Off Sides (Darby U Hockey Boys, #3)

by Andi Jaxon

I have to hold it together because that’s my job. Everyone is allowed to break but me. Never me. Being the oldest means I have to keep it together when I want to fall apart.

My poor boy is locked in his head and fighting himself on what he wants versus what he thinks is okay.

I feel like I’m leading you on or taking advantage because I don’t know what I want. Everything you’ve offered me seems too good to be true and I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. I’m waiting for you to get fed up with my crap or get taken from me.” He takes a deep breath and his shoulders sag in defeat. “I’m afraid of you.” He’s so fucking perfect it hurts. “Let me worry about me. I know you just need to be here, and that’s okay.” I grip his waist and bite at his chin to get a chuckle from him. I smile when it works. “You don’t owe me anything, Joey. You don’t have to be any certain way with me. Just be you.”