling back into my bed.
“Good. So, dinner is at six. I’ll see you two then.”
Before I can confirm or deny, she hangs up like the pain in my ass she tends to be.
I put my phone on the desk and get up, just as Callie asks, “Was I invited to dinner with your parents because you’re serious about me?”
I snort, shaking my head.
“She’s loud too. All of you are loud.”
I laugh as I crawl into bed with her, kissing her chin. “Do you want to go?”
“Yeah.”
“Then we’ll go,” I say, kissing her nose. “Because, yes, Calliope Pearce, I am very serious about you.”
She grabs ahold of my butt, her eyes meeting mine as our lips touch. “You’re damn right you are, and I am about you. Now, stop being so loud and go back to sleep.”
I shake my head, kissing her lips. “Oh no, my love. It’s time for round four.”
Her eyes widen as I chuckle, kissing down her throat and going between her legs. “Again? Are you making up for the years of holding out on all those girls who wanted you?”
“Yup. I was waiting for you.”
“Whatever,” she laughs as I nibble on her neck.
I grin against her skin. “Really, I like how you squirm, and I’m all for perfecting things. You know this.”