Page 29 of Hat Trick Daddies

He arches a brow, his eyes sharp and knowing. “You’re a terrible liar.”

I snort, taking a sip of my coffee to hide my smile. “Maybe. But it’s true. I’m fine.”

Brooks studies me for a moment, his gaze unrelenting. “If you’re so fine, why do you look like you’d rather crawl under the table than talk about it?”

I roll my eyes, trying to dodge his scrutiny. “Can we not make this a thing?”

He leans forward, resting his forearms on the table. “You must have a boyfriend or something if a kiss got you this flustered.”

My stomach tightens, and I shake my head quickly. “I’m not seeing anyone, I’m a?—”

The waitress arrives with our food, cutting me off as she places a plate in front of each of us. The smell of sizzling beef and crispy fries wafts up, making my stomach rumble despite the awkward tension.

“Everything look good?” she asks brightly, oblivious to the charged silence between us.

“Looks great,” Brooks says, and I nod in agreement, offering her a polite smile.

She leaves, and as soon as she’s gone, Brooks looks at me expectantly.

“You’re a what?” he asks, his tone curious but firm.

My face heats, and I drop my gaze to my plate. “A virgin,” I mumble, barely audible.

“What?” His voice rises slightly, his shock evident.

I groan, glaring at him. “Shh!Yes, a virgin! I’ve never had sex before, okay?”

The look of pure shock on Brooks’ face makes me groan again, louder this time.

I bury my head in my hands, wishing I could take the words back and throw them into the abyss.

He blinks a few times, as though trying to process what I just said. “That’s…fine,” he says slowly, his tone cautious. “Waiting for marriage is cool. Good for you.”

I lift my head, shaking it quickly. “It’s not that,” I say, my voice quiet but firm. “It’s just…no one appropriate has ever wanted me. Nice guys don’t ask me out.”

He frowns, his expression softening. “That seems unlikely. You’re smart, funny, beautiful. What guy wouldn’t want to date you?”

I laugh bitterly, pushing a fry around my plate. “Well, for starters, I never wanted to date another doctor, and I’ve been surrounded by them for years. And when my mom died of cancer in high school…” I pause, swallowing hard. “It kind of derailed my social life. I didn’t feel like hanging out with anyone for a long time after that.”

Brooks’ expression shifts, his eyes filled with a quiet empathy that catches me off guard. “I’m sorry about your mom,” he says softly.

“Thanks,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

The conversation falls away into a solemn yet comfortable silence.

The rest of the diner visit is quiet, and the air between us feels heavier than before. I can’t tell if Brooks is mulling over what I said or if he’s just trying to find the right words to break the silence. Either way, neither of us seems willing to speak.

When the waitress brings the check, I reach for it instinctively, but Brooks is faster.

“I’ve got it,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Brooks, really, I can pay for myself.”

He gives me a look, one that makes it clear this isn’t up for discussion. “It’s fine, Ally.”

I sit back, crossing my arms with a huff, but I let it go.

He’s already pulling out his wallet, handing over his card to the waitress.

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