Page 12 of The Only Goal

I wanted to tell him that it’d be a big deal for me, too, but I couldn’t find the words. Instead, the last thing I expected popped out of my mouth. “If you could not tell my parents about this, I’d really appreciate it.”

He sighed. “I know they never liked my boy.”

I winced.

“I barely speak to your folks these days. They’re quite involved in the church, and well… you know how it is.”

“I do,” I croaked, hating his underlying tone and all it meant. I didn’t want to think about my parents and what they’d have to say about any of this.

Kylie Brown was a free-spirited hippie in their eyes. They didn’t like the cavalier way she embraced life and raised her child with no obvious rules or restrictions. They didn’t like that her son was my best friend.

They didn’t like a lot of things.

They still don’t.

Which is why I’m in no rush to tell them that I’m traveling all the way to Nolan, Colorado, to see my old friend. To maybe even seek shelter with him while I try to figure out what to do with their daughter and grandson.

I brake at the intersection to let a car through before turning left and heading down the country road. It’s pretty with the mountains looming in the background—tall, grand, and so majestic. My heart smiles, but it’s not enough to get my lips moving.

Two minutes later, I’m pulling into a freshly paved driveway and stopping outside a grand old villa. It’s been done up; you can tell by the fresh coat of paint and the new sign.

Grand opening coming soon! is plastered across the edge.

Turning off the engine, I spin to look at Kai. “You ready to explore this big ol’ house with me?”

He looks out the window, assessing it in that quiet way of his before nodding.

“Okay.” I force a grin, trying to act chipper and upbeat as I stride around the car and help him unbuckle.

He wants to be carried, and I don’t fight him on it. I need him in my arms for this.

My legs are shaking as I climb the stairs, my heart now lodged firmly in my throat. I open the front door and struggle to call out, “Hello? Anybody here?”

The entrance is empty. There’s a shiny reception desk just in front of me, the wood gleaming with new polish. I run my hand across it and turn to scan the space. Behind me is a large archway that leads into the dining room, and on the other side of the entrance, a wall has been opened up, heading into what looks to be a spacious living area. Plump couches and chairs angle out toward the window, curving around a coffee table that’s meant to look old but is obviously new. Everything about this place smells clean and fresh and new.

“Hello?”

I can’t hear any bustling feet and suddenly start to worry that no one is here.

But why’d they leave the front door unlocked?

Kai’s grip around my neck tightens, and I try one more time before bailing.

“Hello?”

“We’re not actually open yet!” a deep voice calls down from upstairs.

I turn to take in the stairwell with its pretty carpeted strip, then lose the ability to breathe as a large, tall man with sandy brown hair and a beard to match freezes on the landing.

Baxter.

Holy crap, he looks good.

He’s grown even bigger, broader. That shaggy beard is a trip. I’ve never seen him like that before, but I know it’s him. Those eyes that are drinking me in right now, staring at me like I’m a ghost… I can never forget that gentle gaze.

My heart swells with affection, nostalgia rushing through me in a wave so strong, I’m surprised I don’t sway on my feet.

“Baxter Brown.” A smile stretches across my face. I can’t help it. It’s so good to see him, I want to giggle like a schoolgirl.

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