by Wendy Smith
Something’s different, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Chloe’s cheeks are pink and her smile is even more luminescent than usual. She’s right in front of me, but seems to be struggling to find anything to say. What’s up with that?
I open my mouth.
“Hi.” She blushes and looks down, and it’s the cutest thing I think I’ve ever seen. This is not her usual reaction to me.
“I … I got your message. What’s up?”
Chloe smiles. “Xander made the first fifteen rugby team for his school. We’re celebrating.”
I grin. “That’s fantastic.”
Her eyes shine with excitement. “I thought we’d have a special dinner—Xander’s choice, and he wanted to invite you.”
“Really?” Xander’s shown interest in talking to me at times, but out of the two, I thought he’d be the least likely to want me around.
“He knows you played in school.” She takes my hand in hers and squeezes it. “And I might have suggested it in the first place.”
My eyebrows rise. “Chloe Cooper, are you flirting with me?”
She hesitates, sucking on her bottom lip, which is the single most erotic thing I think I’ve ever seen.
“Maybe.”
“I think maybe we need to talk about this.”
She takes a step forward. “Maybe we do.”
I reach for her, wrapping my hand around her wrist as I keep looking into her blue eyes. The aching need I feel for her seems to be reflected back at me. Is this real?
This has always been a one-way thing, but the changes in the way Chloe’s looking at me, and the differences in her breathing as our gazes stay locked tell me that’s no longer the case.
“I … I don’t know what this is, Hunter. But I know I like it.” She raises her free hand to cup my cheek. “The other night stirred up feelings I thought were dead in me.”
“What kind of feelings?”
She licks her lips. “Well …”
“Mum, I got my jersey.” Xander walks in holding a familiar looking shirt. His gaze falls to my hand on his mother’s wrist and his smile disappears.
I let go of Chloe, and she drops her hand.
“When’s dinner?” he asks, eyes now narrowed.
“About half an hour away. I just put the potatoes in to roast.”
He chin lifts, eyeing me with the same suspicion he did from the start. I think Xander and I need to talk.
“Thanks, Mum.” He narrows his gaze. “We’re having my favourite.”
“So I hear. Smells amazing. I can’t wait.”
His lips twitch. God, this kid is so much like his dad. But if he’s that much like Scott, I know he’s capable of a lot of love.
“Knock, knock.”
I turn at the sound of a male voice.
“Uncle Caleb.” Xander’s face lights up. “Mum invited you?”
“Of course I did. Caleb played rugby too.” Chloe fixes her gaze on me. “All the boys I knew did.”
Caleb Baxter was never a part of our crowd, being a few years older than Chloe, and he takes a step in the door before he looks at me.
“Caleb, do you remember Hunter Emerson? Hunter, my big brother Caleb.”
I extend my hand.
“Of course.” He gives it a firm shake while eyeing me up and down. “You were Scott’s friend?”
“I was. And Chloe’s.”
“Hunter lives next door,” Chloe says.
“Does he now? It’s good to meet you, Hunter.”
Chloe kisses him on the cheek. “Dinner’s about half an hour away. Grab a beer and get one for Hunter while you’re at it.”
“So bossy.” He grins.
“Always. Now, get to it.” Chloe slaps him on the arse with her tea towel.
He laughs and turns toward the fridge. “How on earth do Braden and Xander put up with you?”
“They love me.”
She walks over to the oven and opens it.
“Is that lamb?” I ask.
“It sure is. Mum cooked one the first night we were home, and—”
“You poor thing.” Caleb returns, handing me a beer. “I’m not sure how Mum manages to screw it up so badly every time.”
“Me neither.” Chloe says.
“Mum’s lamb is way better than Grandma’s.” Xander grins.
“I can’t wait to try it.”
Chloe closes the oven and turns to smile at me. I don’t miss that Caleb arches an eyebrow, but Xander seems oblivious.
I’m not even sure what she’s doing, but I like it.
Dinner is amazing.
I don’t have much to do with my parents these days, but it brings back memories of the family dinners we used to share before their bitter divorce.
This is what it feels like to be a family.
Chloe and the boys share stories of their life before they moved here—stories her brother hasn’t heard either—and I’m lost in the laughter and love around the table.
She’s bringing me back to life without even knowing it.
I’ve been so dead since my own marriage breakup, but Chloe brings the sunshine as she always did.
“So, Hunter was Scott’s friend when you were kids?” Caleb says. “I’m sorry I don’t remember you, dude. I never paid that much attention to Chloe’s life back then.”
“I was. I met Scott when I started school.”
“So, how did you guys end up hanging out again?”
“The school reunion,” Chloe says. “I walked in and was so thankful to see a familiar face. And then it turned out Hunter lived next door.”
“Really? Now he can come over when you need help instead of you calling me from across town.”
“Thanks a lot.” She throws a napkin at him.
He laughs.
“I’m always around, and ready to help whenever you need it” I grin.
“Good to know.” There’s that smile again complete with the sparkle in her eyes, and for the second time Caleb glances between us. There’s a tension that didn’t seem to exist before, and I like it.
