Page 99 of While We Waited

I follow the nurse into one of the exam rooms and get changed into one of the gowns. I shiver when Hudson helps me onto the exam table. He frowns.

“Are you cold? We should bring a blanket next time. I don’t want you cold.”

I pat his cheek. “It’s fine. I can handle a bit of cold.”

The door flies open and Dr. Katz strolls in. “Ah, look at the two of you. So cute. All loved up.”

I don’t deny it. I’m totally in love. Hudson isn’t, but it’s okay. He obviously only has eyes for me. He didn’t notice one of the women who was staring at him in the waiting room.

Maybe he just needs time.

“Let’s find out if the baby is a girl or a boy.”

I focus my attention on the doctor, and Hudson squeezes my hand in support. I gaze up at him, but his gaze is focused on the monitor.

I frown. Is he only being considerate and sweet because of the baby? It’s possible. He did ignore me after our night together after all. Until he found out I was pregnant.

Maybe I should slow my roll. Learn how to protect my heart before he breaks it into a million pieces.

Chapter 32

Mean girls – Not limited to cheerleaders who ban you from cheerleading for life

Nova

“There’s no need to be nervous.”

I scowl at Hudson. “I’m not nervous.”

I’m totally nervous. We’re meeting one of Hudson’s friends from his time in the NFL. I’d never heard of him before. But I googled Seth Cox and the man is a Big Deal in football. He has four Super Bowl Championship rings, was a Heisman Trophy winner, and is now an assistant coach.

Whereas I sell beer. Of course, I’m nervous.

He places a hand on my knee to stop it from bouncing. “Seth will love you.”

I beam at him. “Because I’m awesome.”

He chuckles. The sound doesn’t surprise me anymore since he’s laughing more often but it still causes warmth to spread through my chest whenever he’s amused. I love making this man happy. I love him. Plain and simple.

He kisses my forehead. “Yes, you are, Sunshine.”

My extremities tingle in excitement. Hudson isn’t referring to the baby. He’s referring to me. Maybe I don’t need to encase my heart behind a concrete wall after all.

My stomach rumbles. “I’m also hungry.”

He checks his watch. “Seth is late. Let me give him a call.” He reaches for his phone but stops when a giant of a man enters the restaurant. I recognize him from my online search. It’s Seth.

Hudson stands with a smile on his face. A real smile. One I haven’t seen since we were in high school together. I frown. Is Hudson unhappy living on Smuggler’s Hideaway?

Seth holds out his hand and a woman joins him. She is stunning. She’s wearing a floor-length sparkly gown. With her long, blonde hair and curvy body, she should be on the front of some glossy fashion magazine.

I glance down at my oversized sweater and plaid, pleated skirt with knee-high black leather boots. I thought I looked cute when I left the chalet but now, I feel fat and frumpy.

As Seth and the woman make their way through the tables to us, every person in the restaurant turns to watch them. The woman tilts her nose into the air and ignores the attention whereas Seth greets the men with claps on the back and high-fives. I fear I underestimated his fame.

“Cox.” Hudson greets him with a handshake and back clap.

“Clark. It’s been a while. Good to see you, man. You’re looking good.” He ushers the woman forward. “This is my wife, Naomi.”

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