Defending Hayden (Second Chances #7)(45)

“One day, I’m sure. With the season starting and her work schedule, I don’t know when we’ll get out there, but I’m sure she’d be happy to meet you and Dad.”

“I look forward to it. I’m just happy you found someone else after all this time. I thought I was going to lose you.”

Sighing, I laid my head on Hayden’s pillow; it smelled like her. “I thought so, too, but not anymore. I’m happy now.”

“And I’m happy for you. Just don’t do anything stupid where you have to apologize on national TV.”

I laughed. “Yes, Ma. Anything else?”

“Only that I love you. Good luck this weekend.”

We said our goodbyes, and I rushed into the shower before Hayden could get out. I had to finish what she’d started.

—

The Caramel Café was packed and we were running out of time, but I’d promised Hayden breakfast. She ordered a pumpkin spice latte; that was what she drank every single morning, according to the hostess behind the counter. I had to remember that. Since I had a few minutes before I needed to leave for practice, we sat down at one of the outside tables.

“Do you want to get together tonight?” I asked.

“Of course. My place or yours?”

“Mine. And bring a change of clothes in case the night runs late.”

She giggled, and it was the sweetest sound. “I need to go home and check on Patch before I come over. He’s probably mad that we didn’t pay him any attention last night.”

“Then bring him over with you. I’m sure Bear will keep him company.” As a kid, I’d had animals, but Bear was by far the best dog I’d ever had. And since Evan lived nearby, I’d had him check on Bear while I was away.

Her face brightened. “You don’t mind?”

“Not at all. Bear’s getting around much better now. He can actually walk on his own.”

“That’s amazing. I can’t wait to see him. I’m sure Patch will love to come over, too. Maybe we could take them to the Whitewater Center.”

I’d never been there, but I’d heard it was an amazing place. It was set up for Olympians to practice their kayaking skills. You could raft down the course, plus go through several obstacle courses and hiking trails.

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be home before you, so just come on over after you get off work.”

She leaned over the table and kissed me. “See you then. Now get to practice before you’re late. I don’t want you fined because of me.”

I grasped her chin and held her in place. “It’d be worth it.”

“Good morning, Hayden,” a voice called out.

Hayden’s eyes went wide and she backed away, her gaze meeting someone behind me. I turned to look, and standing with a scowl on his face was the same f*cker who’d kissed her. “Hey, Jeremiah,” she greeted awkwardly. “I was just about to head to the office.”

I got to my feet, knowing I would tower over him. Dressed in his uniform and lab coat, he wanted to look intimidating, but I wasn’t falling for it. He may have been more educated than I was, but that wasn’t going to win him Hayden.

“I don’t think we’ve met,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’m Dr. Jeremiah Patton.”

I grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Derek McLaughlin.” Then I dropped his hand and focused back on Hayden. “I’ll see you tonight.”

She glanced from me to Jeremiah nervously. “Okay. Have fun at practice.”

I wanted to walk with her to the clinic, but when Jeremiah didn’t follow her, it was obvious that he had something to say to me. Once she was out of earshot, all pleasantries were gone.

“What the hell are you doing with her?” he growled.

Smirking, I faced him head-on. “I don’t think that’s any of your business. For future reference, though, it might be in your best interest not to ever kiss her again.”

He stepped forward. “Why? Afraid she might like it?”

The rage overwhelmed me, but I had no choice but to rein it in. The last thing I needed was an assault charge—although that f*cking cocksucker was going to regret it if he ever touched her like that again. “Don’t push me,” I hissed low. “You’ll regret it.”

“We’ll see about that.”





Chapter 20





Hayden


I didn’t want to leave Derek alone with Jeremiah, but it looked like I had no choice. I could tell there was tension between them. “Why do you look like that?” Michael asked as I walked through the door. Derek and Jeremiah had separated ways, but their meeting hadn’t been a good one, I could tell by Derek’s murderous glare.

I nodded toward the café. “I think Derek and Jeremiah just had words.”

Michael smiled wide. “I’m assuming everything worked out with you and Mr. Hottie McLaughlin?”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes. He spent the night with me last night.”

He put his arms around me and squeezed. “It’s about time you two worked it out.”

“What did you say to him last night before you left?” I asked.

He cleared his throat and let me go. “Only that if he hurts you, I’ll hunt him down. I may not be as big as he is, but I know how to use a gun.”