Page 69 of Craving You

All the stuff that Hailey hadn’t even started to think about.

But instead of beating herself up about it, she sat back and enjoyed her dinner while listening to the spirited conversation.

And made a mental note to make the appointment with the OB-GYN in town and to buy some books on pregnancy.

All in all, it was a very informative night that left her with a lot to think about—and not just regarding the pregnancy, but with Max too.

Could she open her heart and mind and see him without comparing him to anyone in her past? Could she let herself be happy and believe that there was a genuine future for the two of them? Things were in a really good place between them right now—so good that she shouldn’t be doubting it or looking for trouble.

Which wasn’t her strong suit.

Still, if she really tried to leave the past behind her, she could open herself up to something truly amazing.

Love.

It would be very easy to fall in love with Max. She was halfway there already. The only thing stopping her from truly being there was herself and her fears and anxiety.

And maybe it was time to overcome them and believe in herself.

And Max.

It was almost eleven and Max was mildly concerned that Hailey wasn’t home yet. Most nights she was in bed by eleven, but he had to remind himself that she was probably just enjoying a night out with the girls.

“It doesn’t mean I can’t miss her, though.”

And that was the biggest surprise. He genuinely missed her. He’d gotten so used to the way they made dinner together and sitting and talking with her while they ate. Not that he’d eaten alone tonight, though. When Hailey mentioned girls’ night, Max had taken that time to go over and have dinner with his dad.

“I’m so glad you called!” his father said when he showed up earlier with takeout from the steakhouse. “I know you suggested going out, but I’m kind of beat. I’ve been spending a lot of time working with Ronan on some plans for the bar, and then I also helped him and Reid with a few demo jobs.”

“Dad, you’re not supposed to be doing that kind of heavy work,” Max reminded him as he set the food out on the table. “I get that you’re feeling better and stronger, but you don’t want to overdo it.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I didn’t do any of the heavy stuff. I mainly pushed a broom around.” He grabbed a couple of bottles of beer from the fridge and put them on the table before sitting down. “So, how are things going? I haven’t seen much of you since you got back from Florida with Hailey. Is she settling in?”

“I think so,” he said carefully as he sat down. “She hasn’t found a full-time job, so that’s got her down, but there are some part-time ones she’s considering.”

“That’s got to be hard for her. But how are things going between the two of you? I thought for sure you would have been engaged by now.”

That makes two of us…

Max served them both as he considered his words. “Hailey isn’t quite ready to take that step. I’ve asked her, we’ve talked about it, and…”

“She keeps telling you no.”

“Exactly.”

“And how does that make you feel?”

“Like crap,” he said with a little more sarcasm than was necessary. “I’m crazy about her—actually, I’m pretty sure I’m in love with her—and we’re having a baby, and…I don’t know, I guess I just thought we were on the same page. We’re compatible in almost every way, but she’s just not interested in marrying me.”

“But she’s moving in with you?”

He nodded.

“Are you just…buddies? Roommates?”

He groaned. “Dad, I’m really not comfortable talking to you about this. Let’s just say we’re something like friends with benefits right now.”

“And you don’t like it.”

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