Page 57 of Draft Pick
I sit in shock, watching as Crew barrels into his grandmother, hugging her like it’s second nature. “You look better than I last saw you. Gramps finally feeding you?”
Wynonna smacks his chest with the notepad in her hands while Jed shouts from the kitchen, not caring at all about other customers overhearing. “Damn woman refused to get antibiotics. Did nothin’ but drink that throat coat tea shit for days on end. Stubborn woman.”
Crew chuckles before kissing her cheek. “Sounds about right. Glad you’re feeling better.” They make quiet small talk amongst themselves, and I use the free moment to take him in. And I mean…really take him in.
Holy fucking forklift. He’s sweaty. I’ve barely been gone an hour, and the man looks like he hiked the Sahara Desert naked.
His mesmerizingly thin white tee is drenched in sweat, clinging to his tan skin like it never wants to let go. I feel that one. He’s got on dark gray moisture-wicking shorts that show off the evident strength in his thighs and a pair of running shoes.
I search outside for Bonnie the Burb, coming up empty, which must mean he ran here.
Doesn’t he exercise enough playing baseball? I’m not sure his muscles could get any bigger, or they might burst. Everything about Crew is giant, and I’d bet my entire salary that if I spent an extra amount of time looking at his shorts, another large—and highly favored—muscle would make its presence known.
I’m in enemy territory.
Turning in my direction, Crew lifts his ball cap off his head, pushing his hair back, and turns the hat backward before placing it down again.
Motherfucker. Dipshit. Asshole. I’m a screwed-up woman.
This manknowswhat he’s doing.
“Love you too. Now, if you’d excuse me, Grams.” He slides past her, walking himself up to the edge of my table. “Got room for one more?”
My body is not my own. I smile, detecting right away just how flustered my face looks. I can’t help it. Something about thissingle dad makes me happy. “As long as this doesn’t become an everyday thing. I’m not sure I can share my favorite place.”
“And how do you two know each other?” Wynonna asks, a look of overzealous curiosity on her face.
“Adeline is actually one of my patients,” I note as Crew expresses his version of our relationship. “We’re very good friends.”
I roll my eyes. “Becominggood friends,” I emphasize.
That seems to please him because his smirk wastes no time shocking my insides. “One step in the right direction.”
“And here I thought you planned to find a new doctor after word about Dr. Wolk retiring went around,” Wynonna mutters to Crew, causing me to instantly react.
“Oh, is that right?” I tease, turning to Wynonna. “Makes sense. Did he tell you how he gave me a hard time on our first visit? I wasn’t sure I’d ever have him on my team.”
“He sure didn’t, but I’m happy to see that’s not the case any longer.” Wynonna winks before walking off. I already know that intuitive woman is going to have a grocery list of questions for me next time.
“I’m on team Wilde.”
I look at Crew. “Are you now?”
He grins, the dimples at his cheeks protruding, making him look all the more handsome. “I was actually just appointed captain this morning.”
“Oh? How did that happen?”
He nods comically. “You see…” he draws out, my eyes following the way he spins a napkin between his thumb and middle finger. It takes very little effort. His hands are rough and calloused. God, I bet he can do a lot more than just throw a baseball with them. Grip so wide and firm…
“She came over this morning. Big step, if you ask me. And when has a doctor ever visited a patient’s home?”
“Technically, you’re not my patient. Your cute daughter is.”
“Touché. Which only proves my point on the captain thing. My daughter loves you, and I love my daughter, which only makes sense formeto be your team captain.”
“Why? You have plans to love me, too, Suburban Daddy?”
He doesn’t waver. “I don’t think loving someone is ever a part of the plan. Those things just happen.”
