Page 54 of One Baby Daddy
My stomach bottoms out, flipping like a gymnast as I can feel proverbial hearts forming in my eyes.
There is no stopping it. This isn’t just lust . . . this is forming into something entirely different.
“He’s a good guy,” I whisper.
“The best. This is the first time he’s ever brought someone and looked so smitten.”
“You think he looks smitten?” I ask with a scrunch to my nose.
Ariel nods toward Hayden, who is staring me down, a giant smile on his face. “Oh yes, I most definitely think he’s smitten. That smile, the one with the little crinkle in the corner of his eyes? That’s reserved for you and only you.”
For me and only me. Maybe, just maybe, I am the fulfillment of his dream too.
A girl can only hope.
* * *
“Do you want a drink?” Hayden asks when we enter the private suite the event organizers provided for us. There are stacks of pictures of Hayden to be signed, which will be handed out to the kids after the game, platters of food including mini corndogs, nachos, a pile of seasoned French fries, and a delicious-looking chocolate cake that has my mouth watering. To the right, there are two more platters. One of plain grilled chicken and the other of roasted veggies, and they’re the platters Hayden goes straight to.
“I would love a water.”
“Coming right up.” He picks up a piece of broccoli and pops it in his mouth as he pulls a bottle of water from a small cooler under the counter. Like the gentleman he is, he opens the bottle and brings it to me, placing a kiss on my lips before handing me the bottle. “Want me to fix you a plate?”
“I can make one.” I take in my surroundings, the kids skating around on the ice below us, warming up, the crowd dancing to the music that’s booming through the speakers in the arena. “You’re really loved, you know that?” I’m taking in the fans below with Hayden Holmes shirts on when he comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders.
“Is it overwhelming? Seeing all this at once?”
“A little, but it doesn’t bother me. I like watching you interact with your fans, making them smile, giving them an everlasting impression. It’s sweet.” I tip my head back to look him in the eyes. “You’re sweet.”
He kisses the tip of my nose. “My dad always told me it’s about the game, not the fame. I’ve tried to live with that motto. Especially after this past season. Being a well-loved and successful rookie was something I never dreamt of, so I want to make sure I don’t take that for granted. If we end up staying later tonight, I apologize in advance. I want to make sure to connect with every single one of those boys. I can always call a car service to take you home if necessary.”
I shake my head. “No, I want to stay. I don’t have work tomorrow, so I’m all yours.”
“That’s what I like to hear.”
Moving his lips from my ear he nibbles on my earlobe, causing goosebumps to erupt over my skin. We have yet to have sex, but there have been some heavy make-out sessions, and when I say SOME, I mean a ton. If we’re alone, it’s what we do, and from the way Hayden is working his lips up and down my neck, I’m guessing that maybe he’s planning for—
The door flies open, hitting the wall, scaring the crap out of me. I fling my water in the air, dousing Hayden in the process and screech, like we were just caught naked together.
“Ohhhhh, looks like we’re interrupting something.”
“And in front of the kids. Don’t you have any class, man?”
Turning around, I attempt to focus on two men who look identical to Hayden. Tall, broad, the carved jawline, and the same panty-melting smirk.
Confused, I look between the three of them trying to understand if I’m seeing things . . . or if I’m drunk. I don’t remember drinking, but who knows, maybe I started sleep drinking during my naps and didn’t even realize it.
“What are you guys doing here?” Hayden asks, linking our hands together and taking me to the two domineering men, who like Hayden, are dressed in tailored suits.
“We were invited. You’re not the only famous Holmes brother in town.”
“Being famous for sleeping with every girl in your college dorm doesn’t count.” Hayden playfully punches one of the guys and then pulls them both into a hug. “Its good to see you guys. And look, you’re starting to get some muscles in those noodle arms of yours. Your coach must be doing something right.”
Noodle arms? Uh . . . pretty sure those aren’t noodle arms under their suit jackets. They aren’t as big as Hayden, but they surely aren’t middle schoolers draped in rich fabric either.
“Yeah, we’re coming for you, bro. Soon we’ll be taking your ass down on the ice.”
Hayden chuckles. “Keep dreaming, boys.” Pulling me forward and protectively wrapping his arm around me, he says, “I want to introduce you guys to someone. This is—”
