Page 42 of Bad Love

Kendall carefully shuts thedoor.

With the miniature redhead inside, notout.

I rub the back of my neck, my legs stillcement.

"Rory, this is Hunter. I mean,Logan."

I can't even register the strangeness of Kendall using my given name because I'm focused on the kid's wary eyes, the same hazel ashers.

"This is my son,Rory."

As I look between them, the uncertainty on his face and the shock on hers, I realize it'strue.

Though math's not my strong suit, she would’ve been a teenager when she hadhim.

That’s one hell of a graduationpresent.

I shove a hand through my hair. "I gottago."

"Yourbeer—"

"Keep it. Nice to meet you, man. Kid."What's his name?"Rory."

I'm out the door before either of them canrespond.

* * *

"You buyyour plane ticket for Ibiza yet?" Nellie flashes teeth at me over the felt-top table in the basement of the Charlotte on Thursdaynight.

“Nope.”

“Less than a month now. This chick Lita from last year looked me up. Wanted to see if I was coming again. I dunno what I’ll tell her. Any girls from last year hit you up,Hunt?”

“Few.” There are messages on my social, but I haven’t read them in any detail, what with all the pressures around Hunter’sCross.

“My dad wanted me to stay here that week and run the hotel while he’s on business.” Nellie snorts. “Figured I did such a shitty job last time he wouldn’t askagain.”

Monty shakes his head, and Tannersnorts.

"Don't be disgusted. You’re the one who decided last week’s poker was a breath of fresh air from the married life and begged to come back. If you were smarter, you'd be like me and Hunter. Never work a day in yourlife."

I don’t bother dignifying that with a response as I survey mycards.

Nellie wears his leisure like a badge of honor. I prefer contributing even if I don’t need the money. Sure, I do it in my own way, but it’s no secret that Hunter’s Cross would be way short of its current success if I didn’t show up everyday.

Okay, mostdays.

"Raise." Nellie tosses a stack of chips at me. "Suck it,Hunter."

Monty folds. "Hurry up. I have to use thebathroom."

I raise a brow at Monty. "You need ababysitter?"

"No. I'm never leaving you alone to bet somethingagain.”

I toss in chips, and two minutes later, I’ve won thehand.

“Thought you were joking,” I toss over my shoulder as Monty trails me to thebathroom.

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