Defending Hayden (Second Chances #7)(21)

“What do you want to bet?”

Pursing his lips, he looked off into the distance and then smiled. “For the next week, if I don’t call you every day and see you at least three times, then I will owe you dinner, but if I do, then you’ll owe me.” He held out his hand. “Deal?”

It was a risk I was willing to take. Grabbing his hand, I squeezed it hard, smiling the entire time. “Deal. Now let’s get shopping.”

—

Once all the supplies were bought, the back of Derek’s truck was full. He had enough food for a whole year. “Do you think you bought Bear enough beds?” I asked.

Derek threw the last one in the back and shrugged. “He might want to sleep in a different room each night. This way he’ll have something to lounge on in every one.”

I burst out laughing. “You are too much. When I first met you, you didn’t look like you’d have a sense of humor. You definitely had me fooled.”

He winked. “Just wait until you’re around me more.” The thought excited me, but how long was that going to last? I was pretty sure guys like him didn’t stay around the same girls for too long. As long as I didn’t get attached, I’d be fine. “You ready to inspect my house?” he asked. “I’m curious to know if you think it’ll be worthy of Bear.”

We got in his truck and headed on our way. “I don’t know,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “I guess I’ll have to see when we get there.” I had no clue where he lived, but we had just passed my street when he started to slow down. “Hey, I didn’t know you lived near me.”

He chuckled. “I didn’t, either, until I came to pick you up. I’m just a couple streets away.” Only his house was on one of the rich streets that led to half-a-million-dollar-or-more homes on the lake.

The farther down the street we went, the more secluded the houses became. When he pulled down a driveway with a large stone house at the end of it, I gaped in awe. “Wow” was all I could say.

Derek cleared his throat. “Does it meet your approval, Dr. Hunter?”

“It might be too big for Bear,” I teased. Chuckling, he parked the truck, and we got out. “But it sure is beautiful.”

He lowered the tailgate and started grabbing some of the supplies. I picked up two of the doggie beds and followed him to the front door. When he let me inside, I gazed around in awe. His living room was nothing but windows that gave you a perfect view of the lake, and overhead was a loft that gave you an even higher view.

“What time do you want me to bring him tomorrow?” I announced.

He burst out laughing. “I’m glad you approve. How about lunchtime?”

“Sounds good to me.” I helped him bring in the rest of the supplies, and then he gave me a tour so we could put the doggie beds in various rooms. I stopped at the loft rail and gazed out at the lake. He joined me and leaned over on his elbows, his body close to mine.

“I bought this house for the view alone,” he said.

“I can see why. The lake is beautiful. Not to mention you have your own dock and boat. I’d be out there all the time.”

He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the stairs. “Come on, then, we’ll go for a ride.”

Giggling, I followed him down the stairs to the back door that led onto the deck. “Are you always this spontaneous?”

He shrugged. “Pretty much. It makes things more interesting when they’re not planned.” I’d never been the kind of person to do things on a whim, but it felt good. As soon as we got outside, he let go of my hand, and I tried to hide my disappointment.

Before we could get to the dock, a car door slammed. Derek stopped and turned around. “Did you hear that?”

I nodded. “I think someone’s here.”

We started back toward the house and walked around the side to the front. There was a truck in the driveway, and standing by the front door was none other than Evan Townsend. When I’d searched for the Carolina Cougars on the Internet, his had been one of the first names that popped up.

“You have a habit of showing up unannounced,” Derek called.

Evan jerked his head around and laughed. “Maybe I wouldn’t have to if you’d answer your f*cking phone.” His gaze landed on me and his eyes widened. “Never mind. I can see why you’re ignoring me.” He walked toward me and held out his hand. “I’m Evan Townsend.”

I shook his hand, but Derek was the one who spoke up. “This is Hayden Hunter. The veterinarian I helped on the side of the road the other day.”

Evan grinned. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I replied.

“So what are you doing here?” Derek asked. His tone had changed, taking on a more serious edge. There was tension, but Evan didn’t seem to notice; he stood there smiling happily.

“I wanted to see if you’d like to come over. The grill is fired up and ready.” Evan turned to me. “You’re more than welcome to come, too.”

Derek glanced at me and I couldn’t decipher the look. Did he want me to join them, or did he not want me to be around his friends? Instead of waiting, I saved myself the embarrassment. “I should probably be getting back home,” I told them. “But it was great meeting an NFL legend such as yourself. I’m a little starstruck right now.”