Page 21 of My One & Goalie

“Hi.” My throat’s thick with nerves, but I manage to croak out the one syllable.

His full lips curve up into a wide grin and at least some of the nerves calm down.

“You ready?”

“Yes.”

I lock the door and we head downstairs to his car, his large hand hovering at my low back. Reminding me of his presence, but not being pushy or domineering.

Hot.

“I made reservations at the Boathouse. I hope that works.” The Porsche engine purrs as we pull out of the dark lot. “I asked around and that was the overwhelming recommendation.”

“Solid choice. The food’s amazing and the restaurant’s right on the water.”

“Perfect.” He glances over and the butterflies go into overdrive.

This man is perfection.

I don’t know who’s in charge of my good fortune—I don’t recall making any special wishes when the clock struck midnight—but so far this new year is off to a strong start.

“How’d Jett do at practice today?”

Oh, Rachel. Probably a real mood killer, mentioning your kid.

But I can’t help it. Jett’s my entire world, and I didn’t get to talk to him after practice. Charles failed to answer my call or respond to the text. Typical dick move.

I wonder if he knows about this date and ignoring me is his passive-aggressive response.

Xander scrubs at his jaw, and my spidey senses kick in.

“Uh-oh. What happened?”

“Nothing. Practice was great. Your ex was late picking up Jett, though. We may have had words.”

My stomach sinks, the butterflies crashing hard, swallowed up in a pit of dread.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I would have picked him up.”

“No, not your fault at all. I figured Jett would tell you, though. So I thought you should know.”

“The guy had one job. Pick up his kid at six-thirty. Why is that so hard?” I try to keep the harsh, angry tone out of my voice, but it still creeps in.

Xander shrugs his massive shoulders. “I don’t know. Everyone else managed.”

Aggravation churns in my gut and I close my eyes, centering myself. I don’t want this night to be ruined by Charles the asshole. He’s done more than enough in that department already. He’s not taking this date away from me, too.

“Anyway—” I blow out a quick breath. “Jett skated well?”

Xander’s face cracks into a wide smile, his white teeth gleaming in the reflection of the dash lights. “Yeah, he did. The kid’s a natural. Might even take over my position someday.”

I laugh and instantly, Xander’s erased the tension sitting between my shoulder blades. I love that about him.

“I’m not sure about taking over for the star goalie. But we’ll see.”

“You never know. I didn’t start playing hockey until I was seven.”

“It definitely worked out for you. Boston’s not looking so great without you in the net.”