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Sebastian stayed quiet, his gaze assessing me, almost as if he were trying to figure me out. If he didn’t already know I liked him, I wasn’t going to tell him. It wouldn’t lead to anything but heartbreak and awkward moments.
He needed me to take care of his daughter, and like always, I’d do that for him. But I wouldn’t wait around for him to notice me anymore.
CHAPTER 2
SEBASTIAN
Shortly after our talk, we came inside so that I could check on Ember. She was happy to hang out with her extended family and generally didn’t need me at events like this. I personally disliked social events. I preferred to stay home and watch TV or play games, especially now that Hanna was living with us.
But I was off-balance ever since Hanna mentioned her New Year’s resolution. When I invited her to stay with me, I hadn’t considered the fact that she might be actively dating. Surely, she wouldn’t bring a man over with Ember in the house.
I was getting all worked up over nothing. Hanna had never been serious about anyone before. She’d go on a few dates, they’d be awful, and she’d get frustrated and vow to never date again. Then things would go back to normal.
I approached Knox, who was leaning against the bar. “How are things between you and Hanna?”
My gaze sought her out on the dance floor with the other girls. My heart warmed at how she held Ember’s hands, dancing with her in a circle. Ember was laughing, clearly having a good time. “Good.”
He tipped his glass back. “Are you sure about that? I heard the girls talking about Hanna’s New Year’s resolution to start dating again.”
I let out a breath, forcing my voice to remain steady. “It’s frustrating listening to her go on those dates. All she meets are jerks, but that’s what happens when you do the online dating thing.”
Knox raised a brow. “So, you’re not upset about it?”
I sifted through my complicated feelings on the idea of Hanna dating and finally settled on part of the truth. “I don’t want her to get hurt.”
Knox tapped his finger on the glass in his hand. “You don’t have any other feelings about her dating?”
“What other feelings would I have? We’re friends, and I worry about her.” I cleared my throat, hoping Knox would stop digging.
Knox shot me an exasperated look. “She’s liked you for as long as I can remember.”
My brothers teased me about her having a crush on me, but I thought it was just their usual ribbing. I didn’t take them seriously. They couldn’t imagine a man and a woman being friends, but we’d proved that it was possible. “You say that, but—”
Knox leaned forward. “You don’t believe us?”
“Has she said anything to the girls?” I asked, not ready to answer his question.
“Not that I’m aware of. But everyone can see it.” He shifted closer to me and lowered his voice. “Do you like her?”
I shook my head, my heart picking up the pace inside my chest. “I like her as a friend.”
“You’ve never thought of her as more than that?” Knox asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe?” Why was he pushing this? There were a few times when I thought about touching or kissing her, but I didn’t want to lose what we had. She was my best friend, especially when Brandy walked away, leaving me with Ember. Hanna was my lifeline. I couldn’t do anything to mess that up.
“You should figure it out before a smarter guy snatches her up. She’s beautiful”—he pointed to where she held Ember’s hand above her head, twirling her—“and obviously great with kids.”
Now we were both watching her as she danced with Ember; both had bright smiles on their faces. Every time I saw Hanna with Ember, I wished that she was her mother. Sometimes, I think Ember did, too. She was an important female figure in her life. “She’s all of those things and more.”
“If you’re telling me it’s nothing more than friendship, then I’ll leave you alone. I’m just worried that you’re going to regret your decision not to make a move. If you have even half a chance at what I have with Sarah, or what Emmett has with Ireland, you have to go for it. Love like that doesn’t come around often.”
My heart squeezed in my chest. “I don’t want to ruin what we have.”
Knox raised a brow. “So, you’re fine with her dating other guys?”
“I don’t like it.” I just thought I’d have more time. She’d move in with us, and we could figure out if there was something worth pursuing. But she was changing things up and moving on with someone else. “But she’s made her choice.”
“Maybe she’s given up on you.” There was more than a tinge of disgust in his tone.
