Page 46 of Playboy

“It was good. Ending the season that way sucks, but we all need this break.”

My father laughs. “Yeah, I’m sure your legs could all use a few weeks on the beach.”

I hum, scanning the front of the apartment building. “How are Nash and Lake?”

“They’re good. We’re going to Miami for Melina’s first show next weekend.”

“No shit,” I laugh. “Fitz must be stoked.”

He didn’t come out with us last night. Not that he comes out much anymore anyway. Our goalie coach is dating Lake’s best friend, who just so happens to be an international popstar. The third member of their throuple is Fitz’s longtime best friend turned partner. The guy is the fire chief in Bristol, where my dad lives.

“Yeah, he and Declan flew down with Melina yesterday. I think they’re spending a couple of days together before the tour starts.”

A chuckle breaks loose. “Bet he’s not all that sad our season is over.”

“You sound good. Glad you aren’t sinking into the depression some guys face during the offseason.”

I’m back to watching the building when Hannah steps out. Her long brown hair is pulled up, and she’s in a pair of jeans and a white shirt. The woman makes even the simplest outfits look incredible. When she catches sight of me, her face lights up.

“Nothing but good vibes here,” I say to my dad as Hannah tilts her head, as if noticing that I’m on the phone, and offers a little finger wave. “I gotta go.”

“Okay, kid. Let me know when you’re coming down to Bristol again. Miss you.”

“Miss you too.” As I push the door open, I call out a “bye, Dad” and hit End.

“Aww.” Hannah’s eyes light up. “You talking to Daddy Hall?”

I round the car and grab her by the ass, pulling her in for a hug. “I’m your only Daddy Hall.”

Hannah snorts. “You aren’tmyDaddy anything.” Lips twisting, she hums. “Well, maybe my baby daddy.”

With a growl, I squeeze her ass cheeks again. God, I like touching her. And I’m fucking ecstatic that she’s letting me without an ounce of hesitation. “Not a fan of that term either.”

Pushing away from me, she laughs. “Too bad. It’s Baby Hall or baby daddy.”

I shake my head as I pull her door open. “You sleep okay?”

Her face softens, and she keeps her focus on me as she eases into her seat. “Yeah, I slept okay. You?”

I have to grip the door to keep myself from ducking in and buckling her seat belt for her. Instead, I settle for watching her do it. Once she’s safely tucked into my car, I nod. “Slept great.”

I don’t tell her that I fell asleep watching baby vlogs. The one created by a group of dads hooked me right away. I went all the way back to the first episode and started there.

The ride to the doctor’s office is quick, and it isn’t until I’m pulling in that I realize I was so lost in my head—trying to come up with conversation topics and worrying about making it awkward—that I haven’t said a word since I pulled away from the curb.

Once the car is in park, I clear my throat, ready to apologize, but she’s already getting out. I reach into the back seat and snag the gift I brought, now worried that she’ll think it’s weird.

But she’s having my baby. It feels monumental. Like it should be celebrated.

I stare down at the bag and grimace. Fuck. What was I thinking? I should have gotten her jewelry or, I don’t know, a car? What kind of gifts are appropriate for the woman carrying my child? It all feels like it’s so much. Honestly, every time I’m near her, I have to fight the urge not to drop down at her feet to thank her or scoop her up and carry her around.

But not a single woman arriving for her own appointment is being carried in by her man, so I shake off the ridiculous thoughts and scurry after her, gripping the bag behind my back. I should have left it in the car.

By the time I get inside, Hannah is at the front desk, checking in. She motions me to sit, and although I want to go over there and hand my credit card over to pay for everything, I honestly have no fucking idea how any of this works, so I obey, finding two empty seats together, my knee bouncing as I wait for her.

“First time?” a guy sitting on the other side of a small coffee table asks. He’s facing me, waiting just like I am. Probably for his wife.

I nod. “Yeah, you?”

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