Page 73 of The Golden Goalie

He takes a deep breath. “And I want us both to commit to this.” I study his face curiously. “I want us both to agree to staying in this relationship, not bouncing in and out of it. If we’re committing to this, we’re committing to seeing it through. If wechoose to part ways, we won’t get back together again down the road. I can’t do that. I’m an all or nothing kind of guy.”

I nod. “Okay.”

He searches my eyes by the light of the overhead light on the porch. “Okay?”

I smile. “Okay. Yes. Agreed. Whatever you want me to say.”

A slow smile spreads across his face, and he lowers his head. “Is it too early to tell you that I’m making a baby room at my house?”

“What?” That’s all I get out before his lips meet mine, and I forget everything else.

Chapter 29

Amber

The next day, I’m still walking around on cloud nine. Just remembering Rico’s kiss makes my knees shake. I never felt anything like that with Adam, and it was just kissing. I can’t imagine what life with Rico would be like. I’m looking forward to spending more time with him.

“Amber, Doll, you look good.”

My good mood is shattered at the sound of a voice that I’d hoped I wouldn’t hear for a very long time. I look up from my computer. “Hi, Adam.” Surprisingly, my voice sounds strong and not as shaky as I feel. I stand to my feet. “What are you doing here?”

His eyes run over me, snagging on my belly. “I thought we agreed to get rid of it.” His words are low, but I hear them just the same.

I take a calming breath. “Wedidn’t agree to anything.” He stares at me, and I stare right back. I am not going to let him intimidate me.

“Heard you were dating a hockey player.” His abrupt change in topic unsettles me. “Rico Garcia,” he says slowly. He puts his arms on the counter and leans over it. “Is that why he showed up at my place enraged? Were you two-timing me?”

I stare at him and refuse to rise to his bait. “No, Adam. There was only one of us that was two-timing, and it wasn’t me.” I cross my arms across my chest. “Why are you here?”

“What? I can’t check on you and my baby?” He smiles, but it’s cold.

I drop my arms as alarm runs through me. “Your baby?”

“I mean, we’ll have to have paternity tests run; but I'll have my lawyers talk to you.”

Panic slams through me. “What are you saying?”

He leans forward. “You’re a smart girl. Put it together.”

“You said to get rid of her.” I bite my tongue instantly.

His eyes light up in delight. “It’s a girl. Interesting. I wonder if she’ll have her dad’s sports’ abilities.” He leans back and taps the counter. “I’ll be seeing you soon.”

Dread coats my stomach. “What do mean?”

He cocks his head to the side. “In court. When I take you there to get full custody of my baby.”

“You can’t do that!”

“I can. I’m her dad. And I’m a professional hockey player. Who do you think the court is going to award custody to? A professional hockey player or a single mom who works in a...” he pauses and looks around. “Library.” He smiles again, but it’s anything but warm. “I’ll see you soon.”

I watch as he disappears and bend over as a sharp pain shoots through my middle. I grab my stomach as the pain intensifies. A sob erupts from my lips, and I can’t breathe. I reach out blindly trying to find my phone. The pain tightens again, and I can’t breathe. I grab my phone. “Rico?” I say with a plea as soon as he answers.

“Amber? What’s wrong?”

“I—” The pain tightens on my stomach, and I cry out in pain. This is agony.

“Where are you?” he demands.

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