Page 183 of Risking the Pucking Defense

“What on earth is going on?” I ask down the line as I push my feet into my sneakers.

“I’m just doing the bidding of a boy who’s head over heels for you.”

My heart flutters at her words.

“He’s insane.”

“I mean, he’s a hockey player. Pretty sure they’re all certifiable for what they do on a daily basis.”

“Fair.” I laugh.

“Now, are you coming down, or am I going to have to come up there and drag you out kicking and screaming. I made Hayden a promise that I wouldn’t take no for an answer, and pregnant or not, I’m willing to see that promise through.”

“I’m coming. Do I need anything?”

“Nope. Just yourself. He’s got the rest covered.”

Nerves assault me again, but I force them down and trust whatever he’s done.

He’s got my best interests at heart, I know he has. And despite everything, I trust him. I just need to be brave enough to trust him with everything.

Throwing my purse over my shoulder, I let myself out of my apartment and head toward the elevator.

The second the doors close, I find my conversation thread with Hayden and send him a message.

Hailee: What have you done?

Hayden: Trust me.

Hayden: Trust us.

Hailee: You should be sleeping.

Hayden: Can’t. Too excited to see what you think.

Hailee: Thank you

Hayden: You might not be saying that in an hour…

Hayden: I probably should have asked…are you scared of heights or enclosed spaces?

My brow furrows.

He’s joking, right?

Hailee: Lucky for you, I don’t mind either. Spiders, however. Absolutely not.

Hayden: You’re scared of spiders?

Hailee: Terrified.

Even talking about them makes me shudder.

Hayden: And here I was thinking you weren’t scared of anything.

Hailee: Don’t tell anyone, but I’m not actually as brave as I make out.

Hayden: Your secret—all your secrets—are safe with me, baby. And I’m more than willing to protect you from the big, bad spiders.