CHAPTER 8: Birthday Reminder
1132 Words
Jax glanced over, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. “Neither are you.”
The truck rolled through the quiet streets and the tension between us shifted into something deeper, warmer and anything I never expected it to be.
And for the first time, I wasn’t sure if I was more afraid of the dean finding out… or of how badly I wanted this to stop being fake.
“Coach texted,” Jax said. I barely looked at him because it was too dark outside.
“This late?”
“Yeah.”
“What did he say?”
“He wanted a training couple photo to memorialize the upcoming championship.”
“You really are our team star, Jax.” I mocked. He shrugged his shoulders.
“Consequence of being this good-looking.”
“Nonsense!” I laughed it off but he only smiled and caressed my hair.
Somehow it made my heart stutter.
“So, what do you say? Are you tired now?” He asked. I shook my head.
“I’m good. Let’s go to the arena then.”
“On your command, Princess.”
Then we drove to the arena this late. 10 p.m. Nobody was there. Only us.
The parking lot was almost empty under the tall streetlights, the cold night air biting at my cheeks as we stepped out of the truck. My beige A-line midi skirt swayed gently around my legs, the fabric still carrying the faint warmth from the family dinner earlier.
I pulled my oversized cream cardigan a little tighter around myself, feeling the soft wool brush against the white blouse underneath. The simple ankle boots clicked softly on the pavement as I followed Jax toward the side entrance.
“This is the training room,” Jax introduced. And all I thought the training room felt smaller than usual with just the two of us inside.
Jax had dimmed the lights so the mirrors reflected only soft shadows.
We were supposed to be practicing “natural couple stuff” for the upcoming games, but after the gentle way he’d kissed me earlier, it didn’t feel like practice anymore.
Jax stood close with one hand resting lightly on my waist and the other brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“You’re quiet tonight. Still thinking about dinner?”
I nodded with warm cheeks.
“Your mom was really nice. And the way you… touched me under the table…” I trailed off, embarrassed.
Jax’s smile was small and genuine.
“I liked having you there. You fit right in.” He leaned in and kissed me again. Right now, it felt slow, sweet, and that kind of kiss that made my knees feel weak.
Jax’s hand slid up my back, pulling me closer until our bodies pressed together.
I melted into it.
My fingers curled into his hoodie and for a moment everything felt real. And that’s terrifying.
“Oh, wow! What do we have here.”
The door to the training room swung open with a loud bang.
Brianna Holt and her two chatty girls walked in. Her earbuds dangling from her neck and her gym bag slung over one shoulder.
They were clearly here for a late-night dance practice or so I thought.
The way she froze when she saw us proved something. Brianna’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.
And for a second, no one spoke.
Brianna’s gaze flicked between us, lingering on Jax’s hand still on my waist and the soft beige A-line midi skirt I was still wearing from dinner. A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face.
“Oh my god,” she said, voice sugary and loud enough for her friends to hear. “Look at this. The hockey king and his little church girl.”
Her two friends giggled immediately. The tall one with the high ponytail smirked.
“Cute skirt, Lila. Did you borrow it from your grandma’s closet? Or is that the official uniform for ‘good girls who steal other people’s boyfriends’?”
The shorter girl laughed. “Seriously, who shows up to a secret training session in a midi skirt and a cardigan? You look like you’re about to teach Sunday school, not make out with the captain.”
Brianna laughed but then went quiet. She took some steps closer to us and stood on her tiptoes to whisper to Jax.
“Remember what you said at Tyler’s party, Jaxxy.”
I gulped. I clearly heard her voice even though she was whispering.
“Get the f**k off, Bree!” He pushed Brianna away while gripping my arms and walking away from those talky girls.
“You may fool everyone but you can’t fool me, Jaxxy! Watch me. You’ll be begging to get back with me next week, when your birthday arrives.”
Brianna smirked while yelling. I didn’t even know next week was Jax’s birthday. Or worse… I didn’t even know what Brianna was talking about.
“What was that, Jax?” I asked, my voice shaking as I pulled my arm free from his grip. My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. The soft beige midi skirt suddenly felt too tight, the fabric brushing against my legs as I took a step back.
Jax’s face was pale under the dim lights. His jaw was clenched. I could tell he wasn’t looking so friendly as before.
“It’s nothing,” he said quickly. “Brianna’s just being dramatic. She’s mad I’m with you now and she’s trying to stir up old shit.”
I stared at him, suspicion twisting in my stomach. The way Brianna had smiled — that sharp, satisfied smile — made my skin crawl. She knew something. I could feel it. But Jax was standing there, looking at me with those stormy gray eyes that had been so gentle only minutes ago.
I wanted to believe him. I really did.
“Jax,” I said softly, stepping closer again even though my legs felt shaky. “If there’s something I should know… you can tell me. I’m on your side, remember?”
He swallowed hard, his hand reaching out to gently touch my arm. “I know. And I’m on yours too. I promise.”
He pulled me back into his arms, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. His touch was warm and careful, the same gentle Jax from the study session and the dinner table. For a second the tension eased, and I let myself lean into him, breathing in the familiar scent of his hoodie.
But the echo of Brianna’s words still lingered in the air like smoke.
I didn’t know what she was talking about.
I didn’t know what secret she was holding over him.
- Writer
