Page 60 of Craving You

He just wished it didn’t feel so awful.

Chapter Ten

“Uh-oh, someone’s having a bad day.”

Hailey walked up to the counter of Books & Beans and sighed. “Fourth bad day this week,” she murmured to Jade. “I never thought I’d have this much trouble finding a job. I’m freaking out a bit because I have no idea how much longer I can go on like this.” Another sigh. “This is what I get for being impulsive again.”

Crossing her arms, Jade studied her. “Okay, I’m just going to come out and ask what we’ve all been dying to ask.”

“O-kay…”

“You and Max are having a baby, right?”

She nodded.

“But maybe there’s a little more to it?”

Another nod.

“Like…you’re trying to keep things casual while secretly wishing things were different and that you were involved before finding out you were pregnant?”

“Am I wearing a sign?” she asked with exasperation. “I’ve been really careful about keeping all of that to myself.”

“Don’t be mad,” Jade assured her. “I’m a people watcher, and I noticed the longing looks you were giving Max the last time we were all over at Billie’s. And can I let you in on a little secret?”

She nodded.

“Max was looking at you the same way.”

“Oh.” It would be so easy to get her hopes up about their relationship, but it was all based on practicality right now.

Like the whole conversation about them getting married so she could have health insurance.

That was possibly the least romantic moment of her life.

“Just know that we’re all trying to respect your privacy and not intrude while you’re obviously trying to figure things out.” With a sympathetic smile, she added, “Plus, Billie warned all of us to give you some space.”

Groaning, her head rolled back. “I should have known.”

“Just know we’re all here for you, Hailey. No matter what you need.”

Straightening, she smiled wanly. “Thank you. It’s all just a lot. I thought the hardest part was going to be telling Max, but that was really the easiest compared to everything else. We’re going to look at some houses tonight and I’m feeling extremely emotional about the whole thing, and I don’t know why.”

“Hormones. Definitely hormones. Trust me. When I was pregnant with Silas, I was a single mom—his dad was completely out of the picture—and everything just felt like…more, you know? But I had a lot to do because I was on my own. I lived with my folks, and they helped a lot, but I didn’t want them to think they had to help me.”

Boy, do I know that feeling…

“Then when I got pregnant with Cal, everything made me cry. Everything,” she added with a laugh. “Good news, bad news, random TV commercials…I think I cried for most of that pregnancy. Thank God everyone was super caring and supportive, but I know poor Levi was freaked out.” Moving closer to the counter, she shrugged. “Everything you’re feeling is completely normal. And for what it’s worth, Max is a great guy. We all adore him, and it’s so obvious that he’s crazy about you. And I’d bet good money that it’s not just a sense of responsibility with him. I think he genuinely wants a real relationship with you.”

A snort was her initial response, and when Jade looked at her oddly, she told her about their latest conversation about getting married.

“Yikes. Insurance is definitely the least romantic reason to get married,” Jade commented. “But it just doesn’t make sense with everything.”

“What do you mean?

“Like I said, the dinner at Billie’s? After we all went back downstairs after you got annoyed with him, he clearly knew he’d screwed up. It was so sweet the way he was hovering and making sure you had everything you needed. The two of you were very low-key and we knew you were tense because of your folks, but there’s something there, Hales. I know it’s hard to have a little faith or believe that good guys are out there—trust me on that one. I totally get it. But Max is one of them.”

It was like she wanted to argue with Jade, but…she couldn’t. She had a feeling she’d come off sounding like a crazy person. So instead, she simply shared her fears. “I was involved with someone for a long time. I thought we were getting ready to get engaged and start planning a wedding. He took me ring shopping. We talked about all the stuff we wanted for the reception and who we’d have in our bridal party.”

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