Page 38 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
I shrug. " Figured we could get some drinks, blow off some steam after that intense workout."
Tomas grins. "I’m in - on one condition."
I already know where this is going, but I raise my eyebrow.
“I’m in, as long asyou’repaying.”
James smacks the back of his head.
Jason shakes his head. "You really have no shame, huh?"
"Aw, come on," he whines. "It’s tradition!"
James smacks Tomas’ head again. "It’s your tradition, you freeloader."
Jason shakes his head. "Man’s addicted to free things."
"I’m not paying for everyone, especially you," I say.
Tomas holds up his hands. "What? It’s fun spending other people’s money. Besides, he’s the one inviting us out - he should pay."
I sigh. "Fine, I’ll cover your first drink. Happy now?"
Tomas grins. "Ecstatic."
"Six sounds good?" I ask.
They all nod, and as I toss my jersey into my bag, I add, "Keith’s coming too."
James gasps dramatically. "YES! I get to see my man crush!"
Everyone groans, shaking their heads as they gather their things, used to this by now. Ever since Keith started hanging out with the group, James has made it his life’s mission to annoy Keith, and Keith gives it right back. It’s basically a sport at this point.
"Seriously, you all act like this isn’t normal," James says, catching up to us. "What? A guy can’t appreciate another guy’s bone structure?"
Liam mutters, "I’m questioning your bone structure right now."
After saying our goodbyes, I hop in my truck and head home.
****
The second I step through the front door, I hear the sound of tiny feet pattering and squeals.
“Daddy’s home!”
My tiny missiles come charging at me, shrieking with excitement, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. I drop my bag without a second thought, crouching down to scoop them both up into my arms, their giggles filling the space around us.
"You two have missed me, huh?" I ask, pressing kisses onto their cheeks.
Mia nods enthusiastically. "A lot!"
Nico echoes, "A loooooot!"
"Well, wanna know something?" I lower my voice like I’m about to tell them the biggest secret in the world. "I missed you both too. A loooooot!"
They burst into giggles, clinging to my neck.
"Were you good for Nana?" I ask, carrying them inside.
