Amused, I watch the guys plunk down her stroller, pack-and-play, baby carrier, a car seat, and multiple diaper bags. They’re wearing their lettermen jackets and looking mighty handsome.
“You guys clean up so well!” I take Poppy’s hand, and we wave. “Say bye-bye to your uncles.”
Trevor kisses the top of her head, and she lets out the cutest giggle. Olly pretends to gobble her tummy, and she shrieks in delight. Tank tries to eat her foot, and she’s laughing so hard, her face turns red. And Ben, demonstrative man that he is, gives her a head nod. “Be good, kid.”
Sienna wanders in and tells everyone to have a good game.
Rider stands like a sentinel inside the doorway as the rest of the guys file out. Tank yells, “If we win, you know we’re gonna have to do thisexactroutine before every away game, right? Can’t mess with good juju.”
Sienna closes the door and gives me a look. “Your brother is really hot.”
“I thought you were dating someone.”
“Doesn’t make me blind.” She waves her hand. “We’re not dating, though. It’s probably just sex.”
The idea of hookups has zero appeal to me. I’m not sure I could keep my emotions out of it, but if Sienna is happy with the arrangement, that’s all that matters.
I glance at Rider, who doesn’t seem like he’s following the conversation.
He frowns at me. “You sure you’re going to be okay?” He motions to the mountain of baby supplies in the corner. “I brought everything I could think of, everything I thought you might need while we’re away.” Pausing, he pulls out his phone, and I use this momentary distraction to study him.
Maybe it’s because he’s headed to a game, but there’s a seriousness about him that’s electrifying. His stubbled jaw is tense, his eyes fierce, but when he glances at his daughter, they glow with affection.
I’ll admit it. Rider Kingston is the sexiest daddy porn I’ve ever seen.
How am I supposed to deal with this? I can handle an arrogant jock, but I have no defenses for the brooding single dad standing before me.
He continues, unaware of my internal struggle. “Let me give you the number to the hotel we’re staying at. And maybe Coach’s phone number. Obviously, only call him if there’s an emergency and you can’t reach me. I’ll leave my phone on, but you never know. Do you think you need a key to my place? I don’t want—”
“Rider.” I put my hand on his arm. “We’ll be fine. Go win your game. We’ll be cheering you on. Right, Poppy? Can you say, ‘Go, Daddy?’”
I bounce her on my hip and smile. Rider’s so earnest about his daughter, I could kiss him.
Before, he was just a player, carefree and living in the fast lane.
In the last week, it’s like a switch flipped in him, some protective father gene got activated, and he’s been laser-focused on Poppy. Not to mention school and football. Honestly, he’s a machine, but I’m happy for him and his daughter.
But he’s been so busy, I barely see him.
Since we cleared the air last Saturday night, I thought we’d hang out again like we used to. I was hoping we’d be able to spend time together like we did last weekend, order pizza and catch up some more, but that’s not happening. Between his classes, practices, shuttling Poppy between babysitters, and homework, I’m surprised he has time to sleep.
I should be glad for that.
He said it himself. We’re just friends.
If I’m disappointed, it’s only because my expectations got the best of me. Once again.
Cars start pulling out of his driveway.
“Guess I should go.” He kisses Poppy on her forehead, and she makes a sound of contentment. She kisses him back but ends up slobbering all over his cheek until he laughs. “Be a good girl, okay? Don’t give Gabs trouble at naptime.”
He’s standing so close, I get a good whiff of his shampoo or body wash. Whatever it is, it smells masculine and clean, and I’d like to rub my face against his chest.
I don’t, obviously.
“Kick Oklahoma’s ass.” I look up at him, and when our eyes connect, electricity runs through my limbs. My heart thumps hard in my chest.
“Call me if you need anything,” he says.
