Page 7 of Kick Out of It

CHAPTER 3

RONAN

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Keith seethes as I toss my luggage over my shoulder. Ignoring him, I continue to the car park, with an undeniable skip in step. Only making it a few strides, he grips my elbow and tugs me backwards. “Ronan! Why were you talking to Nora?”

I don’t have an explanation that would land well. Or, rather, the honest answer I could give would earn me a fist to my face—I saw Nora and couldn't get to her fast enough. “She’s a reporter, and her son was wearing my number. I was making small talk.”

“Don’t lie to me,” he growls. “You know she’s my ex.”

“So what if she is. It’s been fucking years, Keith. Years! We’re just friends, and you broke up with the lass over a decade ago because you fucking cheated on her.” Nora never told me how old her son is; I only managed to find out small tidbits about him over the past year. Anytime I asked, she changed the subject. Leo looked to be about ten or twelve. My eyes fly wide. “Fuck!Is Leo yours?”

“Is that his name?” Keith rakes a hand through his short black hair, shaking his head. “No.”

“The lad could be tall for his age, but maybe he’s…” I can’t speak it.

No, fuck that, I have to know.

“Are you sure Leo’s not yours?”

“I’m sure.” He chews on his lip, then looks around to make sure no one could be listening in, and keeps his voice low. “I tried to win her back a year after the break up. She already moved on; was married and newly pregnant. I fucked everything up and it was too late.” His scowl quickly turns to a smirk. “But when I found out she was moving back to cover us, I looked her up. Socials say she’s single. I’m hoping for a second chance with her.”

Not in a million years.

I arch an eyebrow. “Has she forgiven you?”

“No,” he replies simply.

I wait for more of an answer. When it doesn’t come, my posture stiffens. “You know me Mum raised siblings and me all by herself. Nora is doing the same thing. Are you ready to be a father to him?”

“Christ, no,” he laughs, and all I can see is red.

“Then stay the fuck away from her,” I spit, unable to help being protective of Nora. It’s one thing to fuck around with a random woman you meet at a bar after a match, it’s another to casually fuck a single mum—especially one who will report on our performance on and off the pitch.

Nora deserves better than that.

His eyes narrow. “Why do you care? And why the fuck wereyoutalking to her?”

Honestly, I wanted to ask Nora on a proper date like Vicky suggested. The only reason I didn’t was because it would’ve been awkward in front of her son. Keith likely had the same idea until he saw me talking to her. I don’t trust him to not break her heart again, and it isn’t as if I can tell him any of that.

“How are you still harbouring feelings for her after all this time? What do you want from her, Keith?”

“It doesn’t matter. Answer my question: Why were you talking to her?”

With a heavy sigh, I deflect with humour. “Can we fight over the lass with a drink after the match tomorrow? I’m late to meet someone.”

His expression softens as he claps me on the shoulder. “There’s no contest; you don’t stand a chance with a woman like Nora. Drink’s are on me tomorrow. It’s the least I can do, since I’ll get the girl.”

We’ll see about that.

Nora sendsme the address to her hotel where a small restaurant next door is open for a few more hours. It’s a quick drive, and when I walk inside, I immediately spot her and Leo. She’s changed out of her black leggings and grey tunic, and is now in a light blue sundress that accentuates her curves.

Is she wearing it for me?

The thought warms my chest as Leo spots me, waving me over. I’m used to seeing kids excited, but there’s something about Leo that’s different. I can’t put my finger on it and want to get to know him better

“Sorry I’m late. What are we having?” I take a seat without any other greeting and open the menu. Part of me is afraid she’ll ask me to leave at any moment.

“We haven’t ordered. I’m having pasta, with no mushrooms,” Leo announces, entirely sure of himself.

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