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 theniceway 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 bethatbachelor 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 seesomeclarity 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, isextremelygood-looking, is smart and confident. And, thanks to my friend, I know he is packing serious meat.
How could I not?
Chapter Four
HAYDEN
Idon’t normally do this, which I’m sure guilty people say all the time, but I’m being completely honest.
I REALLY don’t do this.
But after a few days of having dreams about Adalyn every night, I’m desperate. I want to get to know her better, you know,as friends.
At least that’s what I’m going to tell Racer if he catches us. That’s if I can find her.
She seems like a great friend, someone I want on my side, a confidant I not only need in my life but also want in my life. How can Racer be mad about that kind of response?
He can’t.
And it’s not like I want to take her back to the cottage, bend her over the couch, and fuck her till morning. I mean, that would be amazing, but right now, I just want to get to know her better. I barely spoke with her at the get together the other night. I felt cheated of an opportunity.
That’s why I’m visiting my second hospital in the area, hoping to find Adalyn working.
I told you, I’m desperate.
