Defending Hayden (Second Chances #7)(39)

He flipped me off, and I completely deserved it. “Fuck off,” he growled, unlocking his BMW. Before he could get in, I slammed my hand on the door, shutting it. His nostrils flared and his look could kill. “You have a lot of nerve, McLaughlin.” The guy had balls, but I could snap him in half. Still, the last thing I wanted to do was hurt Hayden’s best friend.

“I know Hayden’s mad at me, but you’re the only one who can help.”

“You’ve lost your f*cking mind. I’m not helping you do a damn thing,” he spat. “Now get the hell out of my way.”

I refused to move my hand, desperate for him to listen to me. “Give me five minutes. That’s all I ask.”

He glared at me. “Two and then I’m out of here.”

“Fine,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I messed up with Hayden. I know that. Never in a million years would I admit this to anyone, but that girl f*cking terrifies me. After my girlfriend and child were killed in the accident, I lost all hope of ever caring for anyone ever again.”

He gasped. “She was pregnant? I didn’t know that.”

I looked down at the ground. “Not many people did. The media didn’t publicize that part as much.”

“Man, I’m sorry.”

I cleared my throat and continued. “I never planned on falling for Hayden, but I did. The thought of losing her scares the shit out of me, but not having her is worse. I thought I could push her away and save myself.”

Michael huffed. “Well, while you were thinking about yourself, Hayden cried herself to sleep every night. I know because I’ve been with her. I haven’t seen her like that in a long time.”

“That’s why you need to help me make it better.”

He shook his head. “Not going to happen. After your so-called one-night stand, Hayden went home and found some pretty disturbing things about you. It looks like you have a habit of screwing anything that walks. Judging by the pictures, you’ve been with hundreds. That’s not the kind of guy I want for her.”

“I’m not like that anymore,” I challenged. “I wasn’t like that when I was with Brianna, and I sure as hell wouldn’t be like that with Hayden.”

“Prove it. Instead of talking to me, why don’t you look for her yourself?”

My jaw tensed. “I did and found her in the arms of another man. I got pissed and left.”

His brows furrowed. “Another man? Who the hell are you talking about?”

“Fuck if I know. He walked out of the clinic with her.”

Recognition flashed on his face. “Must be Jeremiah.”

“Who is he?” I asked, growling the words.

“He’s one of our colleagues, and he has a major hard-on for Hayden. I suggest you move fast if you want her back. You might be too late.”

“I can’t be,” I said. Then an idea popped in my mind, and I grabbed his shoulders. “I have a plan and I need your help. I’m leaving tomorrow morning for another pre-season game in Atlanta. I want you to make sure Hayden watches it. I’ll make my move then.”

“What are you going to do?”

Slapping him on the arm, I smiled and started toward my truck. “You’ll see. Just make sure she watches it. I won’t let her down this time, I promise.”

Michael sighed in defeat. “If I do this, you owe me!” he shouted.

I stopped at my truck. “I’ll give you whatever you want.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to collect,” he said, grinning wide. I didn’t care what it was. I would do anything to get Hayden back.





Chapter 17





Hayden


“How’s it feel to be home, little fella?” I asked Patch. He cocked his head to the side and barked. “I take that as a compliment.” It was my Saturday off, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I needed the time to get Patch accustomed to his new home. It was nice having him in my house; it helped keep my mind off of things, especially now that I was getting voicemails and texts from Derek. I ignored them all. I refused to get sucked back in. However, I did worry about Bear. I knew Derek would take care of him, but I couldn’t help wondering how he was doing. He wasn’t due for a checkup until it was time to take his casts off, but I really wanted to see him. I was surprised Derek hadn’t used the poor dog as an excuse to see me—at least he hadn’t yet.

The doorbell rang and I glanced at the clock. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Luckily, Derek was three hours away in Atlanta for a game. Picking Patch up, I carried him with me to the door. I could see Michael’s frame through the glass door, and when I opened it, he waved.

“I didn’t know you were coming over this early,” I said.

Grinning from ear to ear, he held up a bag of chips and salsa. “My last checkup never showed, so I bailed out. I figured since I’m leaving town in a couple of weeks, I’d spend as much time with you as I can.”

He walked past me and I followed him into the kitchen. He’d been my savior this past week. The thought of being without him terrified me. “Are you sure you have to move away?” I asked.

Frowning, he pulled me into his arms, Patch protesting about being squished between us. “You know I never wanted to stay here permanently, Hayden.”