Page 42 of Breakaway

“I don’t think I’m ever leaving,” I whispered, making Aggie laugh. She patted my hand, her smile beautiful as she accepted the praise for her house she clearly loved.

Brunch was enjoyable as the guys shared tales with Charlie, debating which teams would go far this year. Reed brought up how he’d been called to return, but after thinking about it, he knew he wasn’t ready yet. I smiled at him, knowing how hard that decision had been for him to make.

“How are Sawyer and Henry doing in their competitions?” I asked, remembering they had an ice skating competition this weekend.

“Good. They’re rumored to be on the shortlist for Nationals and then the Olympic team. There are a few more competitions where they can showcase their talent,” Charlie answered, pride overflowing in his words.

“We’re hoping to make the next one,” Aggie added, patting her husband’s hand. Watching the older couple, I knew it was another vision of the life I wanted with my guys. Sitting around our home as we’re older, having lunch with friends, and talking fondly about our children.

By the time we left, I felt more connected to the men in my life and my goals for the school. There were people in the community rooting for us that the Society couldn’t touch. And as long as I remembered that, I knew we couldn’t lose.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Henley

I lifted the spoon to my mouth, casually trying to pretend like I was eating my cereal. Lowering it back down, I filled it with more and did the same dance all over again. My hand shook as it rose, most of the milk sloshing out before it reached my mouth. I’d need to change my shirt at this rate or risk the chance of smelling like spoiled milk all day. Dax snorted, kicking me under the table.

“You gotta forget they’re in the room, Petal, or everyone is going to believe you pop pills to play with a hand that shaky.”

My spoon clattered in my bowl, and I groaned, resting my elbows on the table as I rested my head in my hands. Dax was right, but I couldn’t seem to calm myself. The film crew had been here one day already, and I’d been a twitchy mess—and not in a good way.

Taking a few deep breaths, I closed my eyes as I counted until my legs quit shaking under the table. When I felt ready, I opened my eyes and nodded. Dax winked, handing me a bagel.

“Less mess,” he teased, making me laugh.

“So, what do you have going on today?” I asked Dax, keeping my gaze on him and not the three other people who’d invaded our home.

“Conditioning mostly, then a few PT clients. Then I have to meet with the lawyer about Gareth.”

I perked up, this part being new. “Do they have any new information?”

“Nope. But the DA wants to make a deal.” His eyes narrowed as he drank his smoothie concoction. “They wanted to meet with me to go over it.”

“Who’s your lawyer?” I asked, my hands itching to text my guy despite him being in Massachusetts.

“Daddy Fletch hooked me up with a guy. Having someone in your bromance who has disposable income comes in handy.”

I laughed, shaking my head. I knew Dax didn’t want any of us for the money; his teasing was a way to normalize it. Though, I couldn’t disagree with how much it helped with things.

“What about you, Petal? Anything outside of whipping kids into shape?”

“I’m having lunch with Macy. She’s found some information for me,” I whispered. Dax lifted his eyebrows, nodding that he understood. Reed walked into the kitchen, stopping to kiss me before he went to the coffeemaker.

“Ah, Punchy. Where’s my morning kiss?” Dax teased, puckering up his lips.

Reed spun and kissed Dax on the lips before he could react, then turned back to the coffee like nothing had happened. Dax’s mouth hung open as he tried to gather his thoughts, my face mirroring his as I shifted in my seat, forgetting all about the camera crew. I fanned myself, giggling at Dax’s reaction. He pointed at Reed, then himself, his eyes wide as he sputtered. If I wasn’t mistaken, even his cheeks were a bit red.

“What was that?” he managed to get out as Reed dropped into a chair at the table, sipping his coffee like he hadn’t just rocked Dax’s world.

Reed lifted his eyebrow in response, no other emotion or expression on his face as he stared down Dax. This only ruffled Dax more; his green eyes glimmered as he tried to understand it. He smoothed his hair back, downing the last of his smoothie when he didn’t get an answer. I continued to laugh into my bagel, my shoulders shaking. Dax narrowed his eyes at me when I didn’t stop.

“I blame you,” he said, pointing his finger at me.

“You asked for the kiss, Goldie. Don’t ask for something if you don’t want it.”

Dax opened and closed his mouth, no words forming as he stared at Reed. Fletcher sauntered into the room, his fresh scent traveling with him as he made himself breakfast, oblivious to the debacle unfolding.

“What?” he asked a moment later as he looked between the three of us. I smirked, shaking my head as Reed pretended to read something on his phone as he drank his coffee. Dax still gaped like it was his mission to catch as many flies as possible.