Page 18 of Draft Pick
I love her style. Who needs heels to complete a look when sneakers will do just fine?
We’re moments away from hugging when I realize Addie isn’t alone. A freakishly tall guy covered head to toe in all black, a walkie-talkie, and the word SECURITY planted across his chest in neon orange stalks beside her. I know right away he’s another one of her faithful minions just by the light-up glow stick in his hands.
“Man, I work out, but this kid has got some serious energy,” the security guard mumbles breathlessly, coming to a stop behind her.
“Somehow, they never tire,” Val calls out to him, earning herself a knowing glance.
I hand Val my beer and circle to greet Addie. “Is that the queen I see?” I sigh in wonder. “You seem to be quite the celebrity, little miss.”
She stops in front of me, gap-toothed smile on display with her hands planted on her hips. “Indeed, Princess Wilde,” she squeals through laughter before abandoning the formality and hugging my leg tight. “You came!”
I return her hug, all while attempting to search out her dad. Seeing as he’s nowhere to be found, I look to the security guard for approval, assuming he’s the one in charge of the extroverted queen. He nods before saying, “I’ve been told you’re to be trusted, Dr. Wilde.”
For some reason, knowing I’ve been cleared doesn’t come as a shock.
“Actually, it’sPrincessDr. Wilde, Sergio,” Addie spins to face her big friend. “What time is it now?”
Sergiochecks his watch, tucking the light toy under his arm. “It is…six fifteen.”
“Perfect!” Addie shouts before questioning him again. “So, how many more minutes?”
Sergio smirks, looking toward me in amusement. “Fifteen minutes until game time, Addie girl.”
“And how did I get the honor of being called Princess?” I ask Addie.
“That’s easy.” She grins. “You have black hair like Princess Jasmine. She’s my second favorite.”
“And who’s your first?”
“Rapunzel!” Addie squeals while Sergio chimes in with his thoughts. “Depends on the day, ma’am.”
Val must feel left out, finally joining the conversation. “You’re one cute kid, Queen Addie.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Valentina. Princess Dr. Wilde’s best friend.”
“She’s a doctor just like me,” I tell Addie, nodding at my blonde friend.
Addie’s mouth drops open, shock registering across her face. “No way! Do you fix boo boo’s, too?”
I choke out a laugh. “Something like that,” Val tells her. “It’s nice to meet you. You must come to these games a lot, huh? Even got the security guard following you around.”
“Every time there’s a home game. My daddylovesbaseball.”
Taking me by surprise, small fingers reach for my hand and connect with mine. I look down and find Addie already looking at me. “Oh! We should go say hi, Dr. Wilde! Daddy will be so excited.”
Doubt that, but I’ll go with it. “Sure. Where is your dad, anyway?”
Sergio’s walkie sounds off, and he excuses himself to the end of the aisle, nodding at me to watch Addie.
She jumps up and down, pure giddiness vibrating through her. “He’s right there! On the field!”
On the…what? “On the field?” I stammer. “Where?”
“Daddy! Up here!” Addie shouts at the top of her lungs, arms waving high. One look at the field confirms my newfound suspicion. The same number plastered across a very wide, tall, and horribly muscular back is the same number neatly embroidered onto her hair bow.
#37—fucking flying fuck.
And there’s Addie’s dad, the same dark features I remember all too vividly taking up space in my patient care room, lifting his ball cap in greeting like he damn near belongs there.
It’s because he does.He’s a freaking player.
