CHAPTER FOUR

RYAN

“ This was all to help you win the girl, huh? ”

There's nothing hotter than a woman who knows how to score.

That's something I never thought would go on my list for the perfect girl. Yet there it is, all because of Paige.

She makes the last trick shot into the net and shouts ‘E’ while pointing at me in victory. “That's game. You lose.” She laughs, and I can't help but join her.

Man, if only my ex-teammates could see me now. Losing a game of HORSE on ice to a slip of a woman. Although in my defense, I was more of a ‘slam them into the boards' kind of guy rather than the hot shot goal scorer.

“Does Gage know his sister is a hustler?”

Paige rolls her eyes and gives an adorable huff of annoyance. “Hustle my butt. You knew what you were getting into when you proposed this game. I'd wager to say you planned on hustling me , since you're the hockey veteran.”

“Touché.” It's rare that someone calls me on my bullshit. Maybe it's because Paige is a teacher, so she's used to kids' games. Although, I don't recall much devious manipulation in second grade.

“Unfortunately, we're the only ones here tonight, so you're going to have to wait on that hot chocolate.” I'd ask her to go out with me—to the cute coffee shop on Main Street for drinks—but I have a feeling I've pushed my luck far enough tonight. She's still got her brothers waiting at home, after all.

“Lucky for you,” she says, skating over to the exit before sitting down and untying the laces around her feet. I join her on the metal bench, take a swig from my water bottle, and gently bump her shoulder.

“How are you holding up under the pressure of being the captain's guardian and having responsibilities thrust on you?”

In years past, there were issues with the same parents controlling team events. The school decided to mitigate the problem this year by appointing the role to a captain's parents. That's what I was told at least.

I have faith that Paige will do a fantastic job, but I have my doubts on the arrangement working longterm. Some people aren't cut out for certain tasks like organizing a major event or fundraising. What happens when it's that parent's turn to run things?

“Good. A mom from the team offered to help because she has vendor contacts.”

Well, I guess that answers my question. The people who used to plan everything step in to help anyway.

“Honestly, I don't mind organizing the banquet but asking people for money is another thing.” She bites her lip. “I know it's par for the course, and the local businesses like supporting our sports teams, but it's not my strong suit.”

“I understand. It's a tough position to be put in.” An idea on how to make things easier for her comes to mind. She wouldn’t need to stress about asking strangers for money if I can solidify it. “Why don't you skip fundraising for now and focus on the banquet?”

“I wish, but we need to meet our financial goals in order to pay the bus drivers for away games.”

“Don't worry about it. I have a plan.” Vaguely. But it’ll become concrete soon enough, I hope.

“Care to share?”

“Not yet. I need to talk to some people first.”

“Mysterious.”

“Just don’t want to get your hopes up if things fall through.” Once we have our shoes on and stand, I instinctively bend to drop a kiss on the top of her head.

We both pause at the unexpected gesture.

“I'm sorry. I don't know why I…”

Her fingers cover my mouth. “Don't apologize.”

We’re perfectly still, staring into each other’s eyes, an air of anticipation hanging in the air.

A silent communication flows between us.

I’m your brother’s coach.

We should be smart about this.

Then hopeful determination transforms the uncertainty.

Paige's lips replace her fingers, and I'm kissing her like I've wanted to since she first caught my eye.

Tangling my hands in the frizzy wisps of hair that escaped her ponytail, I groan at the addicting sweetness of this woman. She’s a little reserved with a hidden core of strength and sass—all wrapped in a gorgeous curvy package.

I tilt her head further back to account for our height difference and take control of her tentative kiss, devouring her lush mouth.

Second by second, she melts into me. The rigidity in her shoulders, the strictly poised way she carries herself—it all dissolves as Paige’s body softens and lets me support her.

I knew Paige deserved to have someone looking out for her best interests. Had already decided to be the man for her. To be her guardian. Her protector.

But experiencing the trusting way she gives into me is a heady sensation.

I want Paige Hornby. Desperately.

I just need to prove that I’m worthy of the honor of calling her mine .

***

The five Foster heirs and their partners sit around Addie and Heath’s kitchen table. I asked everyone for a group meeting to discuss the idea I had to help Paige with fundraising, but being together like this reminds me of the lawyer meetings we had back when we were kids.

When we sued Dell Foster for the death of our parents, due to his company plane crashing, and lost.

Shaking off the uncomfortable memories, I cross my arms on the table and lean forward. “Each year, the hockey team has to fundraise a certain amount to pay for travel expenses. The money also goes toward other costs incurred by players,” I begin. “We’re not the only team required to do this either.”

Samantha nods. “Yeah, I remember when the women’s volleyball team hiked up and down Main Street requesting donations from the local businesses. It sucked.”

“So, you’ll understand the value of what I’m proposing,” I say, grateful to have at least one potential vote in my favor. “I’d like to set up an endowment for the school. It will be funded by us since we’ve all received more money than we’ll ever be able to spend, and it will ensure student-athletes and their parents can focus on the game rather than raising money. I plan on going ahead with the plan by myself if none of you are interested, but I figured I’d ask since it’s a good cause.”

“I don’t mind contributing to an endowment. I’d even be interested in expanding it to include non-athletic organizations, too. Like debate team, the chess club, or other academic pursuits,” Addie chimes in as she gently rocks Baby Adriana. Born three months ago, the little girl naps contentedly in her mother’s arms.

“Sounds good to me.” Derek shrugs. I figured he’d be on board once Samantha voiced her past fundraising experience. His woman is the light of his life—a fact that quickly became obvious after arriving at Serenity Ranch earlier this year.

“Me, too.” Hope smiles in agreement as my sister Brooke slaps me on the shoulder.

“Look at you being all philanthropic. I think it’s a fantastic idea, and you can count me in. Should we get a lawyer started on drawing up the papers or whatever to make things official?”

“As long as it’s not the one who drew up the contracts for our marriage and the ranch.” Heath grunts at the mention of the local attorney who took his sweet time organizing the prenuptial agreement between he and Addie.

“I know a guy. I’ll reach out to him,” Travis says, already typing into his phone.

“Awesome.” Clapping my hands to adjourn the informal meeting, I rise to my feet. “I’ll let Paige know that she doesn’t have to worry about fundraising anymore.”

“Ah, now it makes sense. This was all to help you win the girl, huh?” my sister teases, and I shoot her a mock glare.

“Of course not. Families shouldn’t have to worry about finances while playing a school sport.” That’ll be my official spiel when I broach the topic with the high school principal. It’s not a lie. I want to help those families. They just weren’t the catalyst for the idea. “But if it makes things easier for Paige…”

“Then it’s a welcome bonus, and you hope it gains her favor.” Brooke laughs while Travis grins at his wife’s playful ribbing, wrapping an arm around her shoulder as he continues typing.

Damn straight.