One Baby Daddy (Dating by Numbers #3)(39)

I’ve been to football games. I’ve stood outside of the players’ entrance, waiting to catch a glimpse of some of my favorite players. I’ve heard my brothers’ voices go hoarse from screaming for their favorite quarterback to give them the time of day, and the best they could do was smile and wave in our direction.

Hayden is giving these fans a completely different experience than I ever thought imaginable.

It triples the beat of my heart for this man. Just thinking about him, of the impact he’s having on these young minds, on their parents, it gives me sharp palpitations to my chest.

Genuine.

Delicious.

REAL.

Mine.

Taking my hand in his, he waves to everyone, thanks them for waiting, and heads through the door of the arena, thanking the security guards for their help as well.

“Mr. Holmes, we’re so glad you joined us tonight. We’re very grateful you could cut out some time from your busy schedule for us.”

Busy schedule. I want to snort.

If only they knew what he did during his off time.

Work out.

Lift weights.

He does some light calisthenics and then texts me all day about the shows he’s binging on Netflix. Or about the book he’s reading. Or about the recipe he can’t wait to try when I get to his place.

I know it won’t be like that forever.

But his schedule is pretty wide open right now.

“Ah, anytime, Mr. Lewis.” Hayden shakes the portly man’s hand and then brings me forward into the conversation. “This is my girlfriend, Adalyn. Adalyn, this is Mr. Lewis. He’s been heading up tonight’s charity for the past five years, is that right?”

The sparkle in Mr. Lewis’s eyes when Hayden speaks of him is endearing, like he just received one of the best compliments of his life.

“Mr. Lewis, it’s a pleasure to meet you. From what Hayden has told me, this is one of his favorite charity events to attend.”

“We are so lucky to have a homegrown professional hockey player in our midst. We’re happy he can make the time for us.”

Hayden pats the man on the back. “Any time.” Looking around, Hayden asks, “Same as usual?”

“Yes, we have a little suite set up for the both of you with snacks and drinks. We just need you on the ice for the beginning of the game and then afterwards, the kids always enjoy it if you can sign some things.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t dream of skipping out early. I was actually kind of hoping we might be able to stay a little later?” Hayden winks at Mr. Lewis who gives him a knowing smile. “Of course, not a problem. If you want to make your way to the ice, the game is going to start in a few, and the referees are expecting you to do a ceremonial puck drop.”

“Sure.” Hayden tugs me to the right and we walk behind Mr. Lewis who speeds up in front of us, talking into a headpiece, referring to Hayden as Mr. Holmes the entire time.

Mr. Holmes is in the building.

Mr. Holmes is heading to the ice.

Mr. Holmes would like some cake in his suite.

“Cake?” I give him a pointed look.

Wiggling his eyebrows, he says, “Just a little something, a little thank you for coming with me.”

“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 to not fall for him and fall for him fast.

“This way, Mr. Holmes. Ma’am, can you please step to the side?”