Page 79 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
“Not fair!” He shouts, laughter in his voice. “I wasn’t ready!”
Blake makes a show of struggling, pretending to be trapped. “Ugh, my one weakness - adorable children!”
The kids giggle uncontrollably, wrestling him down, their tiny limbs flailing.
And I just - watch.
I watch the way he grins as he lets them win, the way his laughter fills the room, warm and easy. I watch the way his arms wrap securely around them, effortlessly lifting them off the floor, and spinning them in circles as they shriek with delight.
My stomach tightens.
Nina: GIRL!!!!
Me: I don’t know, okay?? It’s complicated.
There’s a pause. Long enough that I think maybe Nina’s dropped it - until three dots appear again.
Nina: No, it’s not.
I frown at the screen.
Me: Excuse me?
Nina: It’s not complicated. You still have feelings for him. You just don’t want to admit it.
I inhale sharply, my fingers tightening around my phone.
Nina: Babe, complicated doesn’t mean impossible. I just need you to be honest with yourself. Do you still feel something for him or is this just nostalgia + proximity + the fact that man is fine with cute kids???
I bite my lip. All of the above?
Me: I thought I was over him.
Nina: And now?
I hesitate, thumbs hovering. Now? Now I’m drowning in old feelings that shouldn’t be this easy to resurface. Weeks of being around him, seeing him as a dad, laughing with the kids - it’s blurred lines I thought were clear.
He still has the power to make my pulse skitter like I’m eighteen again.
Me: I don’t know. Some days it’s like..., fine. Then something happens and it all rushes back and I’m like what is wrong with me?
Nina: Nothing’s wrong with you. He was your first love, Whit. You’re single and he’s single. Feelings don’t just vanish, especially when he’s there every day being all..., dad-hot and caring, but listen, don’t let history or hormones mess you up. Do you trust him? Do you trust him? That’s what matters.
I swallow hard. Do I?
Me: I keep telling myself to stay professional. Boundaries and all that. He broke me once and all. But sometimes..., God, it’s hard.
Nina: You're a human babe. Not a robot. Just..., protect your heart, okay? The last thing I want is for you to get hurt again. Not by him or anyone else.
I sigh. Me too.
Me: Thanks Nina. Seriously.
Nina: Anytime. Now, go drink water or something. Stay hydrated while being emotionally conflicted, lol.
I chuckle.
Me: You’re the worst.
