Chapter 2
TWO
MAX
“You’re such a suck-up,” Nate grumbled as I added a decent portion of Bailey’s homemade superfood salad to my plate.
“I like healthy food,” I replied, refusing to rise to the bait. “Bailey’s salad is both delicious and nutritious, so eating it is a win-win.”
Not to mention that it was probably the closest I’d ever get to her serving me a meal. On the evenings I got home late from work, I might, occasionally, fantasize about how lovely it would be to have Bailey waiting for me and to be able to share a meal with her as we discussed our days.
Yes, my fantasies were very vanilla and probably made me sound like a boring old man. Compared to Bailey, that was a pretty accurate assessment of what I was, which was why my fantasies would remain just that.
Fantasies.
I followed Nate outside and onto the deck. We were at our parents’ house for the regular Braddock family Sunday brunch. Since we were well into spring now, Dad had set up a pair of tables end to end for us to eat at while enjoying the warmth of the sun and the slight breeze.
I sat between Kennedy, who was waiting for Liam to bring her a plate, and Nate, opposite Summer. With difficulty, I resisted the urge to gaze at Bailey, who was settled to Summer’s right, sipping green tea.
Duke—Grace and Nate’s young Rottweiler, and Daisy—Kennedy and Liam’s Labrador, were frolicking around the backyard while Toby threw a ball for them.
“Toby, time to eat,” Mum called, and Toby glanced over and seemed to realize that almost everyone was already seated. He threw the ball one last time and sauntered into the house to get his meal.
“We’re going cycling around the base of Destiny Peak today,” Summer declared loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Asher found a trail that will challenge me a little without being too risky.”
“Make sure you take your first aid kit, just in case,” I said, recalling after I’d already said it that of course they would because Asher was a paramedic and was incredibly vigilant when it came to Summer’s safety.
“We will, Dad,” Summer teased.
My face heated, and I focused on shoveling salad into my mouth and hoped no one noticed.
“You’d be better off worrying about Bailey,” she continued, gesturing at her friend. “She’s going hiking alone.”
Bailey laughed, high and tinkling. “It’s only for a couple of hours. I’ve done the hike plenty of times before, but I’ve never recorded it for my followers, so it will make great new content.”
“I love your hiking videos,” Kennedy said, diving into the meal that Liam had set in front of her. “You have a way of capturing the best camera angles, especially considering you do most of it on your phone.”
“Thank you. That means a lot coming from you. Fortunately, my followers love them too.”
Bailey had a health and beauty online platform. I was ashamed to say that I watched every video but never admitted as much to her because she might realize that she occupied a lot of mental real estate in my head.
“Keep an eye out for any disturbances,” Connor called from farther down the table. “Someone has been vandalizing small areas within the national park.”
I frowned. “That doesn’t sound safe. Perhaps you shouldn’t go.”
I didn’t like the idea of her being out there alone, especially if someone was causing trouble.
Connor waved his hand dismissively. “They’ve just been ripping up plants and digging holes. I doubt they’re dangerous. It’s probably just bored kids. I’d like to know if you spot anything, though.”
“Of course,” Bailey assured him.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
Everyone turned to look at me. I focused on Bailey, whose delicate features softened as she gazed back.
“I’ve done solo hikes in that area a dozen times before.” Her tone was gentle and warm. “I’ll be fine, but thank you for worrying.”
My fingers tightened around my cutlery. I wanted to invite myself along so she wouldn’t be alone, but she hadn’t asked anyone to accompany her, and we didn’t have the kind of relationship where I could just offer.
That would be massively overstepping, and there was every chance it would make her uncomfortable.