Page 26 of Romancing My Grumpy Goalie

Why not? “Sure.” I’m not a man to turn down food from a beautiful woman. I take the baked treat from her.

“Josie’s muffins are the best. And if you go down the street, you’ll find my friend Alexis’s bake shop, The Icing on Top, and they have the best cupcakes and wedding cakes.”

She immediately turns bright red.

“Wedding cakes, huh?”

She nods. “A bunch of my friends have had her bake their wedding cakes. Aubrey hosts their weddings over at the Whitmore House, and Lauren does their hair. It’s a tight-knit community.”

Hair. That’s what’s different about Anabelle. She has more blonde. A good look on her. “Did Lauren do your hair?”

Her eyes go wide like she’s surprised I noticed. “She did actually. Just the other day.”

I nod toward her drink. “Iced coffee again?”

“I’m a little addicted.”

“At least I’m not wearing it this time.”

She laughs nervously. “There is that.” She bites her lip like she’s contemplating asking me something.

“What is it?”

“Do you by chance still have my shirt?”

“Beg your pardon?” Now my face is getting hot.

Up until now, Nolan has been absorbed in his phone, but he looks up. “Gross, Mom. Why would he have your shirt?”

“Because I spilled coffee on him, and he had to use it as a rag to clean up!” she says defensively.

I take a bite of my muffin, but it sticks to the roof of my mouth. Why are we talking about the shirt? Why did I keep it when I should have thrown it out? I even washed it, and it’s sitting on my dresser like she belongs in my bedroom. Now her kid thinks I’m some creep who stole it like a souvenir.

Before I can come up with some excuse or distracting answer, Anabelle’s phone vibrates, and she flips it over. Her face goes white as she reads a new text.

“What’s wrong, Mom?” Nolan asks.

“Your dad just texted me. It looks like he won’t be able to take you for your summer visitation.”

“Why not?” Nolan is putting on a brave face, but it’s clear he’s devastated.

“Um . . .” She stares at her phone. “Well, he doesn’t exactly say. Just that ‘something came up.’”

I’m sure something did. I wouldn’t be surprised if the real reason involved a woman with a set of long legs and plane tickets to go somewhere tropical.

Nolan stares down at the floor. “Can I go to the bathroom, Mom?”

“Of course.”

He gets up and rushes off.

Nolan’s dad is a real piece of work.

After another session with Nolan,I head home in my truck to unwind in front of the TV with some leftovers. I’mpretty happy with the fully renovated home I’m renting. It looks like something from a movie with a wraparound porch, well-maintained landscaping, and planters full of blossoms under the windows. A porch swing and two rocking chairs finish off the vibe. I never would have found it if it weren’t for the fact that Jace’s wife, Bex, is a top-notch realtor in Maple Creek.

As I’m turning off the engine to head inside, my phone rings. It’s my agent. “Hey, Tommy.”

“I spoke with Atlanta. The team needs video footage of you playing and performance data. You aren’t turning that in enough.”

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