“Halle’s gonna be so surprised. She’s going to glare at us all and probably punch Hunter for this,” he says with a laugh.
“She is, but she deserves it. They both do. A day to forget everything and be kids together again.”
Connor’s smile softens. “How are things going with you two?”
A slow warmth spreads through me. My mind goes straight to our texts, to him finally opening up to me about the letters… and last night.
God, last night.
My thighs press together at the thought of him and his tongue.
“That good, huh?” Connor smirks.
“It’s… He’s…” I stumble to find the right words.
“Hey.” His voice pulls my attention back to him. “You don’t have to explain anything if you’re not ready. I just wanna know… are you okay? Are you happy?” There’s worry laced through his question, the kind that only shows up in the people who actually see you.
My chest squeezes. Connor has always been so perceptive. He jokes a lot, is always the life of the party, but deep down, behind the big-energy charm, he sees more than he ever lets on.
“I’m okay,” I say, reaching over and squeezing his arm. “I’m making him work for it, if that counts for anything.”
“Thatta girl.”
He stands, sweeping the crumbs into his hand. I collect the plate and forks and carry them over to the sink.
“You know,” he says casually as we walk toward the front of the bakery. “I’m pretty sure the guy’s been in love with you since the day he met you.”
“What?” I choke on nothing.
He winks at me and walks off, leaving me standing there, blinking after him as he tells Arthur which cake he wants.
20
I’M GRATEFUL FOR…
HUNTER
Smoke curls up from the barbecue and hits the back of my throat as I flip the burgers. Behind me, the girls’ laughter bursts across the yard from where they’re sitting in a circle with Remi, who’s kicking the ball around them, a barking Ace on his heels.
I catch Sarah’s eye as she looks around the yard, her gaze full of quiet wonder. She’s never had something like this, a backyard full of noise and people who actually give a damn, a safe place for Remi. For all the shit I’ve screwed up lately, getting her and Remi out of that hole they were living in was at least the part I got right.
A sharp squeal cuts through the air. Tessa smacks Madi on the arm, the whole group of them erupting into catcalls and whistles. Except for Madi. Her cheeks go bright red as she tries to hide behind her hair. Her eyes flick to me, and I lift a brow at her. She gives the smallest shake of her head as Sarah turns, catching my eye and smirking. My pulse beats a little quicker.
“Yo, man,” Connor calls from inside. “You want another beer?”
I slide the last burgers off the barbecue and carry the tray over to the outdoor table. It’s already packed with bowls of crisp salad, corn on the cob, a tray of charred chicken wings, and chips dumped into mismatched bowls.
Stepping inside, I grab the bowl of pasta salad off the counter and look over at Connor, who’s leaning against the fridge with two beers hanging from his fingers.
“I’m good, man. I’ve gotta head into Whiskey later tonight.”
“I could definitely use one of those.”
Jace suddenly appears beside me, his broad shoulder bumping mine. The guy is built like a damn brick house, but it’s good to see him.
“Man, you’re a sight for sore eyes. Where the hell have you been?” Connor asks, handing him the beer.
“Work’s been killing me. Got a new contract, and the guys have been dragging their feet. We’re two weeks behind on the job.” He twists the cap off the bottle.
