Page 28 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“Okay. Do you need coffee?”

I look up in time to see her flag down a server.

“Yes. Coffee. That’s exactly what I need.”

I feel a little better once I’ve ordered an oat latte with an extra shot. That is, until a shadow falls over me.

“Is this seat taken?”

My eyelids fall closed, and I take a deep breath through my nose.

Of course, he followed me.

“Morning,” Bea sings, oblivious to the awkwardness between us. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, actually. Better than I have in weeks.”

“Aw, that’s great. The beds here are incredible. I didn’t once wake up with my hips aching. Can’t remember the last time that happened,” Bea explains while I try to remain calm.

Did Hayden sleep better because of the mattress? The quiet hotel room? Or was it me?

No. It can’t have been me.

“What about you?” Hayden asks, turning his attention to me.

I don’t look over, I can’t, but my face burns red hot.

“Uh, yeah. It was good, thanks. So, what’s good here?” I ask, reaching for the menu and staring down at it.

I don’t see a single word printed before me; all I can think about is the fact that I woke up in Hayden Monroe’s arms, and how he’s apparently not going to let me forget it.

“Oat latte with an extra shot,” a server says, lowering my coffee to the table.

“Thank you,” I mumble before having little choice but to listen to the deep rumble of Hayden’s voice as he places his order.

“An extra shot?” Hayden questions, but thankfully, the server gives me an excuse not to engage.

“Are you ready for food?” she asks, but I don’t realize she’s talking to me until Bea nudges me.

“Hailee, did you want to order food?”

“Oh, um…” I scan the menu again, but I still don’t take it in. “I’ll take the avocado toast, please,” I say before throwing the menu onto the table as if it burned me.

“Would you like to add smoked salmon or a poached egg to that?”

My stomach growls, reminding me just how hungry I am.

“Both would be great. Thank you so much.”

I reach for my coffee and lift it to my lips to take a sip, praying that it’ll help settle me.

Bea orders her breakfast before Rett rushes over and adds his, and the server walks off.

“Hey, Rook, how’s it going?” Rett asks, focusing on Hayden.

“Yeah, things feel a little better today,” Hayden admits. Hearing that perks me up a little.

Maybe it was all worth it.