Unbreakable: A Salvation Society Novel

by Georgia Coffman

  I tilt my head, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. “We really will be late if you want me to get—”

  He groans, resting his head on mine. “I do want. I want very much for you to strip out of this stupid dress and get dirty.”

  “Stupid?” I pull out of his embrace and do a little spin, showing him my red dress that dips low in the back.

  When I face him again, I smile with victory.

  Rubbing his chin, his nostrils flare as he slowly narrows his gaze at me. “What do you say we show up fashionably late? I’ve heard people talk about how fun that is, although I’ve never understood it. But I can be on board.”

  I tsk at him, pulling him inside. “We’ll save that for our celebratory, private after-party.”

  Once we’re inside, he presses his front flush against my back, wrapping his arm around my stomach, splaying his fingers at my belly button. “I’ll definitely hold you to that,” he whispers in my ear, sending a shiver down to my toes.

  I place my hand over his on my stomach, and warmth spreads throughout my entire body.

  Aiden kisses my cheek, then whispers, “Are you sure you don’t want to tell anyone yet? Because I’m dying here.”

  Keeping this secret has been hard on me too. I’ve wanted to tell Taylor, and Aiden’s desperate to share with the guys and his family. But I keep insisting we wait. Last time, I miscarried at around eighteen weeks, and I could hardly stand having to tell people I lost her.

  So, I’m being extra cautious now.

  “I know.” I sigh. “But we need to be certain before we share.”

  He nods against me. “I’m just… I’m happy, Jersey.”

  “Me too,” I whisper, leaning into him, holding his arms around me.

  Right where I want to be.

  “Ready to do this?” I turn in his arms, splaying my fingers across his chest.

  “With you by my side, I’m ready for anything.” He kisses my temple, then pulls back. “Too cheesy?”

  “Nah.” I kiss his lips, smiling. “I like when you’re cheesier than a cheese pizza for me.”

  He throws his head back and laughs. “Now, that was too much. Does pregnancy make us both outrageously dorky?”

  “Dorky?” I scoff as we head toward the front door. “Speak for yourself.”

  His chuckle rumbles from deep in his throat, echoing around the walls of this loft.

  When I turn around, I sharply inhale as I take him in. The top few buttons of his shirt remain open, revealing his smooth and tan chest.

  I clear my throat and place my hand on his cheek, tracing his jawline with the tip of my forefinger as I bask in this world where Aiden and I have a second chance at love.

  At a family.

  I nod, giving him a watery smile. “Let’s do this.”

  Chapter Forty-One

  AIDEN

  In the cab, I run my finger over the velvet box in my pocket. All month, I spent every spare moment looking at different styles and cuts. Several stores and jewelers. So many diamonds I feared growing cross-eyed.

  Until I finally found the right one. One that’s fitting for my Jersey. One she’ll love.

  She turns to me, threading her fingers through mine. “I want you to know I’m very proud of you, and I’m so lucky to be here to witness you and your glory. Taylor even told me she’s got tonight under control and that I should join you for the fun. This is a big night, and she knows how much I want to be there for you.”

  I kiss the back of her hand, then her lips, thankful she’s here too.

  “You don’t know what a first down is?” I stare at her.

  She pops a french fry in her mouth. “No. Should I?”

  “Yes. You should… I mean, how… how can you not know anything about football?” I sputter.

  She shrugs, and her nose wrinkles like she smells something foul.

  It’s adorable.

  It distracts me from what we’re even talking about.

  “So, explain it to me.” She tosses a fry in my direction when I don’t answer.

  My friend Carter snorts beside me, and I kick him under the table.

  After half an hour of me explaining the game to her, including drawing diagrams on napkins, she nods her head and says, “I think I’m ready to play now.”

  “To play football?” I raise my eyebrows.

  “Yeah, why not? Because I’m a woman?” she challenges.

  “No. Because it can be rough.” I sip my drink.

  “I can get rough.”

  I choke as my mind goes dark.

  Dirty.

  For my friend’s girl.

