Seriously? He didn’t appreciate his brain’s third degree. Of course it was what he wanted. Sure, he’d thought about pulling her away from her booth on Saturday for an informal date at the Autumn Festival. And if he were being honest, he’d wondered if she’d be open to the idea of going out with him.
But no. They could never be anything more than friends.
Besides, he couldn’t jump to conclusions. Just because Hallie had brought him cookies and showed so much kindness toward his daughters didn’t mean she reciprocated his feelings. She seemed like the type of woman who treated everyone that way.
“You know I’m not ready to date again.” Why was he working so hard to explain himself? “I don’t think I’ll ever be.”
Any notions he’d had about the existence of unbreakable romantic love scurried out the door the day his marriage ended. He’d let that belief slip the last few days with this ill-advised crush on Hallie. Now was the best time to recommit.
Tyler’s shoulders relaxed and he slouched into the couch cushion. “You know I love you like a brother. But Hallie’s my actual sister. I don’t want to see her get hurt because you can’t give her what she needs.”
They were on the same page on that score. “Trust me, I’m not stringing her along. I promise you that.”
It wasn’t just about his lack of trust in love. He was a father now. Every decision he made had to be done with his girls in mind. He couldn’t even go on a date with a woman without considering their well-being. These romantic thoughts about Hallie had to stop.
Outside, a car door slammed. Speaking of Hallie…
Electricity sparked in his veins. Obviously, the reminder he’d justgiven himself about not getting carried away with her hadn’t had time to sink in.
And in the next instant, an opposite, yet equally strong, charge engulfed him. Tyler had warned him to stay away from his sister, and not five minutes later, she showed up at his house?
Not good.Not good at all.
Christian glanced at his friend as the knock came at the door.
Oh boy. Things were about to go down.
Clutching the handle of her crossbody bag, Hallie waited on Christian’s porch for someone to open the door. Heat raced up her spine, and she squeezed her eyes shut to focus on blocking out the repeated barking coming from inside the house.
You can do this.She untangled one hand from her bag’s handle and wiped her clammy palm on her jeans.Christian won’t let it hurt you.
“Easy, girl,” Christian said as the door opened.
Hallie’s eyes flew wide. Was her terror that obvious?
It only took a second to realize he’d been talking to the dog. His head appeared at waist level from behind the door, but he rose as much as he could while still latched to the collar. “Hey, thanks for coming.”
“Sure.” Hallie stepped inside, casting nervous glances at the retriever straining against Christian’s hold, her tail whipping from side to side like the old-fashioned metronome her grandma used to have sitting on her piano. Back and forth, back and forth. If Hallie’s anxiety level wasn’t at an unnatural high, the motion would’ve lulled her into a peaceful contentment.
As the situation stood, contentment wouldn’t be achieved today.
“Sorry, she loves people,” Christian said. “Have a seat while I take her out back.”
She gave him a tight smile, though she didn’t breathe until he and the dog had retreated several steps away. His path from the living room led him past the couch where her brother, of all people, shot him a glare. Christian returned it with a glance that Hallie couldn’t even begin to interpret.
This looks bad. VERY bad.
Had Tyler known that Hallie planned to come over today? Or was this just a horribly timed drop by to check on his friend?
“Hey, Ty. What’re you?—”
A crash and a squeal distracted her from finishing the question. She turned to find her nephew pulling the baskets of plastic fruit off the pink kitchen set underneath the front window. She hurried over to him, her unease over Tyler’s presence dissipating for the moment.
“How’s my little Williekins?” She scooped him up, hugging him tightly.
Offering her one of his gummy smiles, Will brought his chubby hand to her face, attempting to shove his fingers into her mouth. She showered it with kisses instead.
Tyler made his way over to her. “I’m surprised to see you here.” That sounded almost like an accusation.
