Page 3 of The Only Goal

“Tam.” He chokes out my name, and it jolts me out of my stupor.

The shower door swings open, and I blink at him, then do the only thing I can.

Spinning on my heel, I bolt out of the room.

“Tamara!” Hudson shouts after me, but I keep going, thundering down the stairs and back out to the car.

I forget my shoes, but like hell I’m going back for them.

Kai’s still mercifully asleep, blissfully unaware of the shit show unfolding around him.

Pushing the button, I start the engine, begging the garage door to open faster as I hear my name once more.

“Tamara!” Hudson bolts into the garage, a towel clutched around his waist. Droplets cascade down his body. A body I’ve licked and kissed and made my own.

But it’s not just mine anymore.

I can’t even look at him.

Turning with a growl, I fire out of the garage, my tires screeching when I hit the road and make a quick turn, accelerating away with a fury I’ve never felt before.

CHAPTER 2

BAXTER

Laughter bounces around the old walls of the dining room as I share a meal with the girls at Ponderosa Countryside Villa. They’ve all come over to watch the hockey game together. The guys start in about half an hour, and we’ll move into the parlor to watch their game against Providence. Can’t believe I live in a place that has a parlor. It’s more like a TV room/library thing, but Rachel insists that we all say parlor because it sounds fancier, and when guests start arriving later in the year, she wants to make a good impression.

So, parlor it is.

“I’m telling you, the new goalie isn’t half as good as you.” Caroline points at me, her red curls flying when she flicks them over her shoulder.

I smile at her. “He’s pretty good. He’s gonna have a great season.”

“I don’t know.” She frowns, clearly concerned. “I just think Falco should be starting the game.”

“Falco isn’t as good as Tyrell.”

She blinks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “He’s better!”

I shake my head. “The kid might be fast, but he lacks the experience. Tyrell has been subbing for me since last year, and he’s gotten really good. He’s gonna be great this season. You just wait. Now that I’m out of the way, he has a chance to really shine.”

Mick nudges me with her elbow. “We’d rather have you, dude.”

“Hey, I’d rather be playing with the guys,” I agree. “But watching the game with you ain’t so bad either,” I finish in a mumble, and Rachel makes this sweet little “aw” sound before starting to collect the empty plates.

“Let me help.” Jolie jumps up from her seat, the nervy little freshman looking relieved to have something to do. She showed up about an hour before dinner and spent most of it in the kitchen, I think. I was hiding away out back, keeping busy in the maintenance shed. As much as I love the girls, when they’re en masse like this, it gets a little intimidating. I didn’t really need to tidy the shed. It’s all straight and looking super safe and professional, just the way Vanessa wants it. She’s the lady Mick’s dad hired to make sure we’re checking all the boxes. Every time she stops by, we’re all on edge, but at least she said my shed was looking passable. Probably because I spend so much damn time in there. It’s quiet. I like it, and Fezz does too. I’ve put a little doggy bed in the corner for him, and he’ll often follow me out there for a nap.

But I couldn’t stay out there all night, so I put on my big boy pants and joined the girls for dinner. Ray would have been gutted if I’d just taken a plate to my room. These ladies are missing their men, and I think they like having me around.

The guys flew out on Thursday and should be back tomorrow. The house is so much quieter without them around, but I’m happy that their season is finally kicking off. They’ve been desperate for these first games, and last night’s was a winner. Hopefully, tonight will be one too.

Damn, I wish I was with them.

Not hitting the ice this season has sucked.

I mean, I’ve been on the ice, but not in a way I ever thought I’d be. Coaching Mini Mite hockey has been an experience, that’s for sure. It’s not so bad. The kids are cute and only a little annoying. Their enthusiasm makes up for their inability to listen and follow instructions… most of the time.

I can’t help a small grin as I pass Jolie my plate. I’m thinking about my little team, but she doesn’t know that, and I glance away from her blushing, twitchy smile so she doesn’t think I’m flirting with her. That’s the last thing I need.

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