Page 15 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
I crouch slightly, giving them a little wave. “Well, hello there.”
Mia, the smaller of the two, eyes me shyly before whispering, “You’re pretty.” Then, as if realizing she’s been too bold, she quickly hides behind Blake’s leg.
I grin. “Why, thank you, darling. And you,” I say gently, peeking around Blake’s side to find her, “are one of the prettiest girls I’ve seen in a very, very long time. You have the most beautiful eyes.”
Mia giggles, peeking out again, this time stepping forward just a little.
I turn to Nico, who stands with his arms folded, looking like a tiny, serious businessman. He’s watching me carefully, lips pressed into a firm line.
I fight back a smile. “And you, young sir, are the epitome of cuteness. So handsome.”
His expression doesn’t change - at first. But then his brows lift slightly, and he asks, “More than Daddy?”
Amused, I glance up at Blake, who’s watching the exchange with surprise and amusement in his eyes.
I turn back to Nico and nod solemnly. “Of course.”
Nico seems satisfied with this answer and finally gives a small, smug smile.
Blake chuckles, shaking his head. “Careful, you’re inflating his ego.”
I straighten as the barista calls my name, grabbing my coffee from the counter. Blake watches me for a second before rubbing the back of his neck. “So…, how’s your first day back going?”
I sigh, blowing lightly on my coffee. “It’s…, going.”
“Family stuff?”
I let out a dry laugh and shrug.
“Um…,” he clears his throat. “Listen, now that you’re here, would you want to come watch the game tomorrow? You know, like old times?”
I hesitate. "Um…, I don’t think I’ll be free."
For a second, I see it - a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. It’s subtle, barely there, but I catch it. And for some reason, it makes my chest tighten.
Without thinking, I add, “But I’ll see if I can make it.”
His eyes light up, and I immediately backpedal. “No promises, though.”
He grins. “I’ll take that.”
He’s about to say something else when Mia tugs at his hand. “Dadda?”
He looks down, and she lifts her arms. Without hesitation, he scoops her up, pressing a kiss to her cheek as she giggles and buries her face in his neck.
Something tightens in my chest.
I clear my throat, shifting on my feet. “Well…, I’ll leave you to it.” I force a small smile. “Bye.”
And before he - or I - can say anything else, I turn on my heels, coffee in hand, and walk out the door.
The sun is already sinking, casting the sky in shades of deep orange and soft purple. I don’t feel like going home just yet, so I wander toward the park, letting my thoughts drift. I take in the sight of kids playing, parents chatting on benches, laughter ringing through the air.
I sit on a swing, wrapping my hands around the chain. A little girl, no older than three, runs full speed across the playground, trips, falls - then immediately bounces back up, giggling as her dad chases after her.
I chuckle, shaking my head.
And then, my mind drifts.