  “That sounded weird.” She blushes. “What I mean is, I’m tougher than I look.” She checks the time on her phone and groans as she stuffs her trash into a paper bag. “Have to get to history. See you guys later.”

  Once she’s out of earshot, I turn to Carter. “It’s only a crush.”

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  “You didn’t have to. Your snorts spoke volumes.” I roll my eyes, leaning back in my chair in an attempt to seem unaffected. “I don’t even know her that well. We just met. My crush will go away.”

  “You and Sage hang out more than you and I do, and I’m one of your closest friends.” Carter leans forward. “You talk about her nonstop.”

  “She has a boyfriend, who’s also my friend. My feelings will go away,” I insist.

  He shakes his head like he pities me. “You don’t just get over love, not when it’s dopey, out-of-your-mind love.”

  “And you’re saying that’s how I feel about Sage?” I laugh, shaking my head, but inside, my chest tightens.

  My throat constricts.

  These feelings… they’re real. The kind I know won’t go away.

  When we reach the hotel venue, I hold the door open for her, then give her my arm, and she hooks hers through it. Her red dress dips low, her collarbone prominent, her shoulders rounded.

  She glows more and more each day.

  I stop her outside the revolving doors. “Do you remember when we were in college, and I tried explaining the rules of football to you?”

  Her laugh echoes into the night. “What made you think of that?”

  “It was the first time I realized I was in trouble.”

  Her expression sobers. “What do you mean?”

  “It was the first time I realized I had feelings for you.”

  She gulps, then runs her hand from my cheek to my chest. “I remember… I remember when I first realized it, even though I couldn’t admit it.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “You were showing me how to toss a Frisbee. You touched me, and…” She licks her lips, her eyes glistening. “And I knew.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “For what?” She furrows her eyebrows.

  “For ruining your lipstick.” I cup her cheek and crush my lips to hers, swallowing her shock.

  I fuse my mouth to hers and have to fight with myself to take her hand and walk inside instead of running back to the confines of my loft.

  So, I continue holding her close, kissing her, loving her.

  She hums when she stops our kiss, and her lips are indeed smudged and swollen.

  Using my thumb, I swipe at the corners of her mouth.

  “You’re forgiven,” she whispers.

  I tuck her into my side and head toward the front entrance.

  My crush on Sage happened almost immediately. When we met, we connected, but I chalked it to be friendship. It’s all we could have at the time.

  We were at lunch a couple weeks after we met when I realized my crush was very real and very inappropriate. I always felt guilty having feelings for my friend’s girl.

  But Sage and I—we were always meant to be.

  Hand in hand, we enter the doors and step into our future.

  “Naomi’s pulling up. I’m going to meet her outside.” Sage kisses my cheek, then rubs it. She obviously got red lipstick on me, but I don’t care.
>
  I don’t care to be marked by her.

  “Dude, we’re almost out of chips and queso, and the party hasn’t even started.” Jared waves his hand over the table full of food.

  “If you would stop eating them, we’d have plenty,” Westin scolds like a father would a child.

  I chuckle, coming up behind them. “We should’ve known. I mean, chips are his weakness. That one’s on us.”

  “Sadly, you’re right,” Westin agrees as Jared rolls his eyes, then crunches on another chip.

  “Dude! What did we just say?”

  I step back, sure that Westin is about to smack the plate out of his hand.

  “You’re very pissy tonight. Aren’t we supposed to be having fun?” Jared scoffs.

  Westin opens his jacket and places his hands on his hips, hanging his head. “You’re right. I’m just nervous.”

  “Don’t worry, man. Only the whole world is watching us tonight.” I clap him on the shoulder, and Jared snorts on the other side of him.

  “Is that your attempt to make me feel better? Because it sucks.”

  Jared sets his plate down. “At least you’re not asking a very important question that will change your life. Does that make you feel better?”

  I snap my head sideways to make sure Sage isn’t within earshot, then jab Jared in the side. “Keep it down. It’s a surprise.”

