Page 77 of Slap Shot Daddies

“Easy for you to say. You don’t have a baby growing inside you,” I murmur to myself, feeling the weight of my words.

With a determined breath, I grab my worn leather bag and step out of the Jeep, walking quickly. My boots crunch lightly on the gravel as I make my way to the door, each step a reminder of the day ahead.

I tug the door open. I peek around the entrance, half-expecting to see Braden, Reggie, or Ambrose coming around the corner with their easy smiles and boisterous laughter.

But the space is quiet, the corridors empty.

I exhale, the tension easing from my shoulders.

In and out, I remind myself.Just get the files, check on the birds, and get through the day, one step at a time.

I rush down the hallway, my sneakers squeaking on the polished floor as I make my way toward my small vet office tucked in the back of the rink. My heart pounds in my chest.

My hand trembles as I reach for the doorknob, turning it slowly before slipping inside and letting the door close with a soft click.

The room is cozy, its warmth a stark contrast to the cool hallway.

The walls are lined with perches and cages, each filled with various veterinary supplies.

The smell of birdseed hits me instantly, and I exhale deeply, drawing the curtain closed over the narrow window that faces the rink, shutting out the world beyond.

The macaws spring to life, the bright red and blue one, Rio, emitting a cheerful squawk that echoes in the small space. He hops closer, his beady black eyes glistening with a mischievous glint as if he's genuinely pleased to see me.

"Oh, now you’re friendly," I whisper, extending my hand toward him.

I’ve been free of my bandages for a little while now, but I can’t deny that a jolt of nerves still goes through me being around Rio.

Still, he’s so cute when he’s nice. His claws cling to my forearm with gentle pressure as he steps onto me, his warm body nestling against my chest. His feathers feel smooth and silky beneath my fingertips as I stroke his head.

Meanwhile, the other bird, Sunny, flaps his wings with impatience, his vibrant yellow and green plumage catching the light in a dazzling display. I chuckle softly.

"You’re both handsome boys, yes," I murmur, feeling a swell of affection in my chest.

The simple, familiar contact with them soothes me, wrapping me in momentary peace. But just as I begin to relax, a sharp knock on the door jolts me back to reality, the sound resonating like a crack of thunder in the serene room.

I freeze in place, feeling Rio shift slightly on my arm, his little head tilting with curiosity. My chest tightens, and I can barely breathe as I cautiously turn my eyes toward the door.

Braden is standing there, his imposing frame filling the doorway, his black workout gear hugging every curve of his well-defined muscles. His dark hair is slick with sweat, and his green eyes, usually so vibrant, are now filled with a softness that speaks volumes of his concern.

He doesn’t say anything at first, but his gaze pierces through my fragile composure, as if he's reading the turmoil beneath my skin. My face burns with embarrassment, and I can feel the tears welling up, threatening to spill over yet again.

Desperately, I turn away from him, guiding Rio back onto his perch with trembling hands. My fingers brush against the cool metal bars of the cage, but the sensation barely registers as a heavy lump forms in my throat.

Don't cry. Not here, not now.

But it's no use. A single tear escapes, sliding down my cheek as I fumble with the latch. I mutter a curse under my breath, wiping my cheek roughly with the back of my hand.

My emotions are all over the place, betraying me, making me feel vulnerable and weak when all I want is to maintain control.

“Kenzie,” Braden's voice reaches me, gentle and low. The warmth of his raspy tone is like honey soothing my frayed nerves.

I stiffen, stubbornly keeping my back turned to him.

“I’m fine. Just, just give me a sec, please,” I manage to say, but my voice wavers, betraying the turmoil inside.

I hear the soft, steady sounds of his footsteps approaching, and then his hand rests on my shoulder. It's warm and reassuring, firm enough to shatter the last of my defenses.

The gentle pressure of Braden's hand tugs me around to face him. His eyes are wide, and concern is etched into every line of his brow, his mouth set in a soft frown. My vision blurs as tears well up, and before I can hold them back, a quiet sob slips past my lips.

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