“I know,” he said miserably.
“Ha! I knew it! I knew it wasn’t all about Eli! You’re into this girl!”
Great.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant…”
“You’re attracted to this woman. What’s the big deal?”
“It’s not a big deal because you’re way off base. I admire her because she did something nice for my son. That’s all. So whatever it is you’re thinking, forget it.”
“Fine.”
“Fine,” Hunter mimicked.
And immediately knew that was all too easy. Kyle was usually like a dog with a bone when he thought he was right. So why did he give up so fast? And did he really want to push his luck and argue it out with him?
Hell. No.
Luckily, they were pulling up to his house and had to unload all the boxes and furniture in the garage so they could meet up with the rest of the family back at Dean’s.
“I think we should put the furniture in the garage and the boxes in my room so I can go through them later and sort it all out. For all I know, there’s broken toys or duplicates of ones he already has here.”
“If you have any duplicates, you should give them to Dad to keep at his place. You know, for when Eli sleeps over and stuff.”
“Wow. Color me impressed,” Hunter said as he climbed down from the truck.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that it was a logical and practical suggestion.”
“I’m not a complete moron, you know.”
“Yeah, I know. But you’re usually a bit of a dufus, so…”
Groaning, Kyle opened the truck hatch and began pulling out parts to Eli’s bed. Hunter grabbed a few of the boxes and carried them into the house. They met back up at the truck and repeated their tasks. On the third trip, they moved the small dresser together, and then they were done.
Hunter locked everything up and met Kyle back in the truck. “What’s Dean making for dinner? Any idea?”
“I think I heard him saying Courtney decided on Italian,” Kyle replied. “Personally, I was hoping for some steaks on the grill, but…I’m just happy I’m not the one cooking.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“Hey! I happen to be a decent cook!”
“Sure. If by cooking you mean frozen pizzas or macaroni and cheese.”
Frowning, Kyle came back with, “I happen to be a whiz with the grill. My friends have even called me the grill master!”
“And how many beers did they have before they called you that?” he teased, laughing.
“You’re an ass. Just…shut up and drive.”
“Gladly.” Luckily, Dean lived right up the road so they were there in a matter of minutes. Kyle was out of the truck without a word, and Hunter knew he was going to pout for a little while because he hated to be picked on.
And yet…he made it so easy!
Laughing to himself, Hunter walked into Dean’s house and made his way around saying hello to Dean and his wife Courtney, his sister Scarlett and her husband Mason, his father, and his grandfather. When he turned around, Kyle handed him a beer, and he figured they were all right.
“Hey, everyone,” Kyle called out. “Hunter’s got a crush on a gymnast who’s Katie’s best friend and got Eli talking!” And with a smug grin, he took a pull of his beer while everyone around him started talking at once.
Five
Okay, so if Violet had to pick one thing she had learned while hanging out with a very pregnant woman, it was that living with one was like watching a ticking time bomb. There were little winces and sounds that made her feel like Katie was going to have the baby at any moment. It was utterly nerve-wracking!
It was the end of her second week in Magnolia Sound, and she had to admit, the town was amazing. Every day they went out, and either hung out at the beach or the park or just walked around the downtown area to shop and eat. There was a little home décor shop that she knew she was going to end up spending way too much money in and bringing stuff back to Nashville with her.
But it was the food in this little town that was seriously becoming a problem because she found herself eating way more than she usually did.
And Hunter Jones was partially to blame.
Those damn cupcakes were like crack to her and she found herself at Henderson’s Bakery more times than should be allowed.
They had seen each other every day this week, and Violet had made sure she spent time outside with Eli daily so they could continue to work on his tumbling. Not only was he doing great with his balance and coordination, but he was really starting to come out of his shell and talking with her as much as Kira did! When Hunter showed up each afternoon, she would tell him all the new things Eli had learned, and then Eli would come over and repeat most of what she said before putting on a little performance for his father.
It was the sweetest thing in the world and quite possibly her favorite part of the day.
The kids were napping right now, and Violet had set up her office on the back deck today because it was too lovely to stay inside. Behind her, the glass door slid open, and she turned to see Katie walking out.
“Hey,” she said. “Mind if I interrupt?”
Closing the laptop, Violet nodded. “Not at all. You doing okay?”
With a small groan, Katie sat on the chaise beside her. “I’m good. Just ready to not be pregnant anymore.” She laughed softly. “I can’t wait to hold this baby in my arms and not in my belly.”
All Violet could do was smile and nod because she had a feeling she’d be the same way.
“So listen, I have an awkward request.”
“O-kay…”
“My friend Julie just called and invited Kira and me to a playgroup dinner,” Katie explained. “We’re part of this group of moms and kids and we normally try to get together a couple of times a month and between Rose showing up here and you moving in, I guess it slipped my mind.” She sighed. “Kira really loves going, so I was wondering if you’d mind going solo tonight.”
Stay calm.
Don’t look too excited.
With a serene smile, Violet waved her off. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I know how social your daughter is and I don’t expect you to entertain me 24/7. Go and have fun!”
“Are you sure? I feel kind of guilty leaving you by yourself…”
“It’s fine, Kate. I promise! You forget I’m used to living alone. It isn’t a big deal.”
“But we were going to go and grab a pizza, remember?”
“And I still can!” she reassured. “Maybe I’ll eat there, or maybe I’ll bring it home…or maybe I’ll say screw it and have ice cream for dinner while I walk along the pier!”
“Well…only if you’re sure…”
Taking one of Katie’s hands in hers, she squeezed it. “I’ll be fine. I promise. Go and have a good time.”
“We’re not leaving right now. Once the kids are up from their naps and Hunter picks up Eli, then we’ll be on our way.”
“Okay, then.” They sat side by side, enjoying the sun, and Violet was feeling incredibly relaxed. “You know, I never saw the appeal of living near the beach, but I’m definitely starting to get it.”