  “Everything’s in order?” Westin asks, scanning the small gathering of people. It’s mostly our team and their family and friends so far. Taylor’s here too, running around behind the scenes.

  “We’re set. I’m keeping things simple, so there wasn’t much to do, anyway.” I scratch my chin. “But that’s for later. Right now, we have guests arriving.” I nod to the front door where people enter. Many are wearing a camera around their neck, small notebooks in hand, and they peer around the small space.

  Journalists.

  They’re here to cover the launch—us.

  Later tonight, Tank McAllister will also be joining us. Tank McAllister, a pro-athlete. He was a dick during that interview, but after I cooled down and we talked, I realized he brought up valid points. After trying out the app for himself, though, he admitted he was wrong about us.

  And he’ll be here tonight.

  It’s happening.

  “We’re ready, right? Everything’s in place if the site crashes?” Westin looks between us.

  “When the site crashes from too many users signing up and buying their stocks, yes. Ethan and Lila are at the office as we speak, holding down the fort until Jared and I get there after Taylor’s speech and introductions. Everything’s fine,” I reassure him, my voice steady.

  “You’re very calm. Usually, you’re the one with sweaty palms and shaking knees.”

  Jared eyes me too, wearing a matching suspicious expression.

  Naomi walks in with Sage on her heel. They’re laughing, and Sage’s smile brightens her whole demeanor.

  Her usually pale cheeks have color in them.

  Her dress sways as she moves.

  I can’t take my eyes off her as she approaches us.

  “Oh my God, it’s because he’s in love.” Jared groans, and Westin rolls his eyes.

  “That’s exactly it.” I smirk as Sage slips her hand inside my jacket and wraps her arm around my waist.

  “What’re we talking about over here?” Sage asks as Naomi greets us.

  “You.”

  Westin wipes his brow, shaking his head, while I glare at Jared.

  “Only good things, obviously.” He picks his plate back up.

  I kiss the top of Sage’s head, peering over it as more people file in.

  I grab two flutes of champagne from a server and offer Sage one, but she shakes her head. “Damn it, that’s right.”

  “What’s right?” Westin asks, confused.

  “I, uh…” She waves her hand. “I’m dehydrated is all. I’ll drink water.”

  I sip my champagne and change the subject. “Isn’t that Walter Evans?”

  “The sportswriter?” Jared follows my line of vision. “Yes,” he hisses.

  Jersey runs her hand down my arm. “Go dazzle people. Work the room. Sell them on your charm.”

  Jared scoffs. “Are you sure you want him going? Westin’s a much better choice for that.”

  “Shut up.” I smack Jared’s arm, then kiss Sage on the lips and do as I’m told.

  I tag along with Westin to greet the guests and thank them for their support. Westin does most of the talking, but he makes sure I’m by his side, while Jared wanders off every now and then like a curious toddler.

  No matter whom we’re talking to, I always find Sage in the growing crowd. Her eyes shine. She points at me occasionally when she talks to people, and her back straightens with pride.

  It makes my chest swell.

  When Westin and I pull away from our chat with an investor, Taylor appears by our side. “You guys ready? Where’s Jared? It’s almost time to address and wow the crowd. Introduce you guys. And then, the hard part of the night will be just beginning.”

  I chuckle as Westin groans.

  Taylor glances between us, her eyebrow quirked. “What happened? Aiden’s usually the broody one of you two. Did you pull a Freaky Friday and switch places or something?”

  “He’s got his panties in a twist because he hasn’t had enough to drink.” As I say it, I grab a full glass of champagne from a passing server and hand it to him.

  He rolls his eyes but accepts it.

  Sage comes up to us. “Good luck.” She kisses my lips, lingering there, until Westin clears his throat. “Good luck to you too, Westin.” Giggling, she gives him a hug as well.

  We make our way to stand by the stage, grabbing Jared along the way.

