Page 15 of Tangled with the Tight End

“It’s fine.” I shrug. “You don’t have to explain to me.”

He glances over his shoulder at Gino, who’s back on the sofa, this time with a tablet on his lap. As if he’s satisfied his son is occupied, he returns his attention to me.

“It isn’t fine. I was rude, and it was uncalled for. Even if you weren’t Eden’s best friend….” He grins, and the hairs on myarm stand. Thank God I still have on my coat, or there’d be no mistaking that I’m lighting up around him like a Christmas tree. “It would still be uncalled for. I’m not usually impolite.”

“Not good for the reputation?”

He chuckles. “You don’t hold back, do you?”

Yes, I typically do. But for some reason, this man puts me on edge.

“Yes and no. I try to keep a solid reputation because of my career. But I’m typically not an ass.” He shoves his hands into his pockets. “Or at least I didn’t think I was, but when Sloane left Gino with me and took off, I realized I’d treated him like an afterthought. And I had no idea how to be a parent.”

“I’m sure that’s been rough.” Gino pumps his arm as he wins something in his game. Who wouldn’t want to raise this kid?

“Don’t pretend you approve. I disapprove.” His face is serious as he says, “Sloane was a cleat chaser. I fucked up, got her pregnant, and did the right thing. But not for the right reason. Anyway, until we got here, he called me, ‘Sir,’ which I deserved, but it grated on my nerves.” He shrugs. “Adding to my already shitty time of being injured and itching to get back with my team. I know that doesn’t mean anything to you or excuse my attitude, but I wanted you to know. I’m trying not to be an asshole, and it had nothing to do with you.”

“Thank you for telling me. Even though none of that is any of my business.”

He nods stiffly. “Yeah.”

I grab his bicep. “I’m sorry. Everything I say to you comes off as holier than though, and I don’t mean that either. I’m not a judgmental bitch.” The heat from his skin singes everything from my fingertips to my belly. But I can’t let go. “You’re doing great with Gino. You might not have always been there for him, but you are now. That’s what’s important.”

“Thank you.” Some of the stiffness in his shoulders eases, but his body remains on edge.

I’m still holding his arm. I drop my hand to my side, instantly missing his heat. Now what? We’ve both apologized. And…. Now what?

Nothing. He’s Marco’s brother, and he’s headed back to the pros as soon as he gets the green light.

“I need to get to work.”

“Oh, right.” He jumps back, putting more space between us. “I’ll see you around.”

“You, too.” I grab the cart handle.

Clarissa yells, “Norah?” I spin on my heel and cringe as she says, “Duly noted.”

Fuck. I look like such a hypocrite.

seven

GABRIEL

The Next Day

It’s stupid,but since seeing Norah at the lodge again, I’ve been on edge.

Nothing good can come from an infatuation with a woman who’s married to the town of Evergreen Lake. I don’t belong here. This might work for my brother, but I’m used to a faster pace and the ease of getting whatever I want delivered to me. I wouldn’t miss the party life. I gave that life up when I got Sloane pregnant. There was no way I was getting shitfaced celebrating a win again and getting someone else pregnant.

I glance in the rearview mirror at Gino. He’s a gorgeous kid. He has soft dark curls, bright blue eyes, and dimples when he grins, which is becoming more frequent by the day. And it’s not like he’s hard to entertain. He’s a happy-go-lucky boy, not at all dramatic like his mother.

“Daddy, see Unc Marco soon?”

“Yes, he’s meeting us in town and taking us for a tour.” Starting with Lips and Hips.

Stop. You’re going to see your brother not make eyes at Norah. But God, she’s gorgeous. I don’t know how I missed it thefirst time I saw her. Long dark hair, bright blue eyes, perfectly plump lips that don’t need filler injections to keep them puffy. And curves in all the right places.

Don’t, Son.I hear my father’s voice in my head.You’ve already made a big enough mistake with Sloane. You don’t want to start something with Norah, walk away without looking back, and piss your brother and sister-in-law off because all you wanted was a piece of ass.

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