Chapter 25 Mia 3
Ava Reed
I knew for a fact that thinking would lead to doubt, and doubt would lead to hesitation. I don’t have room for either. So, I don’t let myself think.
Instead, I walk straight towards Liam, weaving past the few players still lingering around the rink. I steady my pulse and make sure I keep a straight face.
Mia is still there, standing close to him, too close. She leans into him like she belongs, like she never left, like she hasn’t spent the past year nowhere to be found.
Liam looks tense. His arms are crossed, shoulders tight, his gaze locked on her but unfocused, and distant.
He doesn’t want her here.
That thought alone should settle the irritation twisting in my chest. But it doesn’t. Not entirely.
I keep my pace as I approach them, my fingers casually adjusting the strap of my bag over my shoulder. Liam notices me first, his eyes flick up, locking onto mine. I can’t read his expression entirely, but there’s something there. A silent question and excitement to see me
“Hey, Captain,” I say, my voice even, light, like nothing is wrong. Like I didn’t just watch his ex-girlfriend throw herself at him in the middle of practice.
Liam’s posture shifts, barely noticeable but just enough. His shoulders lose a bit of their tension as his head tilts slightly. But his eyes stay on mine, searching and assessing.
“Ava,” he calls slowly.
I stop right in front of him, close but not too close. Just enough for the warmth of his body to brush against mine.
“You okay?” I ask, like I don’t already know the answer.
Mia shifts beside him, clearing her throat. “We were actually in the middle of…”
“Oh. Hey.” I glance at her, finally acknowledging her presence. But, that’s all I give her. Two words.
Mia blinks, clearly thrown off. Her lips press together like she’s waiting for more, but I’ve already dismissed her. My attention is back on Liam.
He’s watching me closely, like he’s trying to figure out what game I’m playing. But this isn’t a game. I’m not here to throw tantrums or make a scene.
I’m here to remind Mia of what she walked away from.
“You did good today,” I say, keeping my voice light. “Only two falls. That’s a new record.”
Liam snorts, the corners of his mouth twitching like he’s trying to fight off a smirk. “You keeping track now?”
“Somebody has to.” I shrug.
He chuckles, shaking his head.
It’s subtle, but the tension in his body starts to ease. His arms drop to his sides, and he shifts his stance, angling slightly toward me. Away from her.
Good boy
Mia notices. I see it in the way her shoulders tense, the way her fingers curl against the fabric of her coat.
Liam doesn’t.
Or if he does, he doesn’t care.
“You need help stretching before we go?” I ask, tilting my head slightly.
“Might be a good idea. My legs are shot.” he hums, like he’s considering it.
“Maybe if you actually listened when people told you to pace yourself, you wouldn’t feel like a ninety-year-old man after every practice.” I raise a brow.
He grins, full and unguarded, and something in my chest clenches at the sight of it.
Mia clears her throat again, this time sharper, more forceful. “Liam,” she says, voice tight.
He blinks, like he’s just now remembering she’s still standing there.
His eyes flick to her briefly, but he doesn’t step away from me. Doesn’t move at all, really. He just exhales through his nose, rubbing a hand down his face like he’s exhausted.
“I should probably finish up here,” he mutters.
I nod, adjusting my bag again. “I’ll be in the car.”
Then, without really thinking, I add, “Perks of living with a star hockey player, I get first dibs on the hot water.”
It’s not meant for Mia. Not a taunt or a challenge. Just a simple joke, something casual between Liam and me.
But Mia still stiffens, her lips parting slightly like the words just smacked her across the face.
Liam, on the other hand, laughs, his grin widening. “I’ll put that on a card for you.”
“No need, it’s an unspoken law now.” I smirk.
He shakes his head, still grinning, and for a second, we just exist there, in that moment. No tension, no expectations. Just us.
Mia is still standing there. Seething. But Liam isn’t paying attention to her anymore.
And neither am I.
I give him one last look before turning on my heel and walking away, leaving her standing there, forgotten.
As she fucking should Bitch.