Page 142 of The Keeper

“If you ever…I think…” I struggled with how to phrase what I wanted to say. “I liked how you said it. My nickname. I liked the way it sounded coming from you. I hope you’ll say it again.”

“I will.” He laced his fingers with mine. “Back inside before we both smell like a sewer bottom.”

Cade was in the middle of telling a story about one of their championship matches to an audience that not only included fans but also Noah Tate, Tracey Watson, and Tre Gideon. I glanced over at Hannah, my eyes wide. She laughed and shrugged, mouthing they’re all best friends now.

“This is quite the motley crew.” I waved to my team’s quarterback and wide receiver. Noah jumped up and hugged me, followed by Tracey. Tre waved back, cautiously eyeing Xavier.

“It’s not every day we get to hang out with some of the world’s best soccer players,” Noah grinned, putting his arm around my shoulders. “Did you know this guy,” he pointed at Cade, “idolizes me?”

“Idolize is a strong word, mate,” Cade countered. “I admire your commitment to the sport.”

The table erupted into good-natured laughter.

Noah’s arm still rested casually around my shoulders. I couldn’t see Xavier since he was standing behind me but I could one hundred percent feel his stare.

“So many egos in one place,” I said, deftly sliding away from Noah. “I don’t know if I can handle it.”

“Try living with it,” Tracey piped up. Noah returned to his girlfriend, pressed a kiss to her mouth and sat down. I caught Xavier’s eye and motioned to the empty chairs next to them.

Before he could sit with me, a blonde woman grabbed his arm and starting gushing over how talented and hot he was.

“Do you ever let anyone score on you?” she asked with obvious intent, rubbing her hand on his chest.

Ever the attention seeker, he smirked. “Scoring on me isn’t easy.”

I felt someone kick my foot under the table. It was Cade. He grinned at me, looked over at the blonde and said, “Scoring on Maddox is overrated. He’s all show and no substance.”

The girl swayed a little, holding onto his shirt. I glared at her. She really needed to stop touching him. Now.

My inability to control this envious surge surprised me. I’ve never been the jealous type. Then again, I’ve never forged an actual relationship with someone I classified as a one night stand.

“Oh, I bet there’s big substance beneath all these clothes,” she smiled, sliding her hand and her eyes down to his crotch.

NOT TODAY BLONDIE.

“Actually,” I rose to my feet and addressed this intruder directly, “scoring on him is mind-blowing. Too bad you’ll never have first-hand experience.”

Noah let out a low whistle. I heard Cade snickering.

“My girlfriend is right,” Xavier confirmed, removing her hand from his body. “I hope you enjoyed tonight’s match though.”

I couldn’t process anything else. All I did was stand slack-jawed, staring at him. For his part, Xavier politely sent the blonde on her way before wrapping an arm around my waist.

Lowering his mouth to my ear he said, “You’re bloody hot when you’re jealous.”

I sat heavily in the chair, scanning around the table. Cade had a grin on his face that screamed I knew it while Bennet studied me with rapt interest. I shoved the girlfriend remark out my head as best as I could in order to enjoy the rest of my night. I had to. It shook me to my core.

“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of being introduced,” Xavier said, sitting down and focusing on Noah.

Before I could say anything, Noah spoke. “You’re Xavier Maddox. Hell of a goalkeeper, man. My little brother watches you every week.” He flashed a wide smile. “Noah Tate, Legends quarterback. This is my girlfriend, Tracey.”

I put my hand on Xavier’s thigh and felt his muscles relax. He morphed into Attention Loving Xavier and basked in Noah’s praise. He even signed a napkin for him to give to his brother.

The mood at the table was light and casual and fun. Except for Tre. He was uncharacteristically subdued. He’d engage in conversation but refrained from being his usual, animated self. I noticed him steal a few glances in my direction and glower slightly at Xavier.

I won’t lie, it annoyed me.

Granted, this was a unique situation where I’m socializing with a former one night stand while nurturing a relationship with my latest.

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