Page 86 of Penalty Kick

“I said, don’t fucking touch me!”

The walls seemed like they were closing in, her lungs tightening, making it harder and harder to breathe. Her head was a foggy mess of emotions. She was so hurt, felt so betrayed. More than that though, she was angry. Angry that he’d lied to her, made her believe that he was someone he was not. Angry that he even was that guy to begin with. Most of all, angry with herself for falling for it.

How could she have been so stupid?

* * *

Dash felt Cowboy’s hands on him long before he even noticed who was pushing him away from Talia. Stumbling backwards, he didn't put up a fight, resigning himself to his boss’s efforts. Felicity ushered Talia out of the weight room, arms wrapped around her as Talia continue to sob.

His gut wrenched at the sound. That was easily the worst thing he’d ever heard. It tore through him like his mother’s cries from his father’s abuse. Just like back then, right now he felt helpless, wishing there was something—anything—he could do to fix this. What made this worse, though, was that this was his fault. He’d caused this pain.

“We are not done discussing this,” Gunnar sneered, pointing at Dash. “But right now, I’m going to go take care of my daughter. When I get back, you better have a really fucking good explanation for yourself.”

Turning on his heel, Gunnar stormed off after his family. The knot in Dash’s stomach tightened. He didn’t have any kind of explanation, much less a good one. He’d never seen this woman before, of that he was sure. He also hadn’t spent multiple nights with her. Hell, he’d never spent multiple nights with any woman, ever. Except for Talia. The pictures he was holding of the two of them, well, he didn’t know what that proved.

Fuck, did he wish he remembered that night in Vegas. Even a sliver of a flashback would make all the difference right now.

“Cowboy, please believe me. I do not remember that night. And I did not break curfew during the Fremont Cup.”

“I know you didn't break curfew. The university gave every team copies of the entry logs to the dorm y’all were staying in. That last night, however…” Cowboy nodded at the paper Dash was still holding.

Mierda…

Crumpling up the paper in anger, he threw it against the floor, grunting. Why didn’t anyone believe him?

“Cowboy,” he pleaded. “Please. I love Talia. I have not lied to her. I need you to please help her see that.”

His boss sighed, his mouth curling into a sad smile.

“I don’t know why, but I believe that you love her. But I can’t help you with the rest. You said it yourself, she knows her own mind. She’s her dad’s kid in that way. And, just like him…well, give her a couple of days and then maybe try again. As for this,” he said, nodding toward the strange woman who was still standing around, “I’ll give you two some space to discuss…things. We can chat more tomorrow.”

“Without Gunnar?” Dash asked. He wasn’t sure how he felt about Cowboy being so understanding. But he did know that if Gunnar was present for that conversation tomorrow, there would be no understanding. In fact, he wouldn’t be surprised if he somehow went missing, never to be heard from again.

“Without Gunnar. Like I said, couple of days…”

Giving Dash a wink, Cowboy made his exit. Relief washed over him, knowing at least there was someone on his side. Or, well, someone who was at least willing to hear him out. Perhaps Cowboy was right; all it would take is a few days and they would all be able to see things a little clearer. No one was thinking straight, emotions running wild. At least he hoped that’s all it was.

“Ahem,” Frisky cleared her throat.

Fuck. He’d forgotten she was still here. No, forgotten wasn’t the right word. There was no forgetting her or her claim. Her insanely bogus claim. Didn’t mean Dash wasn’t mentally wishing her away though.

“Despite what those photos might show, I do not know who you are. And we did not spend multiple nights together,” Dash said, not bothering to be nice.

“I know. I’m not pregnant either,” she spit back.

Wait, what?!

“Que?!”

“You heard me, I’m not knocked up.”

Dash’s head was spinning. If she wasn’t pregnant, then what the fuck was she doing here? And why did she say she was? There were so many questions floating through his mind, he didn’t know where to begin.

“Then what are you doing here? Why did you say you are? You just stood there, watching as my relationship fell apart over your claim. How could you do that?”

“Because you have something I want.”

Something she wants? Dash racked his brain. What on earth could someone he didn’t know possibly want from him?