A Perfect Distraction(108)
His shoulders hunched, as if he was bracing himself against the painful knowledge of his friend’s betrayal. “Me, too.”
“I don’t suppose the investigators will do anything with the evidence against him.”
“There’s no point.” He put his mug on the table. “But Adam’s parents want to make the story public.”
Her eyes widened. “They do?”
“I spoke to them after the hearing. I thought they should hear about Adam from me.” He scrubbed his hand over his jaw. “They felt terrible about Adam’s deceit, but they were also relieved to have an explanation for his death.”
She felt sorry for them. “Maybe it’ll help them heal.”
Jake smiled. “We’re setting up the Adam Stewart Foundation, to provide education about the dangers of steroids and support people caught up with them. If we prevent even one athlete from following that path, it’ll mean Adam’s life wasn’t wasted.”
Maggie wasn’t surprised Jake had found a way to honor his friend despite Adam’s betrayal. Jake was a good man. If only he could see the truth about himself.
“This mess with Adam opened my eyes.” He leaned forward. “Made me realize my old high-octane life didn’t make me a bad person. Just as all Adam’s noble deeds didn’t make him a saint.” He tapped his chest. “What’s in here is what’s really important.”
Maybe Adam had done him a favor after all. Happiness filled her. Still, uncertainty remained. He’d said nothing about what that meant for her or their relationship.
“Do you plan to go back to your old life?” Her heart gave a heavy thump as she waited for his answer.
He shook his head. “I don’t want that anymore. At least, not all the time. I wouldn’t mind the occasional party or high-profile event.”
He waited for her reaction, his gaze intent.
“That’s a lesson we both learned.” She smiled and shared her thoughts from the plane. “It’s not the life that makes the woman or man, but the other way round.”
“So you’d be happy to accompany me to another function? I’d like another shot at showing everyone how serious I am about you.”
Her smile faded. Not quite the result she’d hoped for. “I thought you said there wasn’t another big event until June.”
“There isn’t. But, if you agree, this one will be special.”
“I don’t understand.” She frowned.
“It would be our wedding. I’d like you to marry me.”
Her heart slammed against her ribs. “M-marry?”
He took the cup out of her hands and twined their fingers. “You’re perfect for me.”
“Hardly.” Her old insecurities rose, threatening to choke her. “I won’t change, Jake. Not for you. Not for anyone.”
“I don’t want you to.”
She searched his eyes. Could she trust the message that glowed in the brilliant blue depths? “You don’t?”
“I love you, Maggie, just as you are.”
She’d heard of time standing still but had never experienced it until now. “Oh.”
“I’d hoped for a little more enthusiasm.”
Happiness exploded within her. “Wow.”
“Better.” He grinned.
“Are you sure? There will always be issues and people desperate for a story. What happens the next time things go belly-up and we’re splashed across the media?”
“Nothing can hurt us if we deal with things together. We make a good team. If we’re honest and trust each other, we can handle anything anyone throws at us.” Jake’s earnest expression was as convincing as his words.
Doubt lingered. “Even if it distracts you from your play?”
He looked chagrined. “My insecurities hampered my play. I didn’t trust what was in my heart. You helped me believe in myself again. Gave me the strength to be the man and player I want to be. I know you don’t like hockey, but...”
Maggie laid her finger over his lips. “I love you just as you are.”
When he started to speak, she shook her head. “Hockey’s not bad. Just don’t expect me to keep quiet when someone hurts you.”
“Same goes.” His tongue licked the length of her finger, sending heat spiraling through her. “You didn’t answer my question. Will you marry me?”
“Yes, please,” she breathed, as his mouth covered the pulse point of her wrist.
“How about raising a hockey team of our own?” His lips trailed along her arm, lingering at the inside of her elbow.
She gasped as desire pooled deep within. “Well, maybe a top line.”