Touch My Neck ✓

Chapter Twenty Eight | Why do Hockey players always expect the unexpected?

Angel Novak Huxley

I had spent a restless night, my mind swirling with anxious thoughts that had kept me awake. The weight of uncertainty pressed upon me like a heavy blanket.

Eros had a big game today, which meant he had risen early, leaving me to grapple with my thoughts alone. The moment I heard the first signs of the city stirring to life, I knew the pharmacy would be opening soon. My heart raced with trepidation as I changed into my gym clothes, a facade to mask the urgency gnawing at me.

I stepped out of the apartment, my footsteps echoing through the empty hallway, and made my way toward the pharmacy. Questions continued to churn in my head, a relentless storm of doubt and disbelief. Could I really be pregnant?

When I entered the pharmacy, I rushed past the aisles, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. My feet seemed to move of their own accord until I reached the pregnancy section. There, I hesitated for a moment, staring at the array of pregnancy tests on display.

I finally reached out, trembling hands selecting one of the boxes. The weight of the decision felt immense, and my fingers quivered as I held the pregnancy test in my grasp. With a deep breath, I clutched it tightly, the anticipation of the answer it held causing a lump to form in my throat.

As I made my way to the counter to pay for the test, a million thoughts raced through my mind. 

I tapped my card against the reader, my heart pounding in my chest, and hurried out of the pharmacy. The streets were bustling with people, but my mind was far from the busy crowd. I walked with purpose, each step a desperate attempt to put distance between me and the unexpected encounter waiting to happen.

As I continued down the sidewalk, I couldn't shake the feeling of Jake's eyes on me. I glanced up, and there he was, locking eyes with mine. Panic and anger surged through me, but I couldn't afford to let him see my vulnerability. I quickly stuffed the pregnancy stick into my pocket and tried to resume my getaway.

"Angel!" Jake's voice echoed through the street, making heads turn. I ignored him and kept walking, my heart racing. But he wasn't about to give up that easily. He started making his way towards me, weaving through the crowd, his desperation palpable.

I clenched my fists, my resolve waning. When he finally caught up to me, I couldn't help but stop, if only to hear what he had to say. I turned to face him, my expression a mix of anger, curiosity, and distrust.

"What do you want?" I shot out, my voice trembling with emotion.

"I'm sorry," Jake began, his words rushed and filled with regret. I raised a skeptical eyebrow, my arms crossed defensively.

"Okay?" I responded, my tone laced with skepticism. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not after everything he had put me through.

"Angel, what I did and what I said are things I could never take back," he continued, his eyes pleading with me. "I am so sorry. I was just hurt and insecure, and I need to work to better myself—"

"Jake," I interrupted him, my voice steady but firm. "I really don't care, and to be honest, I don't even want to hear it."

His face fell, and for a moment, guilt seemed to wash over him. But I couldn't let myself be swayed by his remorse. I had to protect my own emotions, my own well-being.

"Angel, please," he implored, his voice breaking slightly. "I know I messed up, but I can't bear the thought of losing you. I care for you."

His declaration caught me off guard, and I hesitated for a moment. But I quickly shook my head, trying to regain control of the situation.