Page 11 of Craving You

“Girls, stop fighting. I’m not in the mood.” Bridget Donovan was a very no-nonsense kind of mother who enjoyed playing the long-suffering martyr of the family. She helped herself to some pasta and a few garlic knots before looking at Hailey. “What on earth possessed you to throw yourself at that man?”

Sighing softly, Hailey shot a glance at Sloane before turning her attention to her mother. “I didn’t throw myself at Max. We met at the rehearsal dinner and just…connected. He’s an incredibly attractive man and we’re both adults, so I don’t see why this is anyone’s business.”

“She’s right, Mom,” her sister agreed. “She made out with the best man. So what? You should be happy that Hailey’s even interested in guys again. After her breakup with he-who-shall-not-be-named, haven’t we all been worried that she’d sworn off dating?”

“Wow. Thanks. I think,” Hailey mumbled.

“I suppose you’re right. It is good that you’ve finally moved on after that whole disaster. And it was just a kiss. It’s not like you did something crazy like sleep with a stranger and get knocked up!”

Hailey knew her eyes went comically wide as she stared at her sister. Sloane nodded and then…

“Um…funny story, Mom…”

Bridget looked up at her and waited.

“It wasn’t just a kiss and…” Pausing, she swallowed hard. “Turns out…I’m pregnant.”

The apartment was officially unpacked and box free.

His cybersecurity business was benefiting from him being organized again.

And he had Hailey Donovan’s phone number.

All in all, it was a pretty good week.

Now, Max was tending bar at The Cornerstone—a pub he liked to work at from time to time—and nearing the end of his shift. It was a Saturday night and nowhere near closing time, but since his move back to Sweetbriar Ridge, it was an hour’s drive to get home.

Plus, this was just sort of a hobby for him and a way to get out and socialize after working from home for so long.

“I can’t thank you enough for coming in tonight, Max. I know it’s more of a hike for you now that you’re not local.” Ned was the owner of The Cornerstone, and even though he was closer to his dad’s age, Max considered him a good friend.

“You know I enjoy doing it. If anything, I’ve missed working behind the bar since the move. This used to be an every weekend—and sometimes a few weeknights—thing for me. I’m kind of getting tired of my own company.”

“Then maybe you ought to find a beautiful woman and start dating. You’re too young to be living such a solitary life. I know you had to take care of your dad for a while, but John’s better now and you have your brother there to help. Maybe it’s time for you to do a little something for yourself.”

“I’m thinking about it,” he said, and then decided Ned might be the perfect guy to talk to about Hailey. His brother and Billie were too close to the situation. “I met someone at my brother’s wedding, and…we really hit it off.”

Ned grinned. “Really now? And have you asked her out?”

And then, since he had shared more than one personal story, he felt safe talking about his weekend with Hailey.

Just without all the intimate details.

“So, let me get this straight. You met a beautiful woman, spent a sexy weekend with her, and didn’t exchange phone numbers?”

Max nodded. “But now I have it. Billie asked first before giving it to me, but I haven’t called her yet. I’m not exactly sure what I’m supposed to say.”

“You could start by texting,” Ned suggested. “You know, test the waters that way.”

“I thought about it, but figured it might be lame.”

“Don’t people your age primarily communicate by texting? That shit bugs me, but I’m old.”

Unable to help himself, Max chuckled. “You’re not that old, but I get what you’re saying.”

“It’s getting late. Call it a night and tomorrow, text this girl. For all you know, that’s what she’s been waiting for.”

“Maybe.” Raking a hand through his hair, he glanced around. “You sure you’re okay if I go?”

---