Page 303 of Faking the Goal

I glance around the room and can't help smiling.

Two queen-sized mattresses now cover most of the floor, pushed together and layered with fluffy blankets, oversized pillows, and enough cushions to survive a zombie apocalypse. The coffee table has been shoved against the wall to make room, while every snack imaginable has been arranged within arm's reach. Popcorn. Chips. Candy. Wings. Soda. Water. Hot chocolate.

Honestly, we could probably feed half the hockey team with everything sitting in front of us.

Sam is already nestled against a mountain of pillows on one side of the mattresses, a blanket tucked around her legs while Caroline fusses over her for what has to be the tenth time in the last five minutes.

"Care," she says. "I promise I'm not made of glass."

"I know."

"You've fluffed that pillow four times."

"It wasn't fluffy enough the first three."

"It was."

"It wasn't."

I bite back a smile as I carry another bowl into the living room and set it beside the others.

The sound of the front door opening pulls all of our attention toward the hallway.

A second later, Conrad walks inside, brushing a few grains of sand from his shoes before shutting the door behind him.

"Everything good?" I ask.

He gives a small nod.

"Walked the perimeter. Checked the backyard, side gate, and the beach access." He shrugs. "Didn't see anything suspicious."

Some of the tightness I'd been carrying in my shoulders eases.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

He glances around the living room and lets out a low whistle.

"Damn."

Caroline folds her arms proudly.

"I know."

Conrad laughs under his breath before hooking his thumb toward the hallway.

"Well..." He starts backing away. "I'm gonna disappear into my room and let you ladies do your thing."

He points to the guest room just off the living room.

"I'll be right there if you need me."

"You don't want to watch the game with us?" Caroline asks.

"I'll watch something from my room. Hockey isn't really my thing. I'm more of a football fan."

I snort. "Alright, if you say so."