Page 16 of Tangled with the Tight End

Yeah, for once, I need to listen to him.

The road down the mountain bends around its last curve, and we’re near the Evergreen Lake Inn. It’s a quaint-looking place that fits in with the rest of the town. Even without being decked out in Christmas decorations, this town screamsHallmark Movieset.

After pulling into a parking space near Lips & Hips, I put the Jeep into park and check my messages.

Baron

Call me.

My fingers fly over the phone to return my attorney, Baron McGregory’s call. After greeting each other, I ask, “How’s everything progressing?”

“Everything’s on pace for a January court hearing. I wasn’t sure if you wanted to postpone it until after the season was over or not. The judge said he’d push it back to March if you’d prefer.”

“What day is it scheduled for?” The last thing I want to do is prolong my marriage to Sloane.

“Tuesday.”

“January is perfect. The sooner, the better. I’m hoping I’ll be back on the field in a few weeks, and Tuesdays are optimal. What date?” I listen as he relays the date. “The game should be a home game the weekend before, I can fly out of KC that night and comeback on Wednesday for practice.” We were married in Florida, so I must return there for the divorce.

“I’ll call and let them know.”

I shift in my seat as the man I saw talking to Norah the other day slips into the bistro. Is that Sawyer? It probably is. The man is always dropping by to see her. Buttering her up. He’s not a bad-looking man. Trim brown hair and beard, physically fit, straight nose, average height. The other day, he was wearing a non-descript shirt and pants. Today, I can’t tell what he has on under his ski jacket, but he’s wearing baggy jeans.

I tap my fingertips on the steering wheel. What does she see in him?

“Are you still there?”

“Yes.” I shake my head and refocus on the conversation. “Have you heard from her attorney?”

“Yes, she’s claiming emotional and financial neglect of her and Gino.”

“That’s….” Bullshit. I clear my throat. “That’s not true. She’s the one that chose to stay in Miami when I was traded and refused to let me take Gino.” Not that I would’ve had any idea how to take care of a 1-year-old and train for the upcoming season, but I would’ve found a way, just like now.

“It’s posturing. We have her messages saved from that time. There’s nothing to worry about. Added to that is her leaving Gino with you and returning to her boyfriend. I’m still shocked you got her to admit it on the phone after she’d returned to Florida.”

“She doesn’t think things through. She’s an impulsive woman who sees something she wants, goes and gets it, and a few days, weeks, or months later, depending on what it is, gets bored and moves on to the next shiny object.”

I glance back at Gino again, but he’s none the wiser. He’s playing one of his educational games and repeating his ABCs.The woman is worthless. First, refusing to keep Gino with both of us, and then leaving him without a backward glance. The sad fact? He only cried for a day and rarely asks for her.

After hanging up, I gather Gino and step into the warm bistro. I don’t see another customer in the busy space as I instinctively locate her, chatting in the corner with the guy. Son of a bitch.

“Daddy?” Gino tugs on my hand.

“Yes, Son?” I jerk my attention from them and meet those big blue eyes.

“You’re squeezing my fingers.”

Fuck. I lighten my grip and lift him to my hip. “Sorry, Buddy.” It wasn’t hard, but noticeable.

“Are you okay?” He places his hand on my cheek, and my heart squeezes tightly. Screwing Sloane was a mistake. Marrying her was dumb. But having this kid in my life is worth all of it.

“Yes.” I kiss the top of his head. “Yes, I’m good.” And I am. I have him, a great family, and a team waiting for me back home. There’s no reason to get jealous of a guy talking to a girl I barely know.

Norah pats the man’s arm and rushes over to us. “Hey, Gabriel.” She tips her head toward me. “Gino.” She smiles and ruffles Gino’s hair as he reaches his arms out to her. She pauses and looks at me in question.

“Sure.” I nod in reply and instantly regret it. They look good together. Like a mother and son are supposed to look.

She pokes him in the belly, causing a fit of laughter to erupt from his lips. “Guess what?”

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