Tangled with the Tight End (Evergreen Lake: Under the Mistletoe)

Chapter 28

twenty-eight

GAbrIEL

As I work out, Gino jumps from machine to machine, chatting about them and showing me how to use them in his own unique way. “This one goes like this.” He crouches in front of a leg lift and struggles to get the footrest off the ground. When it doesn’t budge, he falls to the floor and uses his foot to press upward.

With a hearty grunt, it moves upward and then back down as he shifts his feet out of the way. “Good job, Gino.”

He beams as I release and press the weight inward. “Good job, Daddy. You’ve got this.”

God, I love this kid. How did Sloane leave him with Havana and never see him? And then drop him off with me without a backward glance. A little more than a stranger at that point.

He’s moved from playing in the attached playroom, to watching TV, to playing on his tablet, to working out almost in the same circuit I’ve completed when changing machines.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, Buddy?” I inhale as I bring the two arm presses inward and hold for seconds. The arm press machine is my fifth machine today, and it continues to amaze me that Gino entertains himself. He’s a great kid with a natural curiosity for how things work.

“Going to slide.” He sprints to the playroom and climbs the ladder to the slide. I won’t abandon him again. No matter what, I’ll be the best father I can possibly be for him.

My cell phone rings. I move off the machine and grab my phone. It’s my agent.

“What’s up?” My breath is slightly labored as I answer.

“You, if I had to guess,” he says.

I frown. “What does that mean?”

“Your stock is up. Word is out that you’re about to be cleared for a return to the field this year. Why didn’t you call me?”

“Shit, man, I had too much going on.” I glance over at Gino to ensure he wasn’t listening. I’m trying my best not to curse in front of him.

“Too much to call your agent so that I can put pressure on the team for your next contract? Bro, this is the big one.”

He’s right. If I stay healthy for the remainder of the season, I should be looking at double what I made this year. But…. There’s Sloane to consider. I don’t want word to get out to her that anyone’s going to offer me a big sum, or she’ll be on me in seconds.

“Don’t rush things. I don’t want to discuss contracts until the season is over.” I run a white towel through my hair and stand. After last night and this morning, I’m shocked I was able to have enough stamina to finish my entire workout. A smile plays on my lips. I’d do it all again, waking up with Norah in my arms and no threat of her disappearing was the best morning of my life. Who cares if my arm was asleep, or I had to use the massage chair to loosen up before my workout. It was all worth it. All six times.

“I know. I just wanted to check in on you.”

Hudson has represented me since my first rookie contract, and I wouldn’t trust anyone as much as I trust him when it comes to my career. “I’m great.”

“I haven’t heard you great for years. It’s good to hear that positive tone in your voice again.”

“Thanks.”

“The mountain air must be the magic elixir.”

“Yeah, that’s it.” I chuckle but don’t entirely disagree. The mountain air, the view, the laidback pace, all of it is great. I understand why Marco stayed here when he returned.

“Girl?”

“I’ve met someone, and she’s perfect. The kind of girl I should’ve gone after from the beginning. Or more like the girl I should’ve gone after years ago, but I didn’t know her until now.”

“I’m happy for you. Now, let’s get rid of Sloane, get that hefty new contract, and invite me to the wedding.”

“You’re on.” After hanging up, I’m grinning and didn’t flinch at all over the mention of marriage.

For the guy who swore off any future relationship, Norah has opened my eyes to possibilities I didn’t believe in.

Three Hours Later

Gino drives a truck along the sofa cushion as I toss garlic and basil into a skillet to season the sauce. Homemade spaghetti sauce. My brother is not the only one that can cook. Our mother insisted on teaching us how to use everything in the kitchen. The same as her mom taught her. I might not be as skilled as Marco or Norah, but I’m no slouch, either.

The doorbell rings and Gino runs to answer it. “Gino.” My brother lifts him off the ground and tosses him into the air.

“Unc Marc.” He giggles and waves at Eden, who’s standing behind him with the baby in her arms.

“Hello, Gino. Gabriel.” She waves.

Once they’re settled into the kitchen with the boys playing with their toys, Marco crosses his arms over his chest. “What did you want?”

“To give you the opportunity to apologize again for your behavior at Thanksgiving.”

“Keep waiting.” His eyes narrow as he flips me off.

“You’re so easy to rile up.” I laugh and twist the stove knob to the off position.

“What’s up your ass?”

“Marco.” Eden grabs his arm and gives him a stern look.

“Eden, don’t worry. I’m not offended by the big ox.” I pour the sauce over the homemade pasta, filling the room with the delicious scent of Italian herbs and spices.

Eden watches me with her hawklike gaze. I won’t be able to keep anything from her long. She’s more observant than Marco. But Norah wanted to tell them together that we’re seeing each other.

“The appointment went well. Doc says I’ll be back with the team, likely within two weeks.” I still hate missing Christmas here, but there will be other years.

“I see.” Marco’s jaw flexes.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Eden rubs Marco’s back in slow circles.

“Yes, it is. I love football and want to get back to my team. Doc agrees that the injury was a freak accident and won’t happen again.”

“There are no guarantee,” Marco bites out.

“You’re right. There aren’t. There are no guarantees with anything, but I trust myself.”

“Fine.” Marco uncrosses his arms and flings them in the air.

“I know you’re worried about me, and I appreciate it.” I walk over to him and squeeze his shoulder.

He sighs as some of the anger disperses. “I just want you to be happy. It’s been forever since you’ve been yourself.”

“Yeah, since the day I met Sloane.”

The doorbell rings, and Gino runs at full speed, swinging it open. “Norah!”

She breezes into the suite, snatching him off the ground and giving him a loud smack on the cheek. When her eyes meet mine, my heart squeezes inside my chest. I’m in love with her. That all-encompassing love that yanks the rug out from under you and makes you do stupid shit.

“Hi.” Her smile is tentative.

Before she can come to us, I’m in front of her, and her smile widens along with the twinkle in her eyes. “Hey, babe.” I kiss her lips, savoring the softness and how she yields to me.

When I pull back, Gino’s eyes are wide. “Daddy?”

“Norah is my girlfriend. Are you okay with that?” She’s so much more than that, but first, I need to finalize my divorce from Sloane. Then all bets are off.

“Yes, she’s nice.”

“Good.” I wink at him, snatch him from her, and wrap my arm around her shoulders. After I kiss her temple, I return my attention to my brother and his wife, who are gaping at us like we’ve grown horns.

“I thought you were still in KC last night?” Marco growls.

“I lied.” I can’t keep the smirk off my lips.

Eden slaps her hands on her hips as I drop Gino to his feet. “I thought you said you weren’t going to see him again?”

“I lied.” Norah bites her lips together and giggles.