Page 25 of Shot on Goal at a Second Chance
“Zach?”
I lift the box. “I thought we could celebrate.”
She glances over her shoulder. “I’m…kind of busy.”
My stomach shakes hands with my shoes. She’s not alone. The realization sends blazing heat up the back of my neck. I never asked her if she was seeing anyone. Just assumed she wasn’t.
A voice similar to Rebecca’s filters out from her phone. “No, she’s not. We were just hanging up.”
Rebecca’s cheeks turn the most delightful shade of pink, and she mutters, “Traitor.”
“Call me tomorrow, Becks. Love you,” the voice singsongs.
“Love you, too.” Her hand holding the phone drops to her side as she sighs. “Guess I’m not busy after all. Come in.”
I walk inside her condo, appreciating the beige tonesand clean lines as I go deeper into the living space. When I changed clothes here before our stroll on the beach, I only went as far as the half-bathroom near the entryway. Splashes of color stand out as I scan the room. Abstract art fills the wall opposite the couch where most people would put a TV. Bright green and teal accent pillows dot the couch with a matching throw over the back cushions of the sofa. The homey feel of the place kicks my instincts in, causing me to take a deep, settling breath, filling my nose with her musky vanilla scent.
Before heading toward the kitchen, she gestures to the couch, where some of the pillows are smushed into the corner, creating a cozy spot, and a glass of wine sits on the coffee table. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll get some glasses.”
I put the donut box by her wine, then untwist the wire around the bottleneck. “Was that Kayla?”
Her lips part ever so slightly as she walks toward me, two champagne glasses in one hand and plates and napkins in the other. “You remember my sister?”
“I do.” I push on the cork, which pops almost immediately, and then pour the frothing liquid into the first glass. My eyes flicker to hers. “I remember a lot of things, Becks.”
Her gaze drops to my mouth, which is kind of ironic, considering I can’t stop staring at hers, especially since she tucked her lips in, moistening them.
After filling the glasses, I take one and clink it against the glass she’s still holding. “To new beginnings.”
She raises a brow at me as if to ask what I’m implying,then sits on the couch, folding her legs behind her. I don’t answer because I prefer not to label whatever’s forming between us—yet. Perhaps it’s just a business alliance, and all we’re celebrating is today’s victory.
For me, it’s much more. But I want her to reach that point on her own. So, for now, it’s easier to let her draw her own conclusions. Interestingly, the confident Rebecca I watched and admired all day appears nervous and somewhat flustered.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy seeing her this way. Don’t get me wrong. I find the unflappable version of her very attractive, but this vulnerable side? That tells me she still feels something for me.
“You were right about Gabe.” She stares into her glass, avoiding my gaze.
I wish she’d look at me so I could see what’s brewing behind those gray-blue eyes of hers. “Gabe can be reserved, but I could tell he’s excited about working with you and the team.”
She takes a sip of champagne. “His wife, Olivia, is adorable. And one of their kids is the same age as my niece.”
“You have a niece?”
Her features reflect a tenderness. “Quinn’s ten and wants to come spend the day with me at work for her birthday.”
I give her an approving look. “Impressive.”
After setting my glass down, I grab a plate and put a donut on it.
She waves itoff. “I don’t really eat do?—”
I put the plate in front of her so she can see what she’s missing. “Are you sure?”
Her gaze flicks up to mine. “Is that?—?”
“Custard?” I nod. “Still your favorite?”
“Maybe.” She runs her tongue over her lips, driving me so crazy I have to look away. I nab a donut for myself and settle onto the couch next to her.
