“I’ll watch it with you. Sure.”
The tense pull of his shoulders loosens as his features relax. “Great, and ugh, if you could keep what I said to yourself. I don’t like people knowing my business.”
“Of course. I would never betray your confidence.”
He nods, showcasing a small smile as he pushes off the door and walks ahead of me into the kitchen.
There is a lot more to Callan Hunt than his good looks and talent on the field. I’m intrigued, and that’s not really a good thing.
So much for not letting guys distract me during senior year.
I have a feeling I’m already fighting a losing battle.
4
CALLAN
Dad raises his voice to be heard over the shrieks and squeals coming from the pool as the oldies talk. Erin borrowed a swimsuit from Freja after we finished eating, and they’ve been messing about in the water ever since. My “one hour” is well and truly served at this point, but I find myself lingering at the table with the adults and Astrid, unable to force my feet to walk away.
“Callan’s going to help,” Da says, dragging me from my head.
“Help with what?” I ask, having completely zoned out of the conversation.
“The work needed around the house.”
That’s the first I’m hearing of this. I wasn’t the one who bought a dated, run-down place, and I sure as fuck won’t be the one to fix it up. “You know I won’t have a lot of downtime between homework, training, and matches.” It’s the politest way I can say “go fuck yourself” without being rude in front of our new neighbors.
“I can help,” Astrid says, her gaze bouncing between me and my da.
“Astrid wants to be an interior designer,” her dad supplies.
“She helped me with the house and my pottery store,” Elsa says. “And all the flowerbeds in the front and rear yards are her work too,” she adds, sweeping a proud gaze over her eldest daughter.
“You did all that?” Mum’s eyes are shimmering with excitement.
“I’m sure Astrid isn’t going to have much downtime either,” I say.
“I’m good at juggling all the demands on my time.” Astrid tucks her hair behind her ears. “Though Callan isn’t wrong. Between school, my online design classes, and work at the resort, I won’t have a huge amount of free time, but what I do have is yours, Mrs. Hunt. If you’d like my help.” Laughter bubbles up her throat. “I can be a little pushy when it comes to stuff like this.”
“Not at all, Astrid. I would love your help if you can spare the time.”
“Great. I can add this project to my portfolio.”
“Astrid is applying to Bennington Turo for college,” Mark supplies. “She’s had her heart set on their Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior architecture and design program since middle school.”
“What an ambitious, enterprising young woman you are,” Da says, and I barely resist the urge to gag.
“Thank you, Mr. Hunt.”
“Call me Tony. Mr. Hunt makes me sound like an old fart.”
Astrid’s eyes pop wide the same time Da jolts in his chair, and I just know Ma kicked him under the table.
“If the cap fits,” I mumble under my breath.
“Are we ready for dessert?” Elsa asks, climbing to her feet. “I know I’m dying to try some of that delicious cheesecake.”
“Let me help.” Ma pushes her chair back.
