Page 100 of The Golden Goalie

“No, she’s fine.” The truth is, she’s been hard on me from day one. But she should have been; she’s been looking out for Rico. I think she thinks it’s her job to make sure I stay faithful now, not that anything else is an option for me. But I get it; I really do. I’d probably act the same way to Aiden if he’d pulled on Bri what I did to Rico. I push those negative thoughts aside. “How was the trip home? Your last game was a nailbiter.”

He grins. “That was a fun one. We walked away with that win by the skin of our teeth.” I let him eat a little more before I broach the subject I’ve been wanting to talk to him about.

“So, you play Adam’s team tomorrow night.”

He pauses a moment before he continues eating. “We do.”

The last time the two teams met, Adam was out with an injury. I still find that oddly coincidental. “I’m worried about the game.”

His eyes meet mine. “There’s nothing to worry about. Besides, he hasn’t caused any problems, not since your brother talked to him. Right?”

“You don’t think he’ll do anything, right?”

“Nah.” He stands up from the table to go get some more food. Something about the way he says it so nonchalantly has me narrowing my eyes.

“Rico, there’s nothing to worry about for this game, right?”

“He’s going to be fine,” he reassures me.

“No, I mean from you guys.” He doesn’t say anything as he comes back to the table. “Rico.”

“It will be fine.”

“Somehow, that doesn’t feel reassuring. I don’t want you guys to do anything to get into trouble.”

He grins. “We play hockey, Love.”

I roll my eyes. “I am aware of that, yes. I just don’t want you guys to get into trouble or anything.”

He studies my face a moment. “You might want to sit this one out.”

That bad feeling in my stomach worsens. “Rico.”

“Baby, the love of my life went through hell with that man. If you think there’s not going to be payback, then you’re sorely mistaken. I’ve let him be for months, but now it’s time to let him know what happens when he messes or hurts what’s mine.” I close my eyes. “And your brother-in-law might sort of be out for blood too.” My eyes pop open. “And our team captain and Sebastian. Oh, and probably Zac.”

I stare at him. “Why?”

“Well, Aiden’s your brother-in-law, so I don’t feel like that needs an explanation.”

“Why Gunner?” I demand.

“He could have lost his career over that dude, so he’s not happy with him. He also knows how much you mean to me.”

“And Sebastian?”

“You’re like a sister to Stephanie, which makes you...”

“I get it,” I interrupt and then frown. “Why Zac?”

“Oh, he just loves fighting.”

I sit back in my chair.This is going to be terrible.

Rico looks at my face and laughs. “It’s going to be fine, Love. He’s had it coming. He somehow got out of it the first time around. He won’t this time.”

I put a hand on my belly, and his eyes track the movement. “Sit this one out, Love.”

I shake my head. “No, I need to be there.”

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