Page 53 of One Baby Daddy
“You know you don’t have to thank me, right? I love spending time with you, especially as your . . . girlfriend.”
He winces and says, “I hope that was okay to say to someone we don’t know.”
I scoff. “Why would I be mad about that? Being able to lay claim to you is something I don’t mind at all, especially with those envious women out there, baring their ravenous claws.”
“They’re fun, aren’t they?”
“I didn’t mind them too much to be honest. Just made me realize how lucky I am.” Smiling, I wrap my hands around his arm and tuck myself into his side. Placing a kiss on my head, he keeps moving forward, drawing attention from everyone around us, true hockey fans having no qualms in staring while he walks by. Like the good guy he is, Hayden shakes hands, poses for quick selfies, and waves when he needs to while saying thank you for putting this together.
I’ve been watching football with my family for a very long time, ever since I can remember, waving pom-poms in the air. We watched pre-games and post-games. Interviews, montages, commentators, I’ve seen it all. But what you never get to see is this backstage stuff. You don’t get to see how athletes act off camera, which I think is a true depiction of who they are as a person.
Hayden Holmes, in my opinion, is one of the most dignified and humble athletes I’ve ever seen, which makes him beyond attractive in my eyes. He has every reason to be the most cocky, self-centered man out there, but he’s not. He’s self-assured and most of all? Respects the hell out of me.
Set aside the muscles, the smirk, those devastatingly handsome features of his, or the multi-million-dollar talent he possesses, let’s consider his character, how he treats others, how grateful he is to his fans, and his dedication to bringing the sport he loves to those who might not be able to afford all the gear and ice time.
It’s impossible not to develop feelings for him.
It’s impossible to stop my heart from exploding in my chest whenever he’s around.
And it’s obvious how impossible it will be tonotfall for him and fall for him fast.
“This way, Mr. Holmes. Ma’am, can you please step to the side?”
Turning toward me, Hayden places a gentle kiss on my mouth, his breath minty, his lips soft and smooth with a hint of scruff prickling my chin. The combination is better than perfect weather on a beautifully brilliant summer day.
“Stay right here. I’ll be back.” Winking, he takes off, down a red carpet draped across the ice. From the Jumbotron above, his name and picture flashes in bold, the announcers call him out, and the arena erupts in cheers. The high school boys playing in the charity game pound on the sideboards with their sticks, their other hands in the air cheering him on. Their eyes are alight with awe.
It feels so unreal, to see someone you see as “normal and everyday” be worshipped.
There is a little fear in the feeling.
A little bit of unease.
I only met him a short time ago, and we’ve easily become hooked on one another, but we’ve been in a bubble. This is the first time our bubble is being poked. It’s the first time I’m not in the comfort of Hayden’s reassuring arms, because everyone else is pulling him in different directions.
“He’s such a good guy,” a lady with a low grey bun and maroon parka says, standing next to me.
Giving her my attention, I notice quickly how kind her eyes are, followed by the crooked smile that seems so natural to her. “Hi, I’m Ariel, I am second-in-command for this entire event. I heard you’re Hayden’s girlfriend.”
“Yes, hi. I’m Adalyn.” I shake Ariel’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m so glad I could be here. Hayden was telling me how much you guys raise for the community. Twenty thousand dollars is a huge deal.”
Ariel offers me that crooked smile with a shake of her head. “That boy is very humble.Weraised about ten thousand.Hedonated the rest but refuses to tell anyone. His goal is to provide as much equipment, ice time, and opportunity for those who are not as fortunate as he was. He desperately wants to keep the sport alive in his hometown.”
Casting my gaze toward Hayden, I watch him . . . in awe.
Shakes hands.
Smiles.
Waves.
Laughs.
Jokes around with the captains of the teams and refs.
Poses for pictures, never once looking annoyed or put out.
Shit . . .
