One Baby Daddy (Dating by Numbers #3)(9)

“I don’t want you getting hurt, that’s all.”

“Well, I’m a big girl, Racer, and I can take care of myself.”

“Then how come you let Logan hurt you?”

I let out a heavy sigh and sit on the log next to Racer.

“Logan was a mistake, and I got over that quickly. We’re friends now. That’s it. Crossing that line with him was stupid.”

“Yeah, he sure as hell let you know his opinion on the matter. Who was the one there for you? Whose shoulder did you cry on? Mine, which now gives me the right to be super protective over you, because I don’t ever want to see you that upset again, especially over a guy.”

There is a time in everyone’s life where they look back at a decision they made and think, yeah, I probably shouldn’t have done that. Logan was my bad decision.

We were the three musketeers; Emma, Logan, and me. We somehow survived nursing school together and found jobs right out of college. When Emma started becoming serious with Tucker, we saw less of her and more of each other. Dinners led to late nights, which led to a stupid, yet passionate night.

Want to talk about the most awkward morning after ever? It was . . . torture. We sat there, sheets up around our chests, staring at the wall in front of us, wondering what we did, and when Logan’s first words were, “That was a mistake,” it was hard not to take it personally. That’s when I went to Racer and cried it out. I guess you could call that mistake number two, because after a few good cries, we fooled around a little.

I know, I know.

Why is this girl a hussy? That’s what you’re thinking, right? And to tell you the truth, I don’t know why; it’s in my blood I guess. I like comfort and seek it from the wrong people. A therapist could have a field day with me.

And now Racer is super protective. And no, we don’t like each other like that. We both came to the mutual agreement that we’re better off as friends.

So basically, if you’re noticing a pattern here, I’m friend-zone material. Maybe it’s because I’ve never really been in a serious relationship. When I was in high school, dating anyone wasn’t close to a possibility, having seven brothers. Yes, you read that right, seven brothers. I wasn’t allowed to look at a boy without one of my brothers giving me a lecture about how boys only want is sex at that age, it won’t be enjoyable, so I best wait until the little squids understand how to please a woman properly.

Which brought me to college. Nursing school is stressful. So much studying, so many late nights, so many parties to help you wind down.

See where this is going?

Without the protection of my brothers, I kind of . . . let loose. That’s the nice way of putting it.

College was one giant whirlwind of studying, clinicals, and random one-night stands. If I had a good time, then some one-night stands turned into two-or three-night stands, but that was where it ended.

So I have no idea what it takes to be a good girlfriend, what it means to communicate effectively with another human being when it comes to love, and compromise? Sheesh, what’s that?

If I were a guy, I would be that bachelor with the fancy apartment who’s completely clueless when it comes to a girlfriend’s needs.

Basically, I’m a total catch . . .

I lean in to Racer and press my head against his shoulder. “I appreciate you trying to prevent pain, Racer, but I’m a big girl and can handle whatever comes my way.”

“Can you?” Even in his drunk state, I can see some clarity in his eyes. “Because do you see that guy over there?” Racer nods toward the back door to his house. Hayden is walking toward us, his eyes trained on me. “That guy right there has a look in his eyes, a look that says you’re in for one hell of a ride if you choose to take the ride. But I don’t want you to hop on, because you will get hurt.” Having briefly seen him interact with others and particularly from his concern for Racer, yeah, I’m intrigued. Until this moment. What surprises me is Racer’s reasoning. What am I missing?

“Have you actually thought maybe I’m not interested?”

“Pfft.” Racer scoffs. “Please. The man is not only a professional hockey player with a bank account to put us all to shame, but he’s good-looking, has a heart of gold, and believe me when I say this, he has a big penis.”

“What?” I cough, choking on my saliva. “How do you know that?”

“I’ve known the guy forever. We went to school together, shared a gym class, and you’re bound to see each other’s junk.” He carelessly shrugs. “Just happens. So knowing all of that, you can’t tell me you aren’t interested. The man is a goddamn catch.”

“So if he’s a catch, how come you don’t want me going out with him?”

“Because, despite him being one of the best guys I know, his schedule, his lifestyle, it’s not what you want. You want to slow down, you want to switch to a general practitioner office, and you want a quiet life. That’s not what you’d get with him. Guarantee it.”

Hayden smiles sweetly and takes a seat near Aaron, striking up a conversation. I study him from a distance. He isn’t animated like Racer, but he isn’t shy either. He’s relaxed, confident. There is an air about him that makes him approachable and fascinating all at the same time.

“Adalyn, I’m fucking serious.” Racer’s voice drops, seriousness dripping from his tongue. “Don’t even think about it.” He has a heart of gold, is extremely good-looking, is smart and confident. And, thanks to my friend, I know he is packing serious meat.