Page 34 of Romancing My Grumpy Goalie

“We were cheering so loud for you! Nolan was going all out. And my parents were, too!” Her smile warms me. “Thank you for inviting us and providing us with the tickets. It meant a lot to Nolan.”

I smile, and it’s genuine this time. “You’re welcome.”

“Do you know where you want to go?” she asks.

“My place. I need to ice my knee,” I tell her. “Maybe grab some takeout?”

Her cheeks turn pink. “Your place, huh?”

“Uh, is that okay?” I’m not pushing this too much, too soon, am I? I honestly just need to put my knee up.

“It’s fine with me.”

“Do you like Chinese?” I ask. “I know of a good place.”

She nods, and her ponytail bobs. “Beef and broccoli is my jam. That and a good cashew chicken.”

“Both solid choices,” I rumble. I reach out to take her hand. “Ready to go?” I’m being bold, but considering we almost kissed, it feels like a safe move to make.

She takes my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine, causing my stomach to leap into my chest. Her small hand is soft and warm, and we walk together to the parking lot that way.

“My parents drove, so would you mind dropping me off at home after we’re done?” she asks.

Bold move. She must be into me—something that confuses me.

She’s been so careful around Nolan, so protective, like she’s got a mental checklist of what’s “safe” and what isn’t. And dating her kid’s soccer mentor? That doesn’t exactly scream safe.

So, what is this? A signal? A slip-up? Or maybe she’s just as confused about all this as I am.

Either way, I’m not letting go of her hand yet.

“Not at all,” I say. I’m parked in a VIP parking lot behind the stadium, and I lead her through the maze of the stadium until we reach the door that leads to the VIP parking lot.

“Where are we?” she asks.

“This is where the team parks.”

“Oh, fancy!”

I’ve felt like a “no one” for so long, and this woman acts like I’m a big deal. Unbelievable. “This isn’t that impressive.”

“Are you listening to yourself? You’re a celebrity! It wasn’t obvious to me before, but seeing you here tonight has really shown that to me.”

“That wasn’t my intention when I offered you the tickets. I just thought it would be fun for Nolan.”

“And itwasfun for him. But I’m also impressed. Both can be true,” she insists.

“My truck is this way.” I lead her over to the left.

“You always do this,” she says, her voice soft.

“Do what?” I’m genuinely stunned.

“You change the subject when something gets too emotional.”

“It’s ingrained in me.”

“I can understand that,” she admits. “Sometimes I do the same thing. Only I usually do it with a big smile. Stay positive! Say my affirmations.”

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