One Baby Daddy (Dating by Numbers #3)(15)

“Just a friend?”

I nod, trying to decipher a word on the chart in front of me. What the hell is that? It looks like a W with something scribbled after it. I don’t even know where to begin with that. “Just a friend.”

“So why is he coming toward us right now with a huge smile on his face and a bag in hand?” My head snaps up to find Hayden striding in our direction, purpose in his every step. Worn jeans clinging to his thick quads, Brawlers T-shirt stretched across his broad pecs, and a New York Yankees baseball cap propped on his head, darkening his eyes way past dangerous.

When he reaches the nurses desk, he places the bag on the counter, and leans forward, his forearms propping him up, hands clasped together.

“Hi, Adalyn.” The way my name rolls off his tongue so effortlessly, so deep and sultry, sends chills down my spine.

Caught off guard, I sit taller and say, “Hayden, hey. What are you doing here?”

He nods at the brown bag next to him. “Brought you some lunch, wasn’t sure if you had a few minutes to spare. If not, I’ll just leave this here for you to pick at when you get a chance.”

“She’s about ready for her lunch break actually,” Samantha cuts in and holds out her hand in greeting. “Hi. I’m Samantha.”

“Samantha, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Hayden. So our girl has a little bit of time to spare?”

“Half hour actually.” Samantha takes the chart from me and says, “I’ll finish this up for you. Why don’t you go take your lunch break?”

She bulges her eyes at me as if to say, “If you don’t leave now, I will take your place.”

Not wanting to mess with Samantha, I thank her and stand, patting down my scrub top. I snag my phone, put it in my pocket, and say, “Do you want to go to the cafeteria?”

“That sounds good to me.” Picking up the bag of food, he gestures down the hallway. “Lead the way.”

We fall in step together, walking past patient rooms and busy medical staff. When we reach the elevator, I press the down button and turn toward Hayden, arms crossed over my chest. “You didn’t have to bring me lunch, you know.”

“I wanted to.” Smiling, he opens up his arm and says, “Give me a proper hello.”

I step into his embrace, and he brings me into his firm chest, his fresh cologne warming me up like a heat wave weaving its way through my veins.

Quietly, I say, “Hey.”

The bell dings and the doors part. Logan is leaning against the elevator wall, checking out his phone when he looks up, spotting me snuggled close to Hayden. Straightening, he says, “Hey, Addie.” Sizing Hayden up, he gives him a once-over. The two are very similar with their dark hair, broad stature, and domineering presence, but with Hayden, there’s a notable softness in his eyes.

“Logan, hey. I didn’t know you were working today.” I separate myself from our warm embrace and walk into the elevator, holding the door for Hayden.

“Timothy called in sick so I’m covering for him.” Glancing at Hayden, who happens to be standing awfully close to me, he asks, “Who’s your friend?”

Before I can answer, Hayden leans forward and extends his hand. “Hayden, nice to meet you. Logan, was it?”

“Yeah.” They shake hands, their grip tight from what I can tell. “You two going to have lunch?”

Hayden holds up the brown sack of food and says, “Chicken Spiedies.”

“Ah, jealous. I love Spiedies. Did you get them from Spiedie and Rib Pit?”

“Is there really anywhere else to get them?” Hayden practically scoffs.

“Nope.” The elevator dings and the doors open to the first floor. Logan is the first to exit. “Well, you two have fun. I’m headed to the geriatric wing to collect some urine samples, stopping by the gift shop to get a Milky Way beforehand. It’s the only way I’ll make it through the next hour. Call me later, Addie. I miss you.” With a wink, he takes off, and for some reason, I let out a low, silent breath of air.

Things still might be a little weird with Logan and me.

Immobile for a second, Hayden presses his hand on my lower back and leans down to my ear. “Where to, Addie?”

When I give him a pointed look, he just laughs and pulls me into his side again as I walk us toward the cafeteria. We pick a table next to a window in the back to give us some privacy.

“You start unwrapping the sandwiches, I’m going to get some drinks. Anything in particular you would like?”

“Water is good for me.”

Giving me the sweetest, sexiest wink, he says, “Be right back.”

His retreating backside grabs my attention, pulling me from my task. I study him. Brawny, wide shoulders that taper into his narrow waist. His shoulders blades tent the back of his shirt, his triceps pull on the threads woven into the fabric draped over his body. The hem of his shirt dances loosely with his waistline, every once in a while showing off the waistband of his Calvin Kline boxer briefs. And his ass, lifted and tight, complements an insanely athletic body I’ve never seen in person.

What would it feel like to grip his ass? To feel it undulate back and forth under my grasp.

What would he feel like on top of me?

Sweaty and driving his strong force into me.

His muscles contracting, his smooth voice draping over me like a warm blanket, his mouth pressed against my burning skin.