Page 55 of Tempting the Goalie
“What’s going on there?” Phoenix asks out of nowhere.
“What do you mean?” I ask, looking at my brother.
“I wasn’t born yesterday, Bean, I saw the way you two were looking at each other when he came in here,” Phoenix states. “Looked like you two wanted to rip. . .”
“Okay, that’s it,” Daddy raises a hand, shutting up my brother.
“You know what, Daddy? Maybe it’s better you speak to Luc. I think you two could use a good talk.”
“Is that so?” Daddy questions, bobbing his head. Everyone knows you can’t get anything past my father. “Will do. I’ll be home around noon for lunch.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” I walk up to him and kiss his cheek.
“Anything for you, Bean,” he replies because he’s the best dad on earth.
“This should be interesting.” Phoenix laughs.
“Stuff it, big brother.” I peck his cheek and head up to my room because my head is spinning. That was a lot to digest. “You know what, I need your help.”
“Uh oh.” Phoenix eyes widen.
“I need you to let Elyna stay in one of the cabins. She and Braden aren’t safe.”
“I don’t have the space.” He rubs his temples. “They’re all taken. I really do wish I could help.”
“What about the loft above your garage?” I suggest. Phoenix moved out of the main house years ago and built himself a small house on the property. It’s a bungalow style with a small loft that would be the perfect size for Elyna and Braden.
Phoenix’s wide eyes get even wider. “You want me to move her into my house?”
“It isn’t your house and she’s in trouble. There’s a separate entrance,” I remind.
“She has a baby,” he says, as if we didn’t all know.
“No shit, Phoenix. This is going to require you to stop being a loner. I get it. Just think of all the good karma that will come your way when you help a single mom in trouble.”
He mutters something and rolls his eyes. “Fine, Bean. Fuck.”
I laugh at his little tantrum. “Thanks, you’re the best big brother a girl could ask for.”
“Make sure Eric, Becket, and Asher hear you say that,” he says.
“I’ll never admit it, you jerk. Now have a good night. I’ll let her know in the morning we found her a temporary place to live.”
“Bye, Bean,” he says, turning on his heel. He leaves out of the kitchen sliding door since it is a shorter walk to his place from the back.
“Thanks for coming to get me,” I shout before he closes the door.
“Always,” he answers.
I used to hate being the only female in the house with five guys, but now I appreciate them so much. The Thorne men are the best men I know. Besides Luc, he’s pretty amazing too.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Luc
Me:Are you okay? I feel terrible about tonight.
I’m sitting on a chair in Elyna’s bedroom beside a playpen she has set up for Braden while texting Izzy. My father’s behavior was inexcusable. This whole situation seems insane.
