Keeping Score

“I’m serious.”

“I’ll start on it Monday after we get through tomorrow. I have press requests coming in every thirty seconds. Let me handle that and then we’ll see how to make you a daddy.”

I grinned. “Deal. Thanks.”

“It’s what you pay me millions for.”

I laughed. “Good night.” I hung up and stared at the city below me.

Playoffs. Christmas. Fatherhood.

They were all only weeks away.

The doorbell rang and I rushed toward the door. There was one woman who put all of this in perspective for me and she was standing on the other side of the threshold.

Twenty-Two

Julie

The door flew open and Kane’s broad shoulders filled the frame. I almost sighed out loud when I saw his smoldering eyes and cut jawline. His hands snaked around my waist, capturing my lips with his.

“How was your day?” He steps back so I can walk inside.

“Amazing.” I smiled. “I told Hunter about the game tomorrow and it was like instant medicine. He was inside his shell. You know how he gets. And then poof—he was over it and couldn’t wait to go to the museum.” I faced Kane. “You did that. You made him so happy today.”

“Technically, I didn’t see the kid. I was in playbook meetings and watching tape.”

I swatted at his chest. “You know exactly what I mean.”

“I’m glad you’re both excited about the game. I think my friend Pops is going to be there too.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. He’s an old friend. You may have seen him at Catch.”

I glared at him. “I worked there all of one night. I have tried to block it out.”

He chuckled. “I think that night turned out pretty good for both of us.”

I realized he had stepped toward me and I was backing up, step by step toward the bedroom.

“You think?” I teased.

He nodded. “I do. But anyway. I didn’t want you to be surprised by Pops. He was sort of a father figure. He’s the one who got me to play peewee ball. Went to all my games as a kid.”

I missed my turn and my back landed against the wall.

Hawk’s hands pressed into the wall behind me.

“Sounds like another nice guy I know.” She smiled.

“I’m not a nice guy,” he growled. The sound sent shivers down my spine all the way to my core.

“Yes, you are,” I pushed back.

“Are you trying to test me, baby?” His finger hooked on my scarf and it loosened from my neck.

“I know how nice you are,” I baited him again.