Page 49 of Golden Goal

No use agonizing over it now.

Besides, it’s a good idea.

Most definitely.

Maybe.

Chapter twenty

Holt

“What are your plans for Christmas?” Wes asks, taking a seat next to me in the locker room after the game, which we lost six to two.

Of course, my first home game back, and Becca had to show up, with her parents or whoever the older couple was. It wasn’t my best game, not that it was anyone’s best game. I want to blame the fact that I let in six goals on knowing Becca was there, watching me, but that’s not what it was. My focus slipped, and my reflexes were slow.

“My parents will be here late tonight.” They insisted it was easier if they came to us, especially since Hadley is here. I couldn’t say no, and luckily, they got a last-minute flight. “What about you?”

“Hunter invited me over for Christmas Eve dinner. Otherwise, not a lot.” He finishes pulling on his dress shirt and buttons it.

“You’re welcome to come over to my place for Christmas. We usually eat around three. I’m having it catered, so we’ve got plenty.”

Wes perks up. “You sure?”

“Of course.”

This time of year is hard for him since his parents passed away a few years ago. They were older when they had him, and he’s an only child like both of his parents were, which means he doesn’t have any family.

“Want me to bring anything? Dessert? Appetizer? Dessert?”

“Dessert is fine.”

We don’t need it since I already ordered a few different ones, but what’s one more?

“Thanks, dude. I’ll text you. I’m going to get out of here.” He stands, claps me on the back, grabs his phone and wallet, and walks out of the locker room.

It’s late on Christmas morning, and I’m lounging on the couch enjoying my second cup of coffee when there’s a knock at the front door.

“I’ll get it.” I set my coffee down and jump to my feet, walking over to the front door to find Wes standing in the hall holding two reusable grocery bags in his arms.

Before I can invite him in, laughter floats down the hallway, and like a siren call, it draws my attention to the beauty who’s coming toward us from the elevator. Becca’s dressed in tight-fitting jeans and a red sweater, a Santa hat on her head.

She’s gorgeous. And I am drawn to her the way a moth is to a light. To her laugh. Her smile. All that she is.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Wes’s face light up, and he turns to address Becca and the couple with her.

“Doc. Merry Christmas.” He walks over to her and pulls her into a hug.

She pats him on the back, her gaze meeting mine. “Just Rebecca, Wes. Merry Christmas.”

I stand up straighter knowing she told me to use her nickname, but didn’t tell Wes to. That’s gotta mean something, right? That she feels comfortable with me? Or am I reading into things? It doesn’t matter—she told me she wasn’t interested in me that way. And even if she was, I’ll never be good enough for her.

“Hi, Holt.” She grins at me. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Rebecca.” Hadley bounds over and wraps her arms around her. “You should come in. We were going to put on a movie, and play board games.”

“Hads,” I growl. “It’s Christmas. I’m sure they have plans.”

“Thank you, but we wouldn’t want to intrude.” Becca glances over at the couple with her, and the guy, who I assume is her dad since they look so much alike, raises an eyebrow at her. She clears her throat and gives a small shake of her head that I wouldn’t have noticed if I wasn’t paying such close attention to her. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t introduce you.”