  “Good evening, everyone,” Taylor’s greeting echoes throughout the room as she speaks into the microphone. “Thank you so much for coming out to celebrate the launch of Jock Stock.” She pauses as the crowd applauds. “The app will go live in one hour, and we’re all very excited for the future of this company.” She shifts her gaze around the room full of reporters, podcasters, and more, a small smile playing on her lips. She’s comfortable, like she belongs on stage. “When I first met Westin, Aiden, and Jared, I instantly saw the potential in them as entrepreneurs. When they told me about their company, I was impressed, and my respect for them only grew as we continued working together. They’re hard workers. Intelligent. Determined. And tonight, we celebrate their accomplishments.”

  She glances over her shoulder and waves us on.

  Once we’re on stage, Taylor addresses the crowd again. “Now, I’ll turn it over to Westin, Aiden, and Jared. Let’s start with questions.”

  Hands go flying.

  The crowd buzzes.

  And my heart races.

  The adrenaline makes me feel alive. Like something truly special is happening in this room. In my life. In this world.

  Jock Stock will bring a whole new element to sports and beyond. I’ve believed in it with my whole being since day one when all it was comprised of was a few letters and numbers fueled by plenty of caffeine.

  I instinctively stand off to the side with Jared as Westin takes most of the first few questions. They’re simple, mostly regarding our future plans. “It depends on how much more money our investors are willing to give us,” he jokes, earning him a resounding laugh. “Seriously speaking, we are grateful for how far we’ve come, and we don’t plan on stopping here. We’ll continue to grow. Adapt. And bring even more innovation to sports enthusiasts. There’s plenty of potential, and I believe in our team.”

  Taylor points to a man with his hand raised. “Speaking of the team, there are still many disbelievers out there regarding Mr.”—he checks his notes—“Baxter’s credibility. Can you speak on that?”

  “Of course.” Westin points to me, and I stand tall, despite wanting to hide. Taylor warned us already that even though McAllister publicly apologized and endorsed our product, people would
still be skeptical. “Over the last two years, we held several rounds of beta testing, both private and public, for each season. We’ve worked tirelessly as a team to offer the best possible product. A product we believe in. One that we’re proud of. We have positive data to support our algorithm’s reliability. I’m not only saying this because I’ve known Aiden for years, and I’m biased. Although those things are true, the fact is, we have a lot of hard evidence to support our work at Jock Stock.”

  The doors open behind the audience, and a small group of people walks in. They’re all tall and built—athletes. I recognize the large-framed guy in front in a leather jacket and fight a smirk.

  “What about Tank McAllister’s accusations?” the same reporter asks. “Did you or a representative of the company coerce him into his retraction of his initial stance?”

  Taylor nods to us, then looks behind the crowd at Tank. “Why don’t we ask Mr. McAllister himself?”

  Everyone turns, and there’s a low hum among the journalists and reporters. Flashes of cameras go off as Tank swiftly walks to the front, his gait purposeful and commanding, probably because he’s so used to the pressure of being in front of a crowd.

  He waves to a few people and shakes our hands when he reaches the stage. “I won’t take the spotlight from these guys right now, but I’m doing everything I can to set the record straight.” He peers at the crowd, his jaw hard. “I was given bad information. It’s hard for me to admit, but I acted impulsively and took this information to heart—that’s on me. Don’t punish them for it. I’ve tested the app myself, and it’s legit.”

  He points at us when the reporter stands back up. “But what you said is true. Mr. Baxter has no formal training or experience with building algorithms. Is that not correct?”

  I clench my fists at my side, fighting my instinct to feel shame. The instinct to let them bash me and my capability.

  Instead, I step up to Tank, who nods and gives me the microphone.

  All eyes are on me.

  I’m the center of attention—a rare occasion—and I’ve put myself here.

  “My name is Aiden Baxter.” I search for Sage in the crowd, and when I find her, my whole body relaxes. My voice steadies, and my confidence grows. “I’m responsible for the algorithm, although I’ve had a lot of help from the team. Lila and Ethan are in the offices. Jared’s here tonight.” I point to him, and he waves. “This has certainly been a team effort. Westin and I might’ve dreamed up this company, but it’s because we’ve all worked together that we’ve been able to reach this level.”