Page 12 of Stealing Forever

“Fuck no,” Jensen chimes in. “Why would we drive all the way to Ridgewood to go to a biker bar?”

Gareth’s shoulders deflate a little. “It’s not just a biker bar,” he grumbles, before turning his attention to a knot in one of his laces.

Austin shakes his head at Gareth, ignoring his sudden shift in mood, then turns back to me. “Anyway, beers?”

For a minute, while struggling with the zipper on my backpack, I consider it, before remembering two things. “It’s one in the afternoon.” Slinging my backpack over my shoulder, I shake my head. “And I can’t. My nanny has somewhere to be today.”

“Next time, then.” Austin’s expectant eyes widen a fraction. It’s not a question, but a statement.

“Yeah, next time.” My head nods in agreement, and the four of us walk across the field together.

“How old is your kid?” Gareth asks, peering around the guys.

“Sailor’s three.” For some reason, my answer feels short, so I add, “You guys will meet her at the team barbecue next weekend.”

“Awesome, man. My brother has a little boy around that age. Maybe I’ll have them come and the kids can play.”

“She’d love that. Sailor’s a social butterfly.”

“Great. I’ll give my brother a call today and invite him.”

Jensen adjusts his duffle bag, switching it to the other shoulder. “How’s Cody’s wife doing?”

Gareth shakes his head. “Not good.”

The conversation drops, a heavy silence sinking amongst the men, and I’m left wondering what’s wrong with Gareth’s sister-in-law. I don’t ask, though, because regardless of the situation, Gareth’s obvious sorrow claws itself into my heart, too, and I think about the innocent child swept up in it all.

The moment Jensen pulls open the Bears’ locker room door, the silence is flooded with chatter and the sound of running water from the players already in the shower.

I step inside, turning toward them and walking backward a few steps as they follow me in. “You guys have fun—and don’t you dare drive drunk.”

“Never,” Austin promises. “Have a good weekend, Coach.”

“See ya,” Gareth says, and at the same time Jensen mumbles, “Later.”

I walk away, shaking my head and suppressing a small smile.

I feel completely out of my depth here, but I have to admit, I like these guys.

“But I don’t want her to go,” Sailor cries as she fights against my hold, her tiny body thrashing in my arms as I struggle to keep her upright.

Crocodile tears stream down her face as she grabs my arm, looking over at Hailey with her bottom lip in a pout.

“I’ll be back tomorrow, sweet girl.” Hailey steps forward and places both hands on either side of Sailor's face. She’s so close, her sweet scent of orange and florals fill my senses, and I stop breathing. Hailey tilts to kiss Sailor on top of her head, and I track the movement.

A pang of longing hits me square in the chest, and for a moment, I envision Hailey pressing up on her tiptoes to reach my lips next.

In the next second she steps back and gives me a small smile, and the vision is gone.

My vocal cords strain when I start to speak, so I clear my throat and try again. Vibration rumbles as I clear my throat. “Good luck on your exam.”

Hailey’s mossy eyes sparkle when our gazes collide. She tucks a strand of her unruly red hair behind her ear. “Thanks.”

Hand on the doorknob, she adjusts her purse strap on her shoulder and gives Sailor another warm smile. I see her hesitate as her gaze pulls from my daughter to me. With a tip of my head, I reassure her we’ll be fine. Her lips tug upward again and she opens the door.

“Come back for dinner.” The words rush out of my mouth faster than I can stop them—not in question, but in a command, which surprises…well, I think it surprises both of us, really.

Hailey’s cheeks heat as her contemplative eyes search mine as she sinks her teeth into her bottom lip.

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