One Baby Daddy (Dating by Numbers #3)(8)

“He’s making things work,” I answer honestly, knowing a little bit about Racer’s financial struggle from Emma, who heard it from Tucker.

“I would offer to help him, but knowing Racer, he would never accept any kind of help.”

“Never.”

“So how do you know Racer? You guys seem pretty close.” Chuckling, he adds, “Really close. Told me you were off limits.”

My eyebrow rises, my head tilting to the side. “That man is infuriating. We’re just friends if that’s what you’re getting at. I met him through Tucker and Emma, and for some reason, he thinks it’s his job to protect me from any and all men.”

“It’s good to have a friend like that, you know, with all the psychos out there. You can never trust just anyone.”

“Especially hockey players, right?”

“Oh no.” Hayden shakes his head. “Hockey players are very trustworthy. Upstanding citizens. Some of the best people you will ever meet.”

“Is that right?” I turn on the log to face him, straddling the wood. Insert your perverted thoughts right here, I know you’re having them. “What brings you to Binghamton? Don’t you live in Philadelphia?”

Propping his thigh on the log, turning as well, he says, “Needed a little breather. It was a long season, the Brawler fans are ruthless, so I didn’t feel like walking around the city being heckled every turn of the corner.”

“They do that?”

He nods slowly. “At the beginning of the season, when I was still getting my feet wet, we lost against our rivals. It was a tough loss and wasn’t taken very well by the fans. The next day, I couldn’t walk ten feet in the city without being booed. They are ruthless.”

“Seriously? Wow, I had no idea grown men could be such babies.”

“Grown men, women, and children.” He chuckles. “So you can understand wanting to get away.”

“Makes sense. I’m wondering why Binghamton out of all places. If I were you, I would have gone to some exotic location.”

“Thought about it, but I have obligations in the city, sponsorships and whatnot. Figured this would be easier. And I’m staying in a killer cottage up on a hill that looks over the city. It’s peaceful, just what I need.”

“Sounds relaxing. What I wouldn’t do for a little break right about now, which sounds ridiculous because I’m new to the workforce, but still . . .” I shake my head, hating that I have an early shift tomorrow. Seven to seven. It’s better than a late night shift, but it’s still tiring.

“What do you do?”

“I’m a nurse. It’s a challenging job, and the hours are brutal. I work in a hospital so I see a lot of things that weigh heavily on me.”

He’s silent for a second before saying, “I can’t imagine. The medical field is a tough one.”

“It is. For the longest time I thought I was going to be a teacher, but somewhere along the way, I switched, deciding to be a nurse. Kind of wish I was grading spelling tests right about now.”

Chuckling, he says, “More than assisting with removing forks from eyes and resetting broken legs?”

“Pretty much.” I smile softly, studying him. He’s engaged, interested with the way his body language points toward me, the lean in of his shoulders, the way his eyes are so intent on mine. He’s different from other men I’ve talked to. Genuine. Real. I like that. And even though Racer can be one of the craziest people I know—regularly—he’s also one of the most decent. It doesn’t surprise me this man, who expressed instant concern for Racer’s well-being, has been a friend for years. How he noticed straight away things weren’t all sunshine and roses in Racer’s world. That sort of friend is rare, and I think I’ve discovered a rare gem.

“What’s going on over here?” Racer asks, stumbling into our little conversation. “What did I tell you, man? She’s off limits. Right, Addie Girl?”

“I think you’ve hit your beer and sugar intake for the night.” I pat his rock-hard stomach. How he’s able to maintain his physique when downing a box of Little Debbie snacks a day is beyond me. He’s one of those annoying people.

“Are you and Aaron in cahoots? He said the same thing.” Racer sits behind me and places his chin on my shoulder, wrapping his arms around my waist.

Drunk Racer is turning into touchy-feely Racer. Happens every time.

I pat his arms and say, “Yes, we’re in cahoots.”

Striking a glance at Hayden, I notice his eyes fixed on Racer’s arms intimately wrapped around me. He stiffly smiles and shakes his bottle and says, “I’m going to get a refill.”

When he steps away, I elbow Racer in the gut.

“What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you being so possessive over me right now?”

“Possessive? I’m not being possessive.”

“Racer, you’re practically peeing a circle around me, warding off any guy who comes within ten feet of me.”

“I’m not peeing a circle, but I can if you want me to. Just let me drink one more beer—”

“You’re done with drinking beer tonight.” I shake him off me. “Seriously, what’s going on?”

His eyes are glassed over but I can still see a little bit of common sense floating around in that fogged-up head of his.