Page 9 of Craving You

“Okay, don’t sound too excited,” she murmured, even though her heart was racing.

Hailey: Sure. No big deal. That would be fine.

Billie: Great! He asked me the other day and I wanted to check with you before I did.

Billie: Keep in touch! Love you!

Hailey: Love you too!

It took a full minute for her to breathe calmly and put her phone down. It was kind of good news, knowing Max asked for her number. Unfortunately, that didn’t necessarily mean he was going to call. For all she knew, Billie had ambushed him with the picture and put pressure on him about it.

“Well, that would suck.” Sighing, Hailey gathered up her belongings and headed out of the locker room. A hot shower, some dinner, and a quiet night is what she needed more than anything. But when she got home, she found her sister parked outside.

“Don’t be mad,” Sloane said as she climbed out of her car. “I just wanted to check on you and I knew if I called or texted, you’d say you were fine and that would be it. I needed to see for myself.” Then she held up a bag of takeout from the local Italian restaurant.

It was hard to be annoyed when it was so sweet.

“I really am fine,” she assured her as they walked into the house. “There’s nothing for you to be worried about.”

“Well, I needed to see that with my own eyes. Have you taken another pregnancy test?”

Nodding, she put her stuff down and immediately went to the kitchen to get plates and silverware. “And I was going to take another one tonight.”

“Still positive?”

Another nod. “Still positive.” They set the table and put all the food out. When they sat, Hailey mentioned the text. “So, um…I got a text today.”

“From who?”

“Billie. She got her pictures back from the wedding and there’s one where you can clearly see me and Max kissing.”

Her sister’s eyes went wide as she laughed. “Wait! Seriously? Ooh…I have to see it! I can’t believe there’s a picture! Was Billie upset?”

“It’s not a big deal. We’re all adults, and she’s fine with it. Besides, it’s nobody’s business but mine and Max’s,” she said with a shrug.

“That’s not totally accurate. I mean…if you really are pregnant, this is going to suddenly be everyone’s business.”

“No, it’s not,” she argued. “It’s between me and Max and no one else. I get the whole family dynamic thing, but it’s still private.”

With a snort, Sloane served herself some gnocchi. “Right. Because the Donovans are known for staying out of each other’s business.” Another snort. “Lemme see the picture.”

With no choice, Hailey went and got her phone and pulled up the picture before handing it over for Sloane’s inspection. “There.”

“I think this was one of the best weddings I’ve ever been to. I mean, all the ones we’ve been to in Sweetbriar Ridge have been great, but Billie’s was amazing from start to finish. Such a fun weekend.”

I’ll say…

“Oh my God! Look at you! Even in the background I can tell you were ready to climb him like a tree! Damn, Hales.”

Glancing over at the picture again, she remembered the moment so clearly. Max had dared her to kiss him in the middle of the reception. They had been flirting like mad since they met the night before and that kiss was like hitting the launch button on their sexy weekend.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Sloane playfully demanded. “I knew you and the groom’s brother were flirting like crazy, but I thought you didn’t actually do anything until after the wedding, not during it!”

“I told you the flirting started at the rehearsal dinner and then got serious at the reception. And it was just a couple of kisses there.” She sighed. “And I regret nothing.”

“Still…now everyone’s gonna know! I mean…it’s right there in the pictures! Don’t you think it could make things…you know…awkward? Although, telling everyone you're pregnant after hooking up at the wedding is going to be awkward no matter what.” Then she giggled. “Boy, when you decide to be reckless, you go big!”

“And this is why I never do anything reckless! Sheesh! One time I throw caution to the wind and now look where I am!”

---