Page 51 of Romancing My Grumpy Goalie

“He’s not here. How could he demand something like that?”

She sighs. “I don’t know what he has planned. He might move back here.”

“All because of a stupid video of us?” What did I even do?

“There was another video leaked. That’s why he’s blowing up my phone today,” she explains.

“Another one?” I’d been so buried in my RC car repairs that I hadn’t picked up my phone. I check it now, and there are three messages from Tommy.

“What’s the video of?” I ask.

She taps her phone a few times and then turns the screen so I can see it. It’s the three of us at the park with the Maxx. Looking like a happy family.

This is my fault. I should have kept my distance when I saw them at the park, but there weren’t many people around. Truthfully, I couldn’t help myself either. I’m drawn to Anabelle like a bee to a field of wildflowers. My stomach twists into slippery knots. What if Jeremy doesn’t want to move here? What if he plans to take full custody of Nolan and uproot him from Maple Creek? Anabelle said the guy has money. And that means he can probably afford a good lawyer.

Her phone chimes again. She looks up from the screen. “This time, he says he wants me to keep Nolan away from you. And if I don’t, he’s going to threaten legal action.”

Anger builds inside me. “He can’t do that. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

“But he can try to take Nolan. And I can’t afford to fight him. Lawyers take tens of thousands of dollars for a big fight like that.”

“I’ll pay for the lawyer. It’s my fault you’re in this situation.”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I could never allow that.”

If she won’t accept my money, she’s right. She can’t fight that guy. Not unless she wins the lottery. As long as I’m in her life, she’s already lost.

I take a step back. “I shouldn’t have come here. Nolan can keep the car. But I have to head out.”

“Lucas, wait.”

I run my hand through my hair, and I couldn’t care less if it’s sticking up now. “Don’t you see? I’m all wrong for you. I’m destroying everything you’ve worked so hard for.”

I can’t face the sadness in her eyes, so I turn to leave.

“You’re not destroying anything. You make everything so much better.”

But that’s where she’s wrong.

I kick the ball, but it misses the goal. Thankfully, no one is around to witness me being so bad at this. It’s the third one I’ve missed.

I’m a burden to everyone close to me. I thought I was doing something good by accepting the mentorship. I wanted to make a difference in a troubled kid’s life. But who was I kidding?

Like usual, I’ve ruined everything.

“Good job, loser.”

I whip around, and Jace is coming across the field with a bottle of Gatorade in his hand. So much for having no witnesses. You got to love brothers and their support in your time of need.

“What are you doing here? Practice doesn’t start for another two hours.” I kick the ball to him.

He stops it with his foot and scoops it up with his arms. “Word is you’re over here moping.”

“I’m not moping.”

“Right.” He drops the ball and kicks it right into the goal.

“Thanks for showing your support,” I deadpan with a scowl.

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