Caleb’s chuckle is low, but I hear it.
And I have a smile of my own as Chloe keeps glancing at me.
“I’m stuffed.” I lean back and pat my stomach. “That was brilliant, Chlo.”
“Glad you liked it.”
After a full roast lamb dinner, she’d produced a Pavlova covered in whipped cream and berries. Xander’s favourite.
“Thanks for choosing all that, Xander.”
“I might have to come over for dinner more often,” Caleb says.
“You know you’re always welcome,” Chloe says. She flicks her gaze to me. “You too.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“Why don’t you go and put your feet up while Hunter and I take care of the dishes,” Caleb says.
Chloe glances between us. “It’s just loading the dishwasher.”
He nods. “I know. Just fuck off and let me get to know this guy.”
She laughs, shaking her head. “Fine. I know where I’m not wanted. I’ve got some washing to fold upstairs anyway.”
I watch as she heads up the stairs behind the boys while Caleb opens the dishwasher.
Together, we stack the dishes, working quickly and quietly. Clearly, something’s on Caleb’s mind as he seems to study me.
“I’ve been encouraging Chloe to find a little romance in her life. Is that going to be you?”
“I …” I hesitate and nearly drop a plate. “I’d like it to be.”
“Good.” He leans against the cupboards and crosses his arms over his chest. “You have to be important to her to get an invite tonight. Xander will be the tough one to crack if you stick around.”
His words catch me by surprise. “I worked that one out for myself.”
“They’ve all been through a lot. If you pursue her, you take really good care of her or you’ll have me to answer to.”
I nod. “Understood.”
“You seem like a g
ood guy, Hunter. She just needs someone to love her, and not mess her around. Chloe’s already been through enough.”
“Agreed. Hurting her is the last thing I ever want to do.”
For a moment, we’re locked in place as his gaze doesn’t let up. Getting Caleb onside has to be an advantage. He clearly adores his sister, and he’s not going to hesitate to get in my way if he decides I’m not enough for Chloe.
“Seriously, dude. Sweep her off her feet. Scott loved her, but they were an old married couple when they were kids. Give her the world.”
I swallow hard. This is more than just his approval. He’s encouraging me to do this, and I want this so badly, I’ll give her everything she needs. There’s no point in holding anything back.
“That’s what I want to do.”
He smiles and closes the dishwasher door. “That’s all I need to hear. Don’t get me wrong. Scott was a solid guy, and he loved the shit out of her. But she missed out on so much, and I think she deserves it.”
“I agree.”
Chloe walks into the room with Xander. “Are you guys done?”
“Done and I’m out of here. Be good, boys. Might visit at the weekend for a swim.” He winks at Chloe. “Congratulations, Xander. Your dad would be proud.” Turning to me, he smiles. “Good to meet you, Hunter.”
“You too.”
My heart’s singing at him giving me his blessing to pursue something with Chloe. I don’t need it, but having her family’s backing is reassuring.
“Goodnight, Uncle Caleb.” Xander turns to Chloe. “I’m going to my room. Thanks for the dinner, Mum.” He kisses her on the cheek. “See ya later, Hunter.”
“Have a good night, dude.”
I even get a smile out of him as he passes me and heads up the stairs.
Caleb’s long gone, leaving Chloe and me standing in the kitchen.
“I should probably go too.”
Chloe’s lips twitch. “You don’t have to yet.”
“I’ve got work in the morning. I left my office manager to do some hiring today because I was invited elsewhere.”
She nods. “I have work too. I’m behind on where I wanted to be on my word count, so I should really buckle down tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Chloe.”
I step toward her and run my thumb down her cheek. The urge to kiss her is so strong, but this is a woman who was devastated by the loss of her husband. If I’m going to explore this with her, I need to take it slow.
“Goodnight.”
When I was a teenager, I’d have killed to see the affectionate look in her eyes she has now.
I have to go now, or I’ll do something I could regret.
We’re frozen, just looking at each other, but it’s not awkward. It’s like a new understanding blossoming between us. Does she want me to chase her?
For now I’ll go home, but this is in no way over.
In fact, it’s just begun.
Twelve
Hunter
Chloe: Thank you for last night.
Me: You’re welcome. Let’s do it again. Soon.
I want dinner with Chloe every night. I just want her and everything that comes with.
It’s mid-week when I’ve had enough of work. Liz has managed to get Gary to see a counsellor, but I’m still not sure it’s enough. At least he’s coming to work sober.
Chloe’s been on my mind the whole time, and I want to know if I’m on hers.
I’m halfway home when I spot the pizza place. It’s still early.
Sweep her off her feet.
Caleb’s words ring in my ears. Does turning up with dinner count?
I pull into the car park and head in into the store. If Braden and Xander eat anything like I did as a teenager, we’ll need a lot of food. I’m not sure what the boys like, but given the way they dug into the steak and potatoes meal, I order meaty pizzas.
There’s a bottle store next door, so while I’m waiting, I walk over to buy a couple of bottles of sparkling wine.
Just making this decision is settling. I want so much to win her over, and if pizza helps buy my way into those boys’ hearts then it’s a small price to pay.
