Page 60 of Blue Line

Hunter appears a few seconds later, and much to my chagrin, Wes is with him.

“Look who tagged along,” Hunter says, hooking a thumb over his shoulder at Wes before he walks over to his wife, leans down, and kisses her. “Thank you for hanging out with Mads today,” he says to me.

“Of course. We were catching up.”

Hunter glances down at Madison, and they have a silent conversation before he addresses me and Wes. “Want to stay for dinner? I’m going to throw a chicken, pasta, and vegetable dish—casserole—thing in the oven that I pulled out of the freezer this morning.”

“What do you think, honey?” Wes asks. “Want to stay and hang out with our friends a little while longer?”

I turn to Hunter. “We’ll stay. Thank you.”

“Right,” Hunt says. “What can I get everyone to drink?”

We spend the next couple of hours eating, talking, and just having a good time. Wes stays glued to my side, his hand on my thigh all through dinner, and I swear he was trying to drive me crazy the way he’d occasionally trace a line up and down my leg.

I should have pushed his hand away. No one could see it, and it wasn’t like we were doing it to keep up appearances, but I enjoyed it too much.

Chapter twenty-four

Wes

Was I pushing things with how affectionate I was being toward Hadley at dinner tonight? Maybe. Okay, fine, I was. I’d say it was to keep up the ruse that we’re engaged and in love, but in all honesty, it was because I couldn’t stop touching her. I kept waiting for her to tell me to stop or push my hand off her thigh during dinner, but she didn’t. Maybe we’re finally getting somewhere. Maybe she’s finally going to admit to me, and herself, that she likes me. That we have good chemistry. Maybe I’ll finally get my chance to show her how good we can be together.

A guy can dream, right?

My mind drifts to the job interview she mentioned. The job that will take her around the world for a year. Or more. A job she seems enthusiastic about. One that could lead to complications with our relationship, if we do get that far. But if that’s what she wants to do, I’d support her however I could. Would it be tough? It sure as hell would be, but it’s not as though my schedule isn’t busy for a good part of the year anyway. We’d figure it out. I have enough money that I could fly out to see her on breaks or fly her back here.

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, though.

I shut off the water, grab my towel, and start to dry off before stepping out of the shower. I pull on a pair of boxers and gray sweatpants once I’m done drying off, skipping a shirt.

Out of habit, I check my phone, and I find an email from my cousin. With shaking hands, I click on it.

Hi, Weston.

It was great to hear from you again. Things are going well—the kids are busy with camp, and Rob, my husband, is busy this time of year with his business. I help him during the summer since I’m not teaching (did I mention I’m an elementary school teacher?)

To answer your question, I didn’t know Uncle Peter very well. He died when I was in high school. He didn’t marry or have any children, well, except for your dad. I’m attaching a few photos I have of my grandparents, Uncle Peter, and a woman I’ve never been able to identify. Maybe she was your grandmother?

You mentioned you live in Florida. It must be hot this time of year. Rob and I have been talking about taking the kids on a trip to Disney, but it hasn’t happened yet. What is it you do for a living? Would love to hear more about you. I hope that’s an okay thing to ask. I’m just curious.

Maybe we can arrange a time to video chat?

All the best.

Donna.

I reread the email multiple times before typing out a response, excited that she responded and appears to be interested in getting to know me.

Hi, Donna,

Great to hear from you again. Thanks for the info about my grandfather. At this point, anything you can tell me is helpful since I know nothing about him.

Florida is hot this time of year, but luckily, AC is standard in all homes and businesses so at least we’re comfortable inside. As for what I do for a living, I work for a sports team here. Keeps me busy.

You asked for more about me. I’m not married, although I’m dating an amazing woman who I hope to one day marry. No kids. No siblings either. I grew up in Anchorage but moved to Florida for this job. That was an adjustment. I travel a lot for work, so for some of the year, I’m extremely busy.

I would love to arrange a time to video chat. Let me know what days and times you’re available, and I’ll see what I can make work.