Rescuing the Player

Chapter 4

Deanna

It's the first time in the three years I've worked downtown that I've run into Hayes during the day. If I've seen him at all, it's been at Seraphina's after work, on those few occasions when I've actually had time to go. Seeing him today rushing out of the store with a bag of formula for his baby daughter stirred up a whole lot of feelings and memories I've tried hard to forget.

I haven't seen him since the hospital. The day his daughter was born.

I'm used to seeing Hayes as the bad boy, not the responsible father. Well, forgetting the formula and having to run out to buy more isn't exactly the epitome of responsibility. Then again, he's the CIO of Cartwright & Brothers, so maybe I've got him all wrong. Maybe he's a grown adult who handles responsibilities better than most. But to me, he'll always be that sexy bad boy—the forbidden type. Too old for me and the brother of what used to be my brother's best friend.

I've had a crush on Hayes since high school, on and off. He turned 21 the year I was 16, and from all the stories I heard, it was a legendary weekend of celebrations in Miami. Hayes has always been into fast cars, motorcycles, and parties. For me, he was a dreamy escape from my reality. I'd imagine him pulling up to my school on his Harley Davidson, his dark blue eyes glinting, beckoning for me to get on the back of his motorcycle. I'd go, of course—in my dreams. With a nod to my jealous friends, we'd drive off, my arms wrapped tightly around his torso, my hair blowing freely in the wind.

Those dreams stuck with me for years. Over time, they changed from innocent rides to him saving me, but they never came true. There was nobody there to rescue me when I needed it, and nobody that tried—except for my brother.

I did, however, end up with one night with Hayes. Last fall, I ran into him at Seraphina's and made an unplanned and chaotic move, but it worked out. We left together and went back to his place, where we spent the rest of the night exploring each other's bodies. It was just as good as I'd expected. Possibly the best sex of my life. Who am I kidding? It definitely was.

My hope flared to life for a brief second after that. All those innocent hopes and dreams, thinking that our one magical night might lead to more, but it was all it was—hope. I never heard from him again. Those promising words that he'd call me never happened.

The only times I've seen him since have been at Seraphina's, and he's always been occupied with his brothers or with someone else. And with someone else, I mean other women. And that hurt.

It never ceases to amaze me just how resilient the human heart is. Despite enduring countless blows, it continues to beat, allowing us to persevere through even the toughest of times.

I've been through my fair share, but what really gets me is Hayes's nonchalant attitude. I wanted him to be my knight in shining armor. Still do, kinda. But I made a promise to myself after that: stay away from him.

And I did. I stayed away from Seraphina's until Preston's wedding night, knowing the whole Cartwright crew would be at the wedding. But when I saw Hayes alone and upset at the bar, I couldn't stick to my decision. I was there for him the night his daughter was born.

Savannah.

I wonder if that is a play on Hannah? Her mother's name? The one she'd never get to meet, and if Hayes was the one that chose it. I never asked and I'm not sure I want to know.

Hayes never loved her, and he didn't want to be a father. I'm wondering if he has changed his mind? If baby Savannah has convinced him otherwise. I hope so for her sake.

I pick up my pace. There's time left on my lunch break, but I'm used to working through it. There's so much to do and so little time. I usually run out and grab something just to come back and eat at my desk, just like today. I have a ham and cheese sandwich and a Diet Coke in a bag as I hurry to cross the street in my high heels.