Page 59 of Blue Line

“Well, I know you’ll do amazing, and they’d be fools not to hire you.”

I hide my grin by taking a sip of my coffee.

“About—” I start to say a few minutes later, as he says, “I—”

“You first.” I gesture for him to speak.

“I have a favor to ask.”

“What’s up?”

“Do you mind hanging out with Madison for a few hours this afternoon? Hunt and I are supposed to work out, but he’s afraid of leaving her alone. Apparently, she was having Braxton contractions, or whatever they’re called.” He waves a hand around. “The doctor said they were normal and nothing to worry about, but of course, Hunter’s still worried.” He frowns. “Not that I blame him. Coach is out of town, and so is her aunt.”

“Of course. I’ve been meaning to call her and see if she’s up for doing anything, so this works perfectly.”

“Thanks. Hopefully, that’ll convince Hunt it’s okay to leave her for a few hours.” He shakes his head. “I’m gonna go text him.” He hooks a thumb over his shoulder, and I nod. He takes his coffee and leaves the kitchen.

Guess we’re not going to talk about last night. Does that mean he regrets it? That it was a one-time thing? I tip my head back, staring at the ceiling, and vow to bring it up tonight because I need to know where we stand, what he thinks about what happened—all of it—even if he doesn’t want to do it again.

“Hi, Madison,” I greet her when she answers her front door later that day.

“Hey, Hadley. Sorry to put you out like this. I told Hunter I’d be fine for a few hours on my own, but …” She rubs a hand over her very pregnant belly. “You know how protective they are.”

I start to tell her that no, I don’t, but I catch myself and, instead, silently follow her inside.

“How have you been?” she asks over her shoulder as we make our way very slowly toward the living room. “Congrats on the engagement, by the way. I’m sorry I haven’t called or texted.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’ve been a bit busy.”

She carefully lowers herself down onto the couch.

“You could say that.” She pats the cushion next to her. “Sit, and tell me what’s new with you. I’m so happy for you and Wes. I’ve been worried about how he was going to adjust to everything, and now I don’t have to because he’s got you.” She must notice the confusion on my face because she keeps talking. “We’re going to be busy with a baby soon. Holt has Hazel and Becca. I know Eli and Sebastian have joined the friend group, but if I had to guess, it’s probably not the same. Wes, Holt, and Hunt have been playing together and have been best friends for years. Now Wes’s two best friends are married, or practically married, with kids. I’m sure that’s an adjustment for him.”

I let out a nervous giggle.

For fuck’s sake, Madison. Way to drop a bombshell on me. Now I feel even worse about this whole fake engagement thing I roped him into.

“Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think he proposed because he was feeling left out. I’m so glad he’s found his one.” She grins at me. “I bet Holt was excited.”

“Once he got over the shock.”

Madison laughs.

“So how have you been? Is the nursery all ready?” I ask, needing the subject to change so I don’t blurt out to her that it’s all a lie and we’re really not engaged.

“Tired. Ready for this baby to be evicted.” She rubs a hand over her stomach. “The nursery has been done for weeks. Hunter and Dad painted it the minute the season ended. And they say the mother nests. You should have seen Hunter.”

“He’s going to be a great dad. The same way I know you’ll be an awesome mom.”

Madison pats my arm. “Thank you. I’m kinda nervous, but Jenna’s been so helpful answering all my questions. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

I’m glad that she has Jenna, a mom of two, to help her out and answer her questions. The conversation shifts to other things, and we spend the next few hours chatting.

Eventually, the front door bangs open.

“I’m home, sweets,” Hunter says from the doorway. “I brought someone with me.”

“We’re in here,” Madison yells.