Page 23 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie (Second Chance Hockey Players #2)

Chapter fifteen

Whitney

I t’s been a day and a half, and I still can’t stop thinking about that kiss.

I’ve tried. Lord knows I’ve tried. But every time I close my eyes, I feel the warmth of his hands on my waist, the way his lips moved against mine like they had every right to be there. I’ve replayed it in my mind so many times; I’m surprised the memory hasn’t burned a hole in my brain.

I tell myself it was just a moment. A lapse in judgment. A show for Nathan.

But my body doesn’t seem to care about logic.

Because the truth? The truth is that when Blake kissed me, something inside me cracked open. It was too familiar, too easy - like my body still remembered him, even after all these years. And worse, it wanted more. It wanted the heat of his hands and for him to pull it close.

I shake my head and exhale slowly, my fingers tightening around my phone. The screen is lit up with my last text to Nina, the one I sent ten seconds ago. She hasn’t even read it yet, but I already know exactly how she’s going to react.

Then—

The typing bubbles appear.

Nina: WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU GUYS KISSED???? YOU KISSED BLAKE????

I groan. I knew I shouldn’t have told her. But I also knew I wouldn’t survive this mental crisis alone.

Nina: Hellooooooo!!!!! Are you there??

Across the room, Blake is helping the kids with their schoolwork. Mia is lying on the floor, tongue poking out as she concentrates, while Nico is slouched over his workbook, grumbling under his breath.

I steal a glance at them.

Blake leans down to Mia’s level, murmuring something that makes her giggle. His hand ruffles through her curls before he shifts his attention to Nico, tapping a finger against the boy’s worksheet. "C’mon, bud. You’ve got this."

Nico groans dramatically. "I don’t get this."

Blake smirks. "Sure, you do. I know that look. You’re overthinking it."

“But what if numbers aren’t real?” Nico demands, his little hands waving dramatically. “Like, maybe one plus one isn’t actually two, and grown-ups just made it up!”

Blake nods, considering. “That’s a solid theory, bud. But if numbers aren’t real, then how do you know you’re four years old?”

Nico pauses, eyes narrowing. “Wait…”

Mia sighs, unimpressed. “He’s tricking you.”

Blake fake gasps. “I’d never.”

A laugh escapes me before I can stop it.

My phone vibrates.

Nina: Are you ignoring me????? Explain the kiss!!!

Me: It wasn’t a big deal. It was just for show. You know, to sell the whole “happy couple” thing.

Nina: Right. And I’m a goat.

Me: ???

Nina: Tell me, was it a bad kiss?

I hesitate.

Me: …No.

Nina: OMG. Wow. Seriously, HOW ARE YOU CALM RN??? Because the you I know would be freaking out even while chatting, but this you are composedly chatting.

I drop my head into my hands. I’m not calm. I haven’t been since his mouth touched mine. Every second since has been this weird, heady mix of God, stay away, and God, do it again. It’s stupid. Dangerous.

Nina: Hello??? Where did you go?? Did the ghost of your unresolved feelings for Blake finally kill you???

I exhale sharply, glancing at Blake.

Me: No. But I wish the ghost would.

Nina: Oh my god. You’re looking at him right now, aren’t you?

Me: No.

Nina: You’re such a liar.

Me: I’m not. Got distracted.

Nina: Uh-huh. Let me guess. By a certain sexy hockey player?

I simply send an eye roll emoji.

Nina: Okay, be honest with me, do you still have feelings for Blake????

Then…

“Get him!” Mia squeals.

A loud thump echoes through the room. I glance up just in time to see both kids pounce on Blake. Nico tackles his chest while Mia climbs onto his back, all limbs and laughter.

“Not fair!” He shouts, laughter in his voice. “I wasn’t ready!”

Blake makes a show of struggling, pretending to be trapped. “Ugh, my one weakness - adorable children!”

The kids giggle uncontrollably, wrestling him down, their tiny limbs flailing.

And I just - watch.

I watch the way he grins as he lets them win, the way his laughter fills the room, warm and easy. I watch the way his arms wrap securely around them, effortlessly lifting them off the floor, and spinning them in circles as they shriek with delight.

My stomach tightens.

Nina: GIRL!!!!

Me: I don’t know, okay?? It’s complicated.

There’s a pause. Long enough that I think maybe Nina’s dropped it - until three dots appear again.

Nina: No, it’s not.

I frown at the screen.

Me: Excuse me?

Nina: It’s not complicated. You still have feelings for him. You just don’t want to admit it.

I inhale sharply, my fingers tightening around my phone.

Nina: Babe, complicated doesn’t mean impossible. I just need you to be honest with yourself. Do you still feel something for him or is this just nostalgia + proximity + the fact that man is fine with cute kids???

I bite my lip. All of the above?

Me: I thought I was over him.

Nina: And now?

I hesitate, thumbs hovering. Now? Now I’m drowning in old feelings that shouldn’t be this easy to resurface. Weeks of being around him, seeing him as a dad, laughing with the kids - it’s blurred lines I thought were clear.

He still has the power to make my pulse skitter like I’m eighteen again.

Me: I don’t know. Some days it’s like..., fine. Then something happens and it all rushes back and I’m like what is wrong with me?

Nina: Nothing’s wrong with you. He was your first love, Whit.

You’re single and he’s single. Feelings don’t just vanish, especially when he’s there every day being all.

.., dad-hot and caring, but listen, don’t let history or hormones mess you up.

Do you trust him? Do you trust him? That’s what matters.

I swallow hard. Do I?

Me: I keep telling myself to stay professional. Boundaries and all that. He broke me once and all. But sometimes..., God, it’s hard.

Nina: You're a human babe. Not a robot. Just..., protect your heart, okay? The last thing I want is for you to get hurt again. Not by him or anyone else.

I sigh. Me too.

Me: Thanks Nina. Seriously.

Nina: Anytime. Now, go drink water or something. Stay hydrated while being emotionally conflicted, lol.

I chuckle.

Me: You’re the worst.

Nina: Love you too. Text me later. And if he kisses you again I want DETAILS.

I roll my eyes, type out a bye with an eyeroll and naughty devil emojis, and lock my phone.

Across the room, Blake’s eyes meet mine. His hair is a mess, and his chest rising and falling from exertion.

One brow lifts. You good? He mouths.

I nod. Immediately look away.

Jesus. What the hell am I doing?

I squeeze my eyes shut, and inhale sharply.

Snap out of it, Whitney.

This is just temporary. It’s just the kiss that’s messing with me. I am not falling in love with him again. That ship has sailed and sunk.