Page 228 of The Baby Bargain
"Of course." His eyes meet mine. They're just as blue as Chase's, but they're a little lighter. A little easier to read. "You and Chase?"
"I don't know yet." Under the blanket, I cross my legs. "What was that like? Falling for Emma when you were friends with her brother?"
His laugh is knowing. "Harder than it needed to be."
"I, uh…"
"Forest and Chase are good friends."
"You should tell him."
"It's none of your business."
"You should still tell him," Hunter says.
It's true. It's none of his business, but it is true. I clear my throat. As much as I appreciate Hunter's personal experience in this topic, I need his personal experience in another topic more. "Were you invited to New Jersey?"
"Yeah. But I wanted to be here."
"For your mom?"
His eyes meet mine. He doesn't clarifyand for Chase. He just nodsof course.
I guess it's obvious.
"Chase told you everything?"
"Most things. Chase is—"
"Yeah." He chuckles. "He is." He crosses one leg over the other. "You two are serious."
It's not really a question. I nod anyway.
"Good."
"Why?" I don't doubt him. But I need his insight. Why does he think Chase needs me? Why is he here, when Chase is so completely unable to make up?
"He needs someone who doesn't sugarcoat things."
"Chase doesn't sugarcoat things."
"He wants people to believe he doesn't." Hunter's gaze shifts to the living room. It's still just Wes and Quinn. Chase and Mr. and Mrs. Keating are off… somewhere. "Part of me is here for Mom."
"It's her first Thanksgiving sober."
"Yeah." His smile is sad. "And Chase… Fuck, Em is right." He lets out a heavy sigh.
"Right how?"
"She thinks I have a martyr complex."
"No."
"Yeah."
"I say the same thing to Chase." Is it genetic or how they grew up? "He's like Daredevil."
His laugh is loud. Hearty.
