Page 26 of Netting the Goalie

Faith nodded slowly.“He says everything’s fine.And it is.For a little while.And then it’s not again.I just…don’t know what to think.”

I knew exactly what to think.I just couldn’t bring myself to say it to my friend’s face.Maybe my personal dislike of Jimmy was coloring my judgment.Maybe he really was just having cold feet and everything would be fine.

Maybe…not.

I had made more than one mistake in the past few hours, including sneaking out of Shane’s apartment this morning.I didn’t want to make a completely horrendous one now.

“I think you need to talk to him again.Tell him exactly what you just told me and see what he says.”

Maybe the bastard would actually man up and make things right for this incredible person.

And maybe, just maybe he’d completely screw Faith over.And the I would cheerfully find that spoon.

Faith’s lips lifted in a completely fake smile that broke my heart and I tightened my grip on Faith’s hand.

“I’m sure I’m just being paranoid.And I guess I should try on my dress one last time.”

Which was the reason for Faith’s visit today.Her final fitting.Tomorrow, I would help her dress at the church then attend the wedding and reception as a friend.

“And speaking of tomorrow, did you decide to bring anyone to the wedding?”

I knew Faith had closed the door on our other conversation.And really, what more was there to say?

“I told you not to hold that spot open.I just don’t have anyone in my life right now.”

Immediately, images from last night popped into my head.Shane, naked and braced over my body on strong arms, his hips pounding against mine, his mouth on my breasts.

Damn.If I wasn’t careful, I’d have a hot flash and need to change my panties.

“Uh huh.”Faith’s tone definitely held a hint of laughter so at least I had been able to lighten my friend’s mood.Even if it was at my expense.“I’m thinking maybe you wish there was.”

Nope, not touching that.“All right, lady.Let’s see—”

My cell rang and my heart gave a little extra thump.

Stupid.

I picked it up, checked the number and didn’t recognize it.But that didn’t mean anything.I used this as my work number and I got calls all the time from vendors.

Swiping it into voice mail, I refocused all of my attention on Faith.Where it should be.And not on a random hookup that would never go anywhere.

Shane

My call went straightto voicemail and I was all set to end it when I heard her voice.

“Hi there.You’ve reached With This Ring Bridal Salon.We can’t get to the phone right now but we want to help you find that perfect dress.Please leave us a message and we’ll call you back.”

And damn if I didn’t get hard.

So, yeah, I waited through the recorded message, trying to figure out what the hell I should say.

“Uh, hey, Bliss.This is Shane…from last night.”Christ, I sounded like a fucking teenager.“I’d like to see you again.I’m free tonight or tomorrow night.Oh wait, tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.You’re probably busy.I could do the day after Christmas but then I’ll be gone for a few days after that.Road trip.”Which she probably didn’t care about.“Anyway, give me a call.If you want.I had a great time last night.”

I cut off before I sounded like even more of an idiot.

So now what?

Blowing out frustrated breath, I pushed away from the dining room table and tried to think of something else to do today that didn’t involve sitting in front of a screen alone.

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