Page 65 of The Golden Goalie

“Monday night.”

“I’ll be there.” She pulls back, and I miss her warmth immediately. “I’ll ride with Bri so there’s not a chance of tonight happening again.”

“Well, and I’ll be getting you a car that’s reliable.”

She doesn’t even bat an eye. “Sure, you are,” she says, patting my chest.

“I’m serious, Amber. You’re pregnant; you need something reliable. You can’t keep breaking down.” I can tell she’s going to argue with me, so I play dirty. “What about when you have a baby in the backseat?” I watch as she deflates and know I’ve won. “I won’t get you something crazy; I promise.”

“Rico,” she starts, a frown marring her face.

“I want to,” I push. “Please let me; it will give me peace of mind.” She sighs. “Any kind in particular?”

“Oh, I don’t know anything about cars. Just something cheap. Well, and reliable, I guess.”

“Reliable. Got it. Now, as much as I love you being here, you look ready to crash. Let’s get you home.”

She’s silent on the way home, and I think she’s fallen asleep. But when we stop, she turns to me. “Thanks for tonight.”

“I’m sorry you walked. Don't ever do that again, by the way.”

“I will if I want to,” she throws out over her shoulder as she opens her door. I’m out the door and over on her side before she’s finished climbing out all the way.

“Anybody ever tell you that you’re stubborn?”

“All the time.”

I smirk as I walk her to her door. “I’ll see you Monday, okay? Make sure you catch a ride with Bri. Aiden got her a nice, reliable car that won’t break down.”

She rolls her eyes. “Got it.” She starts to turn away, but I snag her arm. When she turns back to me, I lean forward. She immediately takes a step back, and I still.

“I’ll see you Monday, okay?” I take a step backwards.

She grimaces. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean...”

“It’s okay. It will come when you’re ready.” I mean that with every fiber of my being. “Go inside and lock up behind me,” I say softly.

She gives me a look that I’m not able to read yet before she heads inside. Only when I hear the deadbolt, do I head to my car.

Chapter 26

Amber

I reach out and turn off my incessant alarm, scowling at it.Why did I set my alarm for Saturday?I groan and roll over, but it’s too late. My body’s awake, and so is my bladder. I slowly climb out of bed and make my way to the bathroom. When I come back, my phone is ringing.Again. I silence the call because who calls early on a Saturday. Before I can even climb back in bed, it rings again. I pick it up, glaring at it. It's the same number. I slide the button. “What?”

There’s a pause, like I’ve surprised whoever’s on the other end. “Hi, this is Chloe the PR agent for the Green Thunder. I am looking for Amber Campbell.”

I know Chloe by reputation only through Stephanie and Bri. “I know who you are.”

“Yes, well, I’m sorry to bother you on a Saturday morning, but something has come to my attention and I need to speak to you about it.”

I sit on my bed. “Okay. Go ahead.”

“Oh. No. I mean I need to speak to you about it here in my office. In the Green Thunder practice stadium.”

“Well, seeing as I don’t currently play for the Green Thunder, I can’t imagine what you would need from me that I have to drive over there on a Saturday morning,” I respond.

“Well, actually, since you are currently dating one of my players, you are actually under my authority now as well.”

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