Page 78 of Pinch

That makes me laugh out loud, and she reaches up to cover my mouth with her small hand, shushing me.

“They’ll hear you.” Shaking her head, she exhales a soft growl. “How did I end up with so many secrets? I’ve never been good at lying. I’ve always said I’m glad I wasn’t here when Mav was sneaking around playing hockey. If anyone would’ve slipped up and told Aunt Dylan, it would’ve been me.”

I lean against a large oak tree, crossing my arms and smiling at her cute frustration. “You won’t have to hide for much longer. Mav and I are leaving tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll be alone again, watching everything I say.”

“You’re never alone, Hads. I told you, whatever you need, I’ve got you covered.”

“I don’t know how you can say that with your schedule the way it is.”

“Trust me. If you call, I’ll be there.” I take a step closer, tracing my thumb along her jaw. “We can make this work.”

She looks up at me, and a little smile curls her lips. “I believe you.”

“It might be easier if we at least start dating—with Mav and Gina, I mean.”

“Won’t that put us all over the gossip sites?”

“Hockey’s a pretty insular community. We might be hot for a week, but I expect it’ll cool off pretty fast. I’m not as big a star as your cousin…”

Poking my chest with her finger, she says the last word at the same time as me. “Yet.”

My stomach tingles, and I huff a laugh. Damn, this girl. I haven’t smiled or laughed this much in a long time. I’ve got to do what Dad said. I’ve got to show her I’m not the man she thinks I was.

I’m committed, and I’m going to win her.

21

Haddy

For our fall semester wrap-up, Daniel and I worked together to show how even though we didn’t find any strong correlations, it’s just as important to have data on what’s not happening as what is.

So much science is built on what didn’t happen, what didn’t work. Our study hasn’t failed. It simply hasn’t demonstrated what we want it to…yet, to quote the father of my child.

A flush of heat moves through my chest at the thought. After he and Mav left, Gigi and I stayed in Newhope through the new year.

The guys were playing nonstop, and we were able to watch several games with the whole Bradford clan at Cooters & Shooters. The place was also packed with customers, most of whom were cheering for Maverick as well.

Aunt Dylan did her best to stay busy and away from the big-screen televisions behind the two bars.

The few times we held her in place to make her watch, she stayed beside one of the large posts, ducking behind it and hiding her eyes whenever a fight broke out or Mav got body-checked into the boards.

“Oh, my… Oh!” She’d squeal. “This is worse than football!”

One night, amidst all the uproar, Kim pulled me aside to whisper in my ear. “Gavin is gorgeous!” Her amber eyes twinkled with excitement. “He said he came to see the restaurant and Mav, but it was clear he came for you.”

I chewed my lip and tried to act aloof, but I couldn’t do it. We both fell together in giggles, and it was so good to have her there, knowing about us, at least, as much as she could know safely.

Soon they’ll all know about the baby, but I’m months away from that happening.

Today, I’m hanging out in the waiting room at the New Beginnings Birthing Center in Pasadena. I couldn’t ask a friend or colleague for a doctor’s recommendation without provoking questions, so I turned to Google and spent hours reading reviews. New Beginnings is supposed to be one of the best, and Dr. Barry has all five stars.

I’m chewing my fingernail, standing just inside the glass door waiting for Gavin when I see him hustling up the walk. He’s got the hood of his jacket over his head, and he’s wearing dark sunglasses.

Even in that disguise, he’s very noticeable at six-foot-two with his athletic build, messy long hair, and his square jaw dusted in scruff. People will either think he’s an actor or a sports star.

Now I can’t believe I didn’t come up with a sneakier plan, and I grew up with a celebrity dad! See? I’m terrible at hiding things. We’re playing with fire.