Page 136 of Don't Fall for the Goalie

---

“I’m trying not to,” I murmur.

“Well, that’s impossible because your broody mountain goalie boyfriend is currently breaking the internet.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

She waves a dismissive hand. “Sweetheart, that man looked ready to fight a parking meter for being in your way.”

My face burns.

Gram gasps suddenly. “Oh! Wait until you hear this one.” She digs through her oversized purse and pulls out her phone. “One woman commented—and I quote—‘I’d let that goalie ruin my life.’”

Thelma makes a strangled sound that suspiciously resembles laughter.

Gram finally notices her standing there. “Hello.”

I sigh. “Thelma, this is Ford’s Gram...” I pause, not knowing her actual name. Everyone has always called her Gram.

“Lucinda.” Gram holds out her hand, and Thelma takes it.

“Hello, Ms. Lucinda. I’m Thelma. I work for Mr. Daltyn.”

“Oh, don’t give me that Ms. Lucinda nonsense. Makes me sound dead.” Gram points dramatically toward me. “Can you believe our goalie finally fell in love?”

I gape at Gram.OUR goalie?

Thelma smiles softly. “He does seem happier lately.”

I blink. “What?”

Gram nods vigorously. “Oh, absolutely. Before this? That man stomped around looking like a thundercloud with unresolved emotional trauma.”

“That’s because he’s a goalie,” I mutter.

“No,” Gram says. “That’s because he was lonely. Now, he’s in love... even if he’s still a bit emotionally constipated.”

I choke on air.

Thelma fully laughs this time.

“Stick with me, Thelma,” Gram says to her. “I know all the juicy gossip.”

“I’m sure,” Thelma says, looking uncomfortable.

“Let me fill you in.” Gram plants a hand on her chest proudly. “Daltyn Guyer has been one bad day away from a complete emotional breakdown since the moment Peyton walked into his life.”

I raise my brows. “Is that supposed to be a good thing?”

Gram laughs. “Much better than a stoic goalie.”

My heart does a dangerous little flip.

Nope. Absolutely not.

I can’t do this right now.

“That’s dramatic,” I say instead.

“Oh, honey.” Gram pats my arm. “He bought you lingerie.”

---