Page 119 of Playing It Forward

This is Nolan’s dad? He’s nothing like Nolan. Nolan would never pound on a woman’s door and insist she open it. He would never glare at a woman with the threat of violence in his eyes.

Nolan’s a caretaker. A gentle man despite being a football player. Oh mermaid, how I love him.

But I had to let him go. I can’t let him ruin his football career for me. I can’t let him miss the chance of playing in the Super Bowl for me. He’s not giving up his dreams. I won’t let him. I won’t be his regret.

My mom was full of regrets. Regrets that kept her from getting out of bed. From caring for the child who loved her.

I clear my throat and straighten my back. I’m not letting this man intimidate me. He’s a bully. Nothing more.

“How can I help you?”

“You can set my boy free. He’s meant for bigger things than this small island.”

“I agree.”

“He’ll pay…” He trails off. “What now? You agree?”

“Yep. I do. Which is why I ended our relationship last night.”

A vehicle squeals around the corner and screeches to a stop in front of the house. But it’s not the police. It’s Nolan. What is he doing here?

Nolan hops out of his SUV and races to me. He pushes me behind him and faces off with his dad.

“What are you doing here?”

His dad smiles. “Just making sure you aren’t ruining your career.”

I flinch. He almost did. For me.

“Ruining my career? What the hell are you talking about?”

“Heard you’re retiring.”

Nolan growls. “How did you hear?”

He smirks. “I still have contacts.”

I peek around Nolan’s back. “It’s okay. I explained to him you’re not retiring.”

“Wrong,” Nolan grumbles. “I’m retiring. I accepted a new job today.”

“What the hell job did you accept?” His dad explodes, but Nolan ignores him. He turns around to face me.

“I’m coaching at Coastal State University.”

“But the Super Bowl.”

He frames my face with his hands. “I’m done playing.”

I grasp his hands. “I don’t want you to retire for me.”

“Listen to your baby momma,” his dad says and Nolan pushes me behind him again.

“Don’t you dare speak to her that way. Terri is the love of my life, and we’re starting a family.”

“Just because you got her pregnant doesn’t mean anything needs to change.”

Nolan steps forward. “Wrong. It changes everything. I’m not going to be you.”