Page 24 of Fractured

“Where are you and Jake headed tonight?” I ask, a bit jealous of their date night.

“We’re going to Red Ginger. I can’t wait.” Mel smiles broadly.

“I’ve never eaten there, but I heard it’s-” Unable to finish my thought, I stand transfixed as I see one Dr. Nicholas Barnes dressed in full soccer gear.Holy crap, he’s hot.I’m unable to keep from staring at his tight ass and muscular legs in those soccer shorts, shin guards, and cleats.Good Lord, if I thought I had spank bank material before-

“Uh, Kat, you’re drooling a little,” Melanie jabs.

“Um, what?” I ask, incapable of participating in any intelligent conversation when this sight has taken all of my brain’s focus.

Hearty laughter now pierces through my brain fog, and I make eye contact with a very amused Melanie. “I know, he has the hottest ass. Don’t tell Jake I noticed. I still think you should’ve said yes to the bathtub invitation.”

I punch her shoulder playfully. As I continue to stare, I observe as a woman approaches with a teenaged boy in tow. Nick jogs over to the pair, wrapping his arm around the boy’s shoulders as he greets them.Wow. I never considered he could have a kid. I continue to stare as the woman speaks briefly and then waves and walks away, leaving the young man in Nick’s care. The two converse briefly and then slowly walk to the adjacent field to greet Nick’s teammates.

Trying to absorb what I’ve just seen, I take a step back. It’s a good thing I told Nick I wasn’t in a good place for dating anyone right now. I honestly don’t think I’m stepmother material. The thought has barely left my mind before I look back, locking eyes with the hot hazel-eyed soccer player.

Kat

I’m stunned. Standing here on this gorgeous afternoon, watching my friends’ kids kick ass at their soccer tournament. Nick Barnes in a soccer uniform was the last thing I expected to see. I’d just finished gawking at his amazing physique when I was struck with this new revelation. I don’t know why I never considered this. He was married and is certainly old enough to have children. We haven’t had conversations where personal details have been shared. I guess I thought after all of this time, there would’ve been some indication he had kids. Quickly turning away, I try to begin a conversation with Melanie to mask the fact I’ve been staring at Nick and his son.

No sooner have I turned when I hear his voice pierce the air between us.

“Hey, Mel, wait up.”

I turn around to see Nick and the young man approach.

“Hey, didn’t realize the kids had a game today. How’d they do?”

“They did great, actually. Won both games today.” Mel beams.

“That’s fantastic. Where’s Jake?”

“He’s probably handing out snacks to the team and trying to gather all of their stuff, so we don’t leave anything behind.”

“Man, too bad. I was hoping to introduce Gavin to both of you.”

“He’ll be sorry he missed you. Nice to meet you, Gavin.” Mel smiles at the boy.

“Gavin, this is Kat.” Nick appears to hesitate for a moment. “She works in the ER at my hospital,” he says. Feeling my face flush momentarily, I look away from his gaze and make eye contact with his son.

“Hi.” Is all I can get out, still completely caught off guard by this new information.

“Hey,” he answers, seeming a bit bashful. He’s a cute kid. Must take after his mom, though, as he doesn’t look much like Nick.

“Unfortunately, we can’t stay to chat. Headed to my dad’s for the rest of the day. Tell Jake we were sorry we missed him.” Pause. “It was really good to see you,” Nick says. Looking up, I realize he’s directed this to me.

Blushing again, I smile back at him, unable to find words. I watch as the pair turn and walk in the direction from which they came.

“Wow,” I utter once the coast is clear. “I’m glad I didn’t take him up on that date offer.”

“What? Why?” Mel asks, seeming shocked at my words.

“Heck, Mel. I had no idea he had a kid. My life is ridiculous. I’ve potentially been given a date rape drug, or I’m sleepwalking. I had to get a Nanny cam to spy on myself. I was already hesitant about bringing a new relationship into that chaos, I certainly don’t want to bring someone with a kid into my fucked-up world.”

“Oh, good Lord, Kat. Nick doesn’t have a kid. That’s his little brother. Well, not his real brother… he doesn’t have any sisters or brothers.”

“Mel, you aren’t making any sense.”

Melanie stops walking and places her hands on her hips in exasperation. “Nick signed up for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Association to mentor a kid without a dad.” Shaking her head, she turns and continues walking. “He only met Gavin a little while ago. He was pretty nervous about it at first. It was cute.”

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