Page 11
People would love to gossip about another Madsen brother falling in love. I may not have the gruff reputation of my brother Cormac, but being the former football golden boy comes with its own set of expectations.
“Dinner is about ready if you want to have a seat. What can I get you to drink?”
“Water is fine.”
Filling a glass from the fridge dispenser, I set it in front of Hailey at the kitchen island then finish gathering everything from the stovetop.
“What are we having?” She props her elbows on the marble and leans forward with a shy smile. Her tits rest on the countertop, too, swelling above the heartshaped neckline of her dress.
God, she’s beautiful.
“How do you feel about pretzel-crusted chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans?”
“Love it. Sounds hearty and healthy, which don’t always go together.”
I shrug. “It’s a recipe from one of those meal delivery services. I liked it so much that I’ve started making it without the pre-portioned servings they send.”
I realize what I just admitted and glance at Hailey in embarrassment. “As a chef, a meal service probably sounds terrible—pre-made and—”
She holds a hand up to stop my rambling. “Hang on… You realize some of my food has to be pre-made for events, right? I’d never begrudge you or anyone else for using something to make life easier. I’m guessing you don’t always want Fancy’s cooking at the main house?”
“Ah, no.” I focus on plating our dinner with steady hands. “Don’t get me wrong. I love Fancy and my family, but sometimes I prefer the quiet, which is in short supply over there with Jesse and the rest of the ranch hands who stop by to eat.”
“I totally get it.”
We share a look of commiseration as I grab our plates and gesture for her to follow me to the dining table. I should have known Hailey would understand. Her nose was always in a book at school rather than chatting with friends. She practically lived at the library—the ultimate quiet zone.
The sound of utensils scraping plates replaces conversation until the question that’s nagged me for over a decade finally pops out.
“At the risk of fucking up the evening, can I ask what happened in high school? Why’d you change your mind?”
Hailey throws her head back and groans. “Ugh… I knew we’d have to talk about it, but it’s so embarrassing.”
“Really?”
She continues to stare up at the ceiling. “Yeah, my parents forbade me from dating. You’re the first boy who ever asked me out, so it never came up before then. They were afraid I might get pregnant then stuck in High Ridge. They always had high expectations for me, which I failed without the help of a boy, anyway.”
Whoa, okay… There’s a lot to unpack there. But a part of me is grateful to learn Hailey’s sudden coldness had nothing to do with me.
“First of all, seriously? What were we living in? A nineties sex ed video about teen pregnancy?” I joke.
“I know, right?” Hailey whips her head around to agree with me. “Imagine my surprise when that was the first reason they gave for not letting me date you! It’s not even like they were afraid I’d repeat history because my mom and dad were married after college, then they had me.”
“And what were their expectations?” I ask. “Which I can’t believe you failed, by the way.”
“They wanted me to become a big city something. Didn’t matter what. But our home economics class really inspired me. That, and a college advisor encouraged me to follow my passion for cooking. Trust me, my parents were not happy about the career path. They still aren’t. That’s partially why I decided to move back home. Well, Suitor’s Crossing.”
“Damn. I’m sorry to hear that they don’t support you. You’re amazing.”
She flushes and looks away, leaning back in her chair. “I’m okay.” The words sound like they’re trying to be a joke, but there’s a thread of disbelief underneath them.
“You’re more than okay.” I brace an arm on the back of her chair and lean forward to drop a kiss on her pouty mouth. “You’re following your dream. Building the future you want. That’s fucking amazing.”
When I try to retreat, Hailey captures the front of my shirt and tugs, halting my progress. “The catering is just part of the future I want,” she whispers, her eyes searching my face for some unknown. “What if I also want you?”
Heat and satisfaction burn a trail down my spine straight to my cock. “I’d say you already have me, Hails. You’ve had me for years.”
There’s a whimper of distress, then she’s in my lap, her thighs straddling mine as the table shakes from the impact of us shifting so quickly.
