Page 51 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
She grins. "Big mistake."
I narrow my eyes. "You’re sly."
She smirks. "Learned from the best. Who, incidentally, happens to be your best friend."
I shake my head, laughing under my breath.
The silence stretches between us, thick and loaded. After a while, we continue talking and try to keep the conversation focused on the kids, but there’s no ignoring the undercurrent.
The history between us.
The fact that having her sitting across from me, challenging me, matching my every move with her fire and sass - feels just a little too familiar.
And maybe a little too good.
She drags a hand down her face and groans. “Living under the same roof as you is the last thing I want, Blake.”
I meet her gaze. "I know."
And the worst part?
I want it anyway.
She huffs out a breath, her resolve crumbling. “But…, this is for the kids, right? What’s so wrong about helping out for just a few weeks?”
I smirk slightly. “Exactly.”
She levels me with a look and rubs her temples, “Fine. When do I start?”
“Tomorrow.”
Her head snaps up. “Tomorrow? As in, less than twenty-four hours from now?”
I nod, unfazed. “Tomorrow or the day after at the latest. But preferably tomorrow.”
She blinks. “Are you serious right now?”
“As I’ve said, I’m going out of town for a game. I need you settled before I leave.”
She rubs her temples. “You say that like I don’t have a life. I can’t just pack up and move into your house overnight.”
“You don’t have to bring everything. Just what you need for now.”
She glares. “Oh, thank you so much for your generosity, sir.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “You make it sound like I’m throwing you into a dungeon.”
Before she can fire back, a tiny hand tugs at her sleeve.
“Whitney, can you play with us?” Mia’s big brown eyes blink up at her, filled with pure, unfiltered excitement. Nico, standing beside her, nods so hard his curls bounce.
Whitney hesitates, her lips pressing together like she’s trying hard to keep up her tough act. But then she exhales, crouching down to their level. “What do you wanna play?”
Mia claps her hands. “Tea party!”
Nico crosses his arms. “No! Spaceships!”
Whitney gasps, eyes wide. “Wait. What if…!” She leans in like she’s about to tell them the greatest secret. “We have a tea party in space? With astronauts. And maybe even a robot butler?”
