Page 6 of Through the Storm

“I’m not gonna be the guy who takes something from her she can’t get back,” I snap. Then, quieter, “She deserves a life that’s hers. Not one built around me.”

Wyatt doesn’t argue right away. That’s how I know he’s thinking.

I drag a hand through my hair. “I’m a year from the draft. I couldend up anywhere. I’ll be busy with training camps, travel, contracts, games. That life swallows everything around it. And she’s too smart and too young for that kind of thing.”

My throat tightens.

“She’s barely halfway through college, Wy. She should get to figure out who she is before some guy asks her to give everything up.”

“You’re not taking anything,” he says finally. “It’d be her choice.”

“That doesn’t make it right.”

“Ben,” he says, voice gentler now, “walking away doesn’t protect her. It just tells her she wasn’t worth staying for.”

That hits harder than I’m ready for.

“Ouch,” I mutter. “That’s rich, coming from you. You claim there’s nothing going on with Ella, but you literally travel to other towns to hook up just so she doesn’t find out.”

He tenses. Wyatt’s in this weird almost-relationship with my cousin Ella, and everyone knows it.

“That’s different. I don’t want to disrespect her, but she’s not over her ex yet. And I’m not a fucking monk.”

I nod once, staring at the floor between us. “I just don’t want to ruin her.”

Wyatt shakes his head. “You don’t ruin people by loving them.”

“I’m done talking about this.”

“Fine. If you need me,” he adds casually, already stepping back, “I’m around.”

“Cool,” I huff. “Love a vague threat of emotional availability.”

He smiles once and walks off.

I finish the set. Then another. Then one more I definitely don’t need. When I finally sit, my hands are shaking. But not from the workout.

Wyatt’s words keep replaying in my head. Maybe I did decide for her.

I check my phone again.

Still nothing.

I did the right thing. I know I did.

So why is there a terrible, sinking feeling in my chest like I missed something important?

I wipe down the bench, grab my bag, and head for the door.

Somewhere behind me, someone laughs. Life keeps moving.

And I can’t shake the feeling that it shouldn’t.

Ben

Hey Katy Cat. Are you in Rose Bay for the summer? Can I take you to dinner?

CHAPTER THREE