Page 16 of Hooking the Captain
“Then let me draft an NDA and you can?—”
He whipped his head in my direction. “An NDA?”
I nodded and removed my hand from his. “Yeah, a non-disclosure agreement to make me feel better. Unless you just want to call off whatever we’re doing…”
“No.” He shook his head. “And this is partially why I didn’t want you to know I knew who you were. I don’t care that you’re a professional hockey player. I’m attracted to you, Coop. Not Emmett Cooper, the guy who plays for the Bruins.”
My heart did a little dance in my chest, but I still couldn’t risk it. “I appreciate that, and I’m obviously attracted to you too, but I still need you to sign one for my own peace of mind.”
Ford thought for a moment and then said, “Okay. I can do that.”
“Thank you.” I reached over and cupped his cheek. For the first time in my life,Ikissed a guy as my lips brushed his. “Trust me. This isn’t ideal for me either.”
“I get it.”
“Thank you,” I said again. “I’ll get one drawn up and then maybe over dinner tomorrow you can sign it?”
He raised a brow. “Dinner? I thought you said?—”
I smiled widely. “I have an idea.”
The next day,I researched NDAs and then contacted my attorney who sent one over right away, leaving a blank space for Ford to fill out his information since I didn’t know his last name yet.
My buddy JP had reached out to say his son had a little bug and was fine, so we met up for lunch. After I’d returned to my parents’ place, Hayden called while I was sitting on the back deck drinking a bottle of water, planning dinner with Ford.
“Hey,” I answered.
“Hey. How’s it going?”
“Good. I have some news.”
“Oh?”
I smiled even though he couldn’t see me. “Taking your advice and got an NDA drafted.”
“That’s awesome. Does it mean you’re dating someone?”
“Not dating yet, but just covering my ass.”
“I’m really happy for you, Coop.”
“Thank you.” I beamed. “I mean, I just met him so not sure what will happen, but having this will make me feel better.”
“Absolutely. That’s why Jonah did it.”
“Yeah.”
We were silent for a few moments and then Hayden said, “The reason I was calling was because I have some news to share.”
“Oh? What what’s that?” I finished off my water.
“I’m going to ask Tyler to move in with me.”
My mouth dropped open. “Wow. Congrats, man.”
“Thanks,” he replied.
“Does this mean I finally get to meet him as your boyfriend?” I’d met Tyler once at the charity event his fraternity had put on, but at the time, I didn’t know the two were dating. Ford had attended the event too, apparently.
