Page 21 of Craving You

That last statement sort of stuck with him—“the right thing.” What exactly was that? Was she just going to tell him and then go back to Florida, and they’d co-parent from a thousand miles away? Was the right thing that she wanted financial support and didn’t really want him involved? Or maybe she was going to ask him to move to Florida?

“Okay, I am getting way too ahead of myself without having any information.” He let out a long breath. It was doubtful that Hailey was going to have a lot of answers either, since she just found out herself. Hopefully, that meant they were truly going to be partners moving forward.

What that looked like, he wasn’t sure.

She had mentioned back when they spent the weekend of the wedding together that she would love to move to Sweetbriar Ridge. Well, she didn’t say that exactly, but she said someplace like Sweetbriar. So maybe that meant she’d be open to moving closer to him.

“That’s one potential problem solved.”

Maybe.

But then, the selfish side of him—like a tiny devil on his shoulder—started to freak out. Just a few days ago, he felt like his life was on this great path; there were plans forming for a bar, he was taking on some new clients for his cybersecurity firm, and he was excited to start actively looking for a house to buy. Now, all those plans were going to change or at the very least, shift. And as much as he genuinely liked Hailey and regretted how logistics kept them from becoming more seriously involved, he wasn’t sure how to make it all work. There was the co-parenting thing whether she lived here or stayed in Florida, but the thought of the two of them being single when there’s clearly still a major attraction there almost felt like it was going to be the elephant in the room.

Raking a hand through his hair with a shaky sigh, he turned onto Boulder Street and slowed down. It was a great block. The lots were big, with tons of mature trees, and everyone kept their property pristine. Plus, everyone Max met was super friendly. Hopefully she’ll look at the area and realize it’s a nice place to live and raise a child. This wasn’t the only block in town, and it wasn’t like she was going to move in with Billie and Marcus or with him in the apartment over the garage, but this could be just laying the groundwork. It was a completely different way of living compared to Florida, so maybe she’d find it appealing.

Fingers crossed.

Pulling into the driveway, he parked near the detached garage and then climbed out as Hailey pulled in behind him. He walked over to her and helped her from the car.

“Thanks,” she said, tucking a strand of long blonde hair behind her ear. “Wow! This house is amazing!”

Nodding, he agreed. “I know, right? Marcus bought it hoping to win Billie back. He had a lot of work put into it to make it just right. Actually, they’re still working on it, but it has four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, an office, a full basement, living room, dining room, and a massive kitchen fit for a baker. Wait until you see it. It’s amazing. The yard’s fenced in—which is great since they have three dogs.”

“Three dogs? Oh my goodness!”

“Another part of my brother’s strategy to convince Billie to give him another chance,” he explained. “And then there’s a two-car garage plus the detached two-story, two-car garage with a guest suite on the second floor. Which is now where I’m living, so…”

“This is all just gorgeous! I love all the mature trees! I bet this place looks almost magical when it snows.” She laughed softly. “Don’t laugh, but I’ve only seen snow in person once. If I ever left Florida, I’d be that crazy person standing out in the middle of a snowstorm loving every minute of it.”

“I’ve never lived anywhere that didn’t have all four seasons, and I still love a good snowy day.” Leaning in, he playfully nudged her shoulder. “It’s a great excuse to sip hot cocoa and then snuggle up under the blankets together.”

He loved the way she blushed. “Mmm…cocoa sounds yummy.”

Another little nudge. “And the snuggling?”

“Max…” But she was smiling and giggling, and he hoped he painted a tiny picture of what could happen if she moved here.

“Come on. I’m sure Billie saw us pull up and is wondering why we’re not inside yet. Where’s your suitcase?”

“In the trunk. It’s just a small one. I can get it.”

“Please,” he said, stepping around her. “I got it. Just pop the trunk for me.” She did, and a minute later, they were heading into the house.

“Hey, you two!” Billie called out. “We’re in the living room!”

“I’m guessing they’re going to give you the guest suite upstairs. There’s a back staircase here off the kitchen, so I’m just going to put your suitcase there for now.”

“Thanks.”

They found Marcus and Billie sitting on the sofa and the dogs napping nearby.

Until they heard guests. After that, it was chaos for a few minutes with the puppies jumping to get his and Hailey’s attention. Marcus eventually got up and let them out so they could sit and relax.

“We’re working on manners,” Billie joked as soon as Marcus shut the sliding doors. “They love meeting new people, but they are very excitable. I hope you’re okay with dogs, Hales. I have a feeling they’re going to love hanging around with you.”

“I love dogs,” she assured them. “Growing up, we had a golden retriever named Boomer.”

“Oh my goodness! I remember Boomer!” Billie said. “He was such a sweet dog!”

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