With the food, I drive home, pulling into my driveway and grabbing it before heading over next door.
Balancing the pizza boxes in one hand, and the wine bottles in the other, I use my foot to knock on the door.
Chloe’s eyes widen as she pulls it open. “What are you doing?”
“I have pizza. Thought you might like a night off from cooking.”
Chloe grins. “That’s so sweet.”
I loop past her and into the kitchen where I place the boxes on the table. “Don’t tell people I’m sweet. They’ll think I have a soft side.”
She picks up a pizza box and opens it, taking a deep breath. “Oh, I know you have a soft side. But your secret is safe with me. This is heavenly.”
One of the boys, and at first I’m not sure which one, bounds down the stairs. “Is that pizza?” His eyes grow wide at the four boxes.
“Hunter brought us dinner. Can you go and get your brother?”
“Sure.”
She turns back to me. “Thank you. I really appreciate this.”
“I know you’re on a deadline.”
Her lips curl. “That’s very considerate of you.”
“Told you I’m here for you, Chlo.”
Happiness radiates from her. Something’s definitely shifted between us, and maybe tonight I’ll make my move.
“Braden said there’s pizza here?” Xander appears in the doorway.
Chloe turns to smile at him. “Yes. Hunter thought we might like it.”
He lifts his chin toward me. “Thanks, Hunter.”
“You’re welcome, bud.”
“Chloe, I grabbed some wine for later if you’d like.” I hold up the bag.
“That would be lovely.” She smiles. “Red or white?”
“Bubbly. Want me to put it in the fridge?”
“That’d be great.”
She grabs plates out of the cupboard and places them on the table. “How about we all just help ourselves?”
“I got plenty because I know you have two growing boys to feed.”
“Oh, I do. It’s never ending with the way those two are growing like beanstalks. Thank you.”
We all hang back while Chloe grabs some slices, before the boys and I pick from the selection and sit.
Braden’s the one who talks. He talks about the house, and about school—he even talks about his dad. Xander’s quiet.
Chloe seems to retreat, her smile fading as the meal goes on.
We eat until we’re full, but she’s back to picking at her meal.
“Did you have a good day?” I ask.
She doesn’t make eye contact, but bows her head. “It was quiet, and I caught up on some writing. I’m just a little tired.”
Her tone is flat, and un-Chloe-like.
“Sorry to hear that.”
Silence falls over the table, and the boys exchange a glance I don’t understand.
“We’ll clean up, Mum.” Braden stands and kisses Chloe on the cheek.
“Thank you. I’m sorry to cut this short, but I really need to lie down.”
I frown. “Are you okay?”
She nods. “I’ll be fine.”
Chloe stands and leaves the room without even saying goodbye. Given how close we’ve been growing, it’s not like her at all. She seems unsettled.
“What just happened?” I look first at one boy, then the other.
Braden sucks on his bottom lip.
“It’s the anniversary of Dad’s death,” Xander says.
I blink, rapidly, and sit back in my seat. “Chloe didn’t say anything. Shit. I should have known.”
Braden shakes his head. “It’s okay. Thank you for tonight, though. I think it’s what we needed.”
“Yeah, it was pretty cool.”
I shift my gaze to Xander. “That’s praise coming from you.�
��
He grins, pushes his chair out, and stands. “I’ll clear away the rubbish and then head up to my room.”
The bottle of wine I brought sits unopened on the bench. “Where are your wine glasses?”
Braden points across the room. “That cupboard.”
“I might take the wine to your mum and see how she’s doing.”
He shoots me a wary look.
“Your mum means a lot to me. Always did. And you guys do too. If there’s anything either of you ever want to talk about, I’m here. Okay?”
Braden nods, and when I shift my gaze to Xander, he raises his eyebrows in acknowledgement.
“I’m sorry your dad isn’t here. I always thought we’d meet up again some day. But I’m really glad I’ve met the two of you, and I hope we can be friends.”
“I’d like that,” Braden says.
Xander grunts. There’s still a long way to go with him, but if he’s as stubborn as his father …
Trudging over to the cupboard, Xander retrieves two wine glasses and then hands them to me.
I raise an eyebrow and then scruff his dark hair. “Thanks.”
He huffs out a “sure.”
Leaving them to clean up, I make my way toward Chloe’s bedroom and tap on the bedroom door.
“Chloe?”
“You can open it,” she calls.
Turning the handle, I push open the door then close it behind me after entering the room.
She’s lying on the bed, and her brows knit as I approach.
“Are you okay?”
Chloe shrugs. “I will be.”
I sit on the bed. “Why didn’t you tell me what today was?”
She sniffs and sucks on her bottom lip for a moment. “I didn’t want to kill your mood. You turned up at just the right time and were just what I needed. And having a family dinner with you was so good.”
I lean over and run my thumb down her cheek. “It was. But I can’t be there for you if you don’t let me.”
“I’m sorry.”
I shake my head. “You never have to apologise. Today must have been hard.”
“It was, but you made it better.” Her smile is small, but it’s there. “Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome. But I thought I could make tonight better, and we didn’t drink the wine.”
