Page 22 of Romancing My Grumpy Goalie

Wonderful. The last thing I need is for him to feel sorry for me.

I sigh and ruffle his hair. “We can’t do everything, buddy. But we’re doing fine, and that means I can pay for our ice cream.” I turn back to Sully, who is standing expectantly.

“What would you like?” Sully asks.

“I’ll get two scoops of the cookie dough in a cone. Nolan, tell her what you want.”

“I want a scoop of bubble gum, cake batter, and chocolate in a bowl.”

We’ve come here so many times, he already knows his favorites. When his dad left, I bribed him with ice cream a lot. Scoops got us through some rough moments in life. It helped that Sully was around to listen, too. She also gives good business advice.

Sully hands me my cone, and Nolan his overflowing bowl, and I step up to pay the bill. But before I can get my card from my purse, Lucas is handing her a hundred.

“Keep the change.”

Oh, that’s great. Just flash your money around like you’re taunting me.

Sully’s eyes light up. “This one’s a keeper.” She nods at me.

Why are all my friends determined to set me up with this guy?

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell her,” Aubrey calls from the table where she’s seated herself, “but she won’t listen to me.”

Well, yeah. The guy’s a grump. Not exactly my type. But maybe I don’t know what my type is anymore.

As we settle around the table Aubrey chose, Lucas looks over at Nolan’s bowl of rainbow flavors and raises an eyebrow before focusing back on his own bowl of plain vanilla.

“Thank you for the ice cream, Lucas,” Nolan says.

“You’re welcome.” Lucas takes a bite of his ice cream.

Shame heats my cheeks. I’ve been so preoccupied with the fact that he didn’t let me pay that I never stopped to thank him for trying to be nice. “Good job minding your manners, Nolan.” I turn to Lucas, his gaze searing into mine. “It was very nice of you to pay for our ice cream. Thank you.”

“Ooh, girl. Did it hurt to say those words? You look like you’re in pain,” Aubrey says.

“Very funny,” I snap. “I actually meant them.”

“Don’t start getting soft on me, Anabelle,” Lucas growls.

Butterflies flutter in my chest at the way he says my name, all deep and husky. I shut it down immediately. Maybe I’d better just focus on eating this ice cream cone that’s starting to drip. I lick around the edges, where it’s turning to liquid. I close my eyes and hold back a moan. Chocolate chip cookie dough is my all-time favorite, and I haven’t had it for a while. I really need to do more nice things for myself. I open my eyes and take another lick. Only Lucas is staring at me with heat in his eyes.

Oh, my. Did someone turn up the thermostat in here? For once—blessedly—Aubrey doesn’t notice the expression onLucas’s face—she’s too absorbed in her gelato. How is this girl not paying attention? She’s usually watching everything like a hawk.

And now I can’t take my gaze from Lucas’s.

I walk into All Dolled Up, and my stress immediately dissolves from my shoulders. Lauren’s salon is a dazzling place. Chic wallpaper with pink flowers hosts ornate gold-framed mirrors at each station, and a small chandelier hangs in the center of the room. Everything is immaculate, and a few other clients are getting their hair done by various stylists.

A slender girl with a ballerina bun greets me at the counter. “Welcome to All Dolled Up. How can I help you?”

“I have an appointment with Lauren.”

She types into the computer and then stands. “Right this way.” She leads me to a chair in front of one of the mirrors. My blonde highlights have dulled and grown out, making me look more exhausted than I already am.

“Hey, girl!” Lauren says, emerging from a back room wearing black clothing that looks to be from a high-end designer. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a sleek, low bun with a center part.

I stand to hug her. “You look so good! You’re always so stylish.” Being married to a celebrity did have its perks, although, from the looks of this salon, she’s bringing in more than enough to have a decent wardrobe.

“So are you!” Lauren says. “I love that cute blouse you have on.”

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