Page 10 of Hat Trick Daddies

I roll my eyes, trying to play it cool, but my hands feel clammy, and I hate it.

It’s strange, though, seeing a new face in this role. Dr. Martins has been the team doctor forever, grumpy and no-nonsense, but reliable.

Ally couldn’t be more different, and I can’t help but wonder how long it’ll be before she fully replaces him. It’s a big change, but it already feels like a positive one.

Then she’s in front of me, her hand outstretched. “Hi, I’m Dr. Perry,” she says, her voice steady but soft.

I reach out, and the moment our hands touch, it’s like a jolt of electricity shoots straight up my arm.

Her skin is warm, her grip firm, but there’s something else, something I can’t quite put my finger on. I feel my pulse spike, and for a split second, I forget what I’m supposed to say.

She looks flustered, too, her cheeks pinking slightly as our eyes meet. “And you are…?” she prompts, breaking the silence.

“Nick Porter,” I manage, my voice rougher than I intended.

I nod toward my twin, who’s already smirking like he’s won some kind of bet. “And this is Tyler…my twin.”

Tyler reaches out to shake her hand, his grin turning a little too charming. “It’s a pleasure, Dr. Perry,” he says, his tone playful. “Welcome to the team.”

She smiles politely, but I don’t miss the way her gaze flicks back to me before she quickly moves on.

Brooks is next, giving her a small nod and a firm handshake, his expression unreadable.

She hurries off to the next group, her shoulders a little stiffer than before.

I can tell she’s trying to keep her composure, but the way her hand lingered in mine makes me wonder if she felt it, too.

I watch her go, my eyes following the sway of her hips as she moves to the other side of the room.

She’s all business again, shaking hands and introducing herself like nothing happened. But I know what I felt.

Tyler nudges me with his elbow, his grin wide. “She’s something else, huh?”

I ignore him, my focus still locked on Ally.

I clench my jaw, willing myself to snap out of it.

But as she moves on, laughing lightly at something one of the other guys says, I know I’m in trouble.

My glance shifts to Tyler, who’s already moved on to joking with Brooks, and then I look back at Ally.

She’s making her way toward the exit now, her bag still slung over one shoulder.

I promise myself then and there that I’ll figure out a way to have her.

I don’t care what it takes.

I love a challenge.

CHAPTER FIVE

Ally

My first dayofficially begins now—meeting Dr. Martin in person.

And he doesn’t waste time with pleasantries. “Dr. Perry,” he says as I step into his office.

He doesn’t even look up from the chart in his hand, his voice flat and uninterested. “Welcome to your fellowship. I’d have retired by now if I hadn’t agreed to this damn thing. Don’t expect me to hold your hand.”

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