Page 41 of The Keeper

My eyes landed on the bar. Samson was smiling and in full flirt mode with a girl in a Blackcastle shirt.

Her back was toward me, but her shirt was the same shade of pink as Brooklyn’s and Scarlett’s.

My pulse skyrocketed. It couldn’t be.

But she had the same height. Same build. Same hair.

Then she turned her head, and nothing could’ve prepared me for the gut punch of seeing her face. She was smiling and laughing up at Samson like she didn’t have a care in the world.

Something hot and sharp twisted in my gut.

Why would Carina entertain him when she knew he was the biggest manwhore on the team?

And, most importantly, why the hell was she wearing his jersey number?

CHAPTER 16

CARINA

“Come on! You have to have a celebrity crush. Everyone has a celebrity crush,” Samson exclaimed. “I’ll give you mine. Ayana Kidane.”

“She’s everyone’s celebrity crush, but don’t let Markovic find out.” Ayana was a famous supermodel and objectively one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her incredibly rich and incredibly scary fiancé, Vuk Markovic, also happened to own the Blackcastle football club. I narrowed my eyes at Samson. “Wait a minute. Are you trying to fish for a compliment by hoping I’ll name you as my crush?”

“Maybe.” His smile flashed again. “Definitely.”

I laughed. I was two and a half drinks in and delightfully tipsy. That was the benefit of being a lightweight—I could have a good time while spending very little money. Bonus points if the guy I was talking to paid for all my drinks the way Samson had.

“Have some pity on me,” he said. “We lost today’s match. I could use an ego boost.”

“Nice try, but you’re the last person who needs an ego boost.”

“Ouch.” He placed a hand over his chest. “You speak the truth, yet it hurts nonetheless.”

Another giggle slipped out. “Fine. If you really want an answer, my celebrity girl crush is also Ayana. I make it a point not to crush on footballers. You’re all way too cocky.”

“Another truth and a cop-out answer, but I’ll allow it.” Samson’s eyes twinkled. “In all seriousness, I’m glad we’re finally having a proper chat. This has been fun.”

“Me too, and same.”

I meant it. Who cared if he probably pulled the same schtick with every woman he was interested in? He was fun, flirty, and outgoing—exactly my type. Plus he communicated openly with words instead of mixed signals, and I didn’t have to guess where I stood with him.

He was the perfect candidate to ease me back into the dating scene. If I asked him out, I was almost positive he would say yes. The question was right there on the tip of my tongue.

So why couldn’t I get it out?

“I’m planning a big party for the end of the season,” Samson said. “Something to bring everyone together before we head off to the World Cup.”

“Sounds fun.”

“Oh, it’ll be a blast.” His smile took on an even more flirtatious edge. “Close friends of the team are also invited, of course.”

My mouth twitched. “Of course.”

“How would you feel about coming as my⁠—”

“Opara.”

Our light, easygoing atmosphere vanished at the curt interruption. I instinctively turned and found myself face-to-chest with Noah. I’d recognize that gray Michigan sweatshirt anywhere.