Page 21 of Hat Trick Daddies

That’s the part that terrifies me the most.

I press my fingertips against my lips, still tingling.

A tiny, traitorous part of me wonders what would’ve happened if I hadn’t panicked and bolted. But then my stomach churns at the thought of walking back out there and facing all three of them, Tyler, Nick, and Brooks.

How could I possibly look them in the eye now?

The bathroom feels like a safe cocoon, but I know I can’t stay here forever. It’s only a matter of time before one of them comes looking for me.

I take a deep breath, trying to summon the courage to leave, but I’m too mortified to face them right now.

After what feels like an eternity, I finally gather enough nerve to slip out of the stall.

My reflection in the mirror stops me for a moment. I straighten my shoulders, smooth my hair back into place, and make a beeline for the door.

The noise of the bar hits me again as I step into the crowded space. I keep my head low, scanning for the guys, but I don’t see them where I left them. Perfect.

Keeping close to the wall, I weave my way around the tables and make for the exit. The cold air smacks me in the face as soon as I step outside, and I shiver, pulling my jacket tighter around me.

The parking lot is dimly lit, and I quickly head toward my car. Guilt creeps in as I realize I left without paying my check, but then I huff in annoyance.

Tyler can pay for it.

After all, he’s the reason I had to leave in the first place.

The kiss with Tyler plays over and over in my mind, each replay tightening the knot in my stomach.

It was good.

No, it wasamazing.

His lips were warm, his touch confident but not overwhelming, and for a brief moment, I felt myself leaning into it, wanting more.

But then reality hit me like a slap.

I’m still a virgin.

The thought makes my chest tighten.

I’ve carried that fact like a secret burden, one that feels heavier with every year that passes. It’s not like I haven’t wanted to cross that line, it’s just…complicated.

There’s this mental pressure, this nagging feeling that it has to mean something, that it has to be with the right person.

I stare at the ground, watching my breath fog in the cold air.

Most women my age wouldn’t give that kiss a second thought. It would be fun, fleeting, nothing more. But for me, it’s one of the most intimate experiences I’ve ever had, and it leaves me feeling exposed, vulnerable, and completely out of my depth.

I take a few steps, the gravel crunching softly under my boots, and tilt my head back to look at the sky. It’s clear tonight, the stars scattered across the dark expanse like tiny pinpricks of light.

I need to focus on work. That’s the whole reason I’m here, to build my career, not to get tangled up in complicated feelings for one of my patients.

Dating someone on the team would be a disaster. It would cross every professional boundary imaginable, and it would put my job, my reputation, and my future at risk.

Still, I can’t stop thinking about Tyler.

His smile, his charm, the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the room.

I shake my head, trying to clear away these thoughts. No. I can’t go down that road.

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