Defending Hayden (Second Chances #7)(48)

“Baby, are you okay?” Derek asked, reaching for me.

I shook my head and fell into his arms, loving the way they wrapped tightly around me. “I wasn’t until now. You wouldn’t believe the shitty day I had.”





Chapter 21





Hayden


“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about the party,” Michael squealed excitedly.

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” I said, laughing.

The week had flown by and Saturday had come, only it was a bittersweet day. Wilford had arranged for a going-away party at the clinic, and it was my job to get Michael there. He’d shown up right on time, dressed in a Cougars jersey and jeans; he was excited about the game. Now that the party was over, Michael had followed me to my house so we could drop off my car.

“Are you sure your boy toy doesn’t mind you riding with me to the game?”

I got into his car and we started on our way. “Nope. He knows I want to spend all the time I can with you before you go. Besides, I’ll be riding back home with him.”

“Will I get to meet some of the players?” he asked.

I winked. “Maybe. You’ll just have to find out.” Derek was planning to introduce Michael to everyone, but I wanted it to be a surprise. We got to the stadium, and Derek met us at the gate to let us in. He opened my car door and lifted me in his arms.

“I’ve missed you,” he said, holding me tight.

“You just saw me this morning.”

He kissed me hard and set me down. “That was hours ago.”

Michael rolled his eyes and laughed. “You two are ridiculous.”

Derek extended his hand and Michael took it. “Hey, man. You all packed up and ready to move?” Derek asked.

“Pretty much. You gonna kick ass today?”

Putting his arm around me, Derek led us to the stadium door. “I sure as hell hope so. It’s just a pre-season game, but they’re all the same to me.”

He led us inside and down the hall toward the locker room, where the guys could be heard, shouting and laughing. Michael’s eyes went wide. “Don’t tell me that’s where they’re all at.”

Grinning from ear to ear, I nodded. “Derek’s going to take you to meet them while I wait with Kate. I don’t particularly want to see a bunch of hairy-assed men.”

“Who you calling hairy?” Chris called out, wearing only a cup around his groin. He blocked the doorway to the locker room and posed.

Derek guffawed. “Dude, get the f*ck out of the way. Nobody wants to see that shit.”

Chris scoffed and pretended to be offended. “I was just letting her know I’m not hairy.” He ran his hands down his chest. “Look at this body. It’s smoother than a baby’s ass.”

Chris winked at me, and when he turned around, I laughed. “Next time, shave your back. You could make a toupee out of that.” The players broke out in laughter and picked on him, but it didn’t seem to bother him.

“All right, love, I’m going to keep Michael with me while you hang out with Kate. I’ll see you during my breaks.” He kissed me quickly and then pushed Michael into the dressing room. He was going to be in heaven with all those men.

I heard Derek say, “You never told me what you wanted after helping me with Hayden,” as they walked farther into the locker room. I couldn’t hear Michael’s reply, but I was going to ask him as soon as he got onto the field.

I found Kate in the supply room and helped her carry out the medical supplies. The stands were filling up, and soon there would be no empty seats in the house. “Do you ever get tired of the publicity?” I asked her.

She shook her head. “Not anymore. When Cooper and I started dating, we had a lot of problems with the press making up bullshit about us, but thankfully, that stopped. I’m sure Derek’s fans will be happy to see him with you, especially after everything he’s been through. He looks so happy now. Maybe one day you can come to practice and watch him.”

“I would love to do that if I didn’t work all the time. Maybe one day I’ll be able to.”

Michael joined us out on the field, his eyes lit with excitement as he gazed at the packed stands. “This has been unreal. I can’t believe you get to be this close to it.”

I laughed. “Well, I am dating one of the players.”

“One of the most popular players in the NFL,” Kate corrected with a wink.

“So what did you tell Derek you wanted for helping him? I’m curious.”

Spreading his arms wide, Michael said, “You’re looking at it. I wanted season tickets to the games, and he’s going to get them for me.”

“You sneaky bastard.”

He shrugged. “What can I say?”

Fireworks exploded overhead, signaling the start of the game. We watched in awe as all the players ran out onto the field. Derek winked at me as he ran past, and I waved. Cameras flashed all around; I didn’t realize they were taking pictures of me until Kate pointed it out.

“The reporters will want to know more about you,” she said. “You’re taking one of the city’s most eligible bachelors off the market.”

Michael moved closer to her. “What about the rest of the guys? Any of them available?” He waggled his brows and she laughed.