Page 38 of Dirty Play

“He doesn’t date.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t still fuck each other, right? A little friends with benefits action never hurt anyone.”

“Do you live under a rock? Everyone knows that someone always ends up hurt when people try to be friends with benefits, and I know it would be me so it’s easier to avoid it altogether. This way, I still get to stare at the hot guy and keep him as my friend.”

She stares but luckily keeps her mouth closed as another nurse walks past with Dr. D. I think I’m in luck and get to avoid talking to him until he stops and turns back toward Mariah and I, only this time he doesn’t look mean—which actually might be more terrifying.

“I have some information that I’m waiting on for room six. When it comes in will you find me?” he says, skipping all pleasantries and getting straight to business.

Room six. That’s Kennedy’s room… is everything okay?

“Of course. Everything okay?”

“Yes, there’s a possible donor, and as Kennedy’s kidney function continues to drop, it’s looking more and more likely that a donor is her best option. I’m really hoping to get the results in the next hour or two so I can still call the donor this evening and get something set up as soon as possible.”

“Is the donor local?”

“I believe so, although we don’t even have a real name. They told us it was a pseudonym because they want to remain anonymous, but they did leave a number with Sally so that we would be able to contact them.”

It’s not uncommon for donors to wish to remain anonymous, but usually, it’s only with the public and the patient. Generally, hospital staff will know who the donor is, especially when they are a living donor who would need to come in and have surgery to remove their kidney.

But, different strokes for different folks, I guess.

“I’ll find you as soon as it comes in, fingers crossed we get a match.”

“Yes, Miss Kennedy is definitely due for some good news.”

With that, he nods at Mariah and walks away. Some may perceive it as rude, but that’s only when he’s opening his mouth.

I can’t help but get my hopes up that this might finally be the moment we’ve been waiting for. Kennedy has been on this list for over a year, and we’ve only ever had one positive match, but that fell through during the removal process—the organ wasn’t viable.

It was heartbreaking. It felt like someone was holding a treat just out of reach—we could see it but never quite reach it.

“Well, that’s good news,” Mariah says, standing up and getting ready to do the next round of checks with our kiddos. “I’ll be back, I need to go grab some juice for room three and then do a round, but don’t think you’re getting out of this conversation so easily. You need some fun in your life, and what better way to have some fun than with a hot as fuck goalie… who just so happens to be walking up to us right now?” Her eyes widen, and her mouth drops. Instantly I’m confused until I hear a deep voice coming from behind me.

“Hey, Tink,” his gravelly voice rumbles, instantly turning me on, especially when he uses that nickname.

I turn and smile, not missing Mariah’s eyes widening as she also notices the nickname. Dammit, I can only imagine this is going to rile her up again.

“What’s up? I’m not off until midnight, remember?”

He just smiles and passes me a cup. The smell of vanilla chai instantly hits my nostrils and I’m salivating. Looking up, he’s still smiling as he introduces himself to Mariah, who looks starstruck.

“What’s this for?” I ask when he turns back to me.

“Was just in the area and had to drop something off to someone who was bummed they missed out on us the other day. Gotta make sure everyone’s reppin’ the right NY team,” Cade says, leaning up against the counter, watching me stare at the tea like a fool. “Before you even ask, yes, there’s one extra pump of vanilla and an espresso shot because we all know you like it dirty.”

Mariah giggles, and I immediately flush, the innuendo in his words evident. Now that she knows we’ve fucked, I can only imagine what she’s thinking. Hell, if it’s anything near what I’m imagining, I’m not sure I can look her in the eye.

But it’s Cade’s facial expression that’s most surprising as he stands there with a little smirk, watching me squirm. And he looks happy—like he’s enjoying this. I’m not used to his flirtatious side anymore, especially not after he called everything a big mistake, but apparently, my body didn’t get the memo. His little smirk is turning me the fuck on.

Even weirder than that, though? He remembered my exact drink, something we’d only gotten together twice, and that was over a year ago. That little moment is enough to fan the coals a bit, adding a little heat to the fire I’m so desperately trying to extinguish.

“You remembered my drink?”

“I did,” he smiles, pushing himself off the counter to stand up, glancing down at his watch. “I’m going to drop off this jersey and then go workout, I’ll see you back here at midnight.”

“Bye, Cade.” I wave, little butterflies taking flight in my stomach. I know I can only tread lightly in this situation, praying I don’t drown.

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