Twin Babies for my Pucking Defenders (Chicago Icebreakers #2)

8. Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Jade

I’m pacing in my office, trying to shake off the nerves, but it’s useless. Axel’s coming in any minute and my stomach is in knots.

I’ve been thinking about him way too much. I mean, who wouldn’t? He’s lean and muscular, with those striking blue eyes that seem to see right through you, and that tousled brown hair that I used to imagine running my fingers through.

I’ve had the biggest crush on him ever since Jared introduced him to me. But back then, I was just a kid in his eyes. He was older, always had some woman hanging off his arm, and I never had a chance. Not that I ever thought I did. But fuck. Yesterday, when I peeled those pants off him and saw those muscular thighs, my panties dampened a little bit.

What the hell is wrong with me? Did sleeping with Carter open me up like Pandora’s box? I’m so fucking conflicted.

First, there was Carter—how the hell did I even let him finger me at work? That was a mistake. A big, stupid mistake. And then there’s the way my whole body amps up whenever I run into Coach Nate. And now my childhood crush is here, practically naked in front of me.

Fuck me. I’m losing it.

I sit down at my desk and pull up Google. Common hormone issues for 29-year-olds, I type in the search bar. I need some kind of explanation for why my hormones are acting like a fucking circus right now.

Just then, there’s a knock, and the door swings open before I can even process what I’m looking at. Axel walks in, his presence filling the room like it always does. I’m frozen for a second, just staring at him. Fuck.

He flashes me with that charming smile of his, the one that’s always made my heart skip a beat, even when I was too young to understand why. “You’ll be happy to know I didn’t fight anyone today,” he says, with that easy going confidence that makes me want to both punch him and kiss him at the same time.

I force a smile, trying to keep my cool. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Axel sits down, and I can’t help but watch him. He smells like bergamot and sage, a scent that makes me feel both calm and terrified at the same time. It’s ridiculous how this man can mess with my head just by being near me.

“So, what’s on the agenda today, Doc?” he asks, his voice all smooth and teasing.

I clear my throat, trying to be as professional as possible. “We’re going to do some exercises to strengthen your ankle, help with the swelling, and get you back on the ice as soon as possible.”

His x-rays had been clean yesterday, but he had done a number on the ligaments. It was essentially a really nasty sprain, which was sometimes is far more painful than a break. I watched him shift his weight with a wince. Still painful, apparently.

He nods at me in reply to my words, but there’s something in the way he’s looking at me that makes my skin tingle. “You’re all grown up, huh?”

My face heats up, and I can’t stop the smile that tugs at my lips. “I guess so. Also, why would you say that to me at work?”

Something about being in Axel’s presence makes me feel giddy and overjoyed, like I’m a teenager all over again, but I can’t explain it. It’s stupid, really. I’m a grown woman, a professional, and I need to act like it. He needs to act like it too.

“Sorry,” he says with a sheepish look on his face. “What exercises are we doing today?” he asks me, still watching me with those intense eyes of his.

“Uh, we need to start with some range-of-motion exercises,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “You’ll have to take off your pants so I can see how your ankle is moving.”

Axel raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Didn’t realize you wanted to get me out of my pants so soon.”

I roll my eyes, trying to act unbothered, but the truth is, my heart is racing like crazy. “Just take them off, Axel.”

He chuckles and stands up, his hands going to his waistband. I turn around, giving him a little privacy, but my eyes betray me, flicking back to watch him. And holy shit. When he drops his pants, he’s left in just those black boxers that stretch across his thighs and ass like they were made specifically for him. And then there’s his heavy bulge that makes heat pool between my legs and my mouth go dry.

Fuck. Focus, Jade. You’re a professional.

I turn back around, my face flushed. “All right, let’s get started.”

Axel sits back down, and I kneel in front of him, trying to ignore how close I am to…everything. I gently take his ankle in my hands, moving it carefully. His skin is warm under my fingers, and I have to bite my lip to keep from getting distracted.

“Does this hurt?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

“A little,” he admits, his eyes on me. “But it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“Good,” I say, focusing on the task at hand. “We need to work on your flexibility and strength. It’s important that you don’t push yourself too hard. I want you to be able to play, but I also want you to be fully recovered.”

Axel watches me as I explain the exercises, and I can feel his eyes on me the entire time. It’s like he’s studying me, trying to figure something out, and it’s making my head spin.

“You’re really good at this,” he says suddenly, catching me off guard.

I look up at him, surprised. “Thanks. I’ve worked hard to get here.”

He nods, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I can tell. Jared always said you were determined.”

I smile at that, feeling a warmth in my chest. “Yeah, well, when you’re the little sister of a pro athlete, you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself.”

“Guess that’s true,” he says, his tone softer now. “You’ve done good, Jade.”

The way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine, and I quickly refocus on his ankle, not trusting myself to respond. I finish the exercises, trying to ignore the way my hands are trembling slightly.

When I’m done, I stand up and step back, giving him some space. “That’s it for today. We’ll continue tomorrow. Make sure you rest and ice it as much as possible.”

Axel nods, but he doesn’t get up right away. Instead, he leans back, his eyes locked on mine. “You know, I always thought you were pretty cool, Jade. Even when you were a kid.”

I blink, caught off guard by his words. “You did?”

“Yeah,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “You’ve got something special about you.”

My heart skips a beat, and I quickly look away, trying to keep my composure. “Well, thanks. I appreciate that.”

He finally stands up, pulls his pants back on, and I have to remind myself to breathe. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” I say, my voice a little too breathy for my liking. “See you tomorrow.”

He flashes me one last smile before heading out the door, leaving me alone in the office. As soon as he’s gone, I collapse into my chair, my heart racing.

Fuck. This is bad. This is really, really bad.

I’m supposed to be his physical therapist, not some lovesick schoolgirl. But the way he looked at me, the way he said my name…I can’t get it out of my head.

I need to get it together. I need to be professional. But every time I’m around him, my mind goes to places it shouldn’t, and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep it together.

Shit, I’m in trouble.

***

I drive to the clinic with one hand on the wheel and my phone in the other, scrolling through my contacts until I find Millie’s number. I need someone to talk to, and Millie, being married to Chase and having survived the chaos of Declan and Finn, is probably the only person who’ll understand this mess I’m in.

I dial her number and wait, trying to ignore the way my nerves are still buzzing from Axel’s visit. It rings a few times before Millie picks up.

“Hey, babe ! What’s up?” Her voice is warm and cheerful, but I can tell she’s busy with something.

“Millie, thank God you answered,” I say, my voice coming out more desperate than I intended. “I’m having a meltdown over here.”

“What’s going on?” she asks, sounding genuinely concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Not really,” I admit, taking a deep breath. “It’s this whole thing with Axel. I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with me.”

There’s a pause on the other end. “Which Axel? Wait! Finn’s teammate?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.” I grip the steering wheel tighter, trying to steady myself. “He came in for his therapy session today, and…holy crap, it’s just all a mess.”

Millie laughs softly, and I can almost picture her shaking her head. “You’re not making much sense, babe. What’s the problem?”

“I’m conflicted, okay?” I finally spit out. “I’ve had this huge crush on him forever. Ever since Jared introduced us, I’ve thought he was the hottest thing ever. And now he’s here, and I’m supposed to be professional, but every time I look at him, I get all…worked up.”

“Whoa, slow down,” Millie says, her tone soothing. “You’re telling me you’re having trouble separating your personal feelings from your professional responsibilities?”

“Exactly!” I exclaim. “And it’s not just that. I’m dealing with this whole situation with Carter too, and I don’t know if that’s making things worse or if it’s just me being a mess.”

Millie is quiet for a moment, and I can hear the rustling of papers or something in the background. “You’re not the only one who’s felt this way. I mean, look at me. I’m married to Declan and Finn, and I’ve had my fair share of complications when it comes to love.”

“That’s why I’m calling you!” I say, a bit too loudly. “You understand the craziness of this world.”