Page 85 of Goalie Interference

I allowed myself to smile and take pride in what I’d done. “I’m very good.”

“So, are you going to do it? Take over for her? That’s why you’re making a guitar, right?”

“I’m still thinking it over. She does some custom builds, so I’ve been building one at her shop.”

“Do I get to see it sometime?”

“Maybe.” We talked details for a bit. Cash knew this stuff, so it was nice to go into some of the minutiae and get another perspective than Diane’s.

“I want to see this guitar after it’s done. Will you promise to let me know? When I get into a project, I forget everything, but I really, truly want to see what you make.”

And that was what I’d wanted. For my family to see me and what I could do, and be proud of me.

Cash left, since he had meetings, and I needed to deal with my own obligations. But I felt better. My brother was supportive. He wanted to send some work my way, feeling guilty, but I had a full slate and told him I’d have to work him in. He laughed but it was true.

I needed to apologize to Remy for storming off. He hadn’t known that I didn’t share with my family, and I didn’t want him to think I was upset with him. But our schedules didn’t sync up for a few days, until he caught me when he stopped in the doorway of the shop.

“Sophie?” Beast was at his feet but not growling for once. Goober had been keeping me company, and she hopped down to greet Beast.

“Hi,” I responded, then we both watched to see what the animals would do. Goober let Beast sniff her and then walked to the corner and sat.

Remy spoke first. “I didn’t mean to tell Cash about what you were doing.”

“Please, I oweyouan apology. You didn’t know, and I overreacted.”

“I should have put the pieces together from what you’d told me.”

“Well, Cash came by the next day and we had a good talk. We cleared some things up, so it worked out in the end.”

His slow smile crossed his face. “That’s good.”

“I wanted to talk to you anyway, about something that has nothing to do with my brother.”

“Anytime.”

I pulled in a breath. “Maybe we could do dinner again? Without Cash?”

His smile grew bigger. It was a good look on him. “I’d like that. When were you thinking?”

“Tonight? If you’re free?”

“I am. Should we go out this time?”

“I’d like that.” I’d like it to be an official date, but we needed to discuss that while we were out. Not while I was covered in shavings and had the pieces of a guitar scattered around me, all needing protection from Goober if she decided to hop up here.

We set a time. I told Remy I’d choose the place and he promised to pick me up. He and Beast left, and as I heard their footsteps going up the stairs I had a smile on my face. I was glad to be alone since I was sure I looked as sappy as hell. Apologies were done, and we were having dinner.

Goober slipped out of the doorway, and a few minutes later I heard her meowing upstairs. I set down my chisel, but before I could chase her off, the door opened. And when it closed again, the meowing stopped. She must be in the apartment. Things were warming up between the cat and dog. Maybe the same would happen for Remy and me.

This time, I dressed for a date. Maybe we’d decide it wasn’t worth investing in a relationship with a time limit. I wasn’t sure if Remy was willing to risk Ollie finding out we were more than friends. Maybe we’d do nothing but hook up here on Cash’s property after this. But no matter how logic told me getting involved for a short time wasn’t smart, I wanted to see where things could go with Remy. This relationship was different from anything I’d had before—was better than anything before. I would look the best I could and make it as difficult as possible for him to say no.

My pants were expensive, and, when I checked in the mirror, made my ass look good. The cashmere sweater was a present from Cash, via his personal shopper, and the color was perfect for me, the push-up bra I wore making sure there was cleavage showing. My hair was loose and I wore makeup. This was a long way from the “ponytail, bare face, sawdust-covered baggie jeans” look that I sported in the shop.

Remy drove up to the house and got out to open the truck door for me. He was wearing dress pants that hugged his ass and thighs, and a T-shirt and blazer. Not the suits the team wore to games, nor the jeans or shorts I saw him wearing around the property. The bubble of hope in my chest expanded.

His eyes ran over me. “You look nice.” It wasn’t the most effusive compliment I’d ever received, but the warmth in his expression made up for the lack of words.

“Thanks. You too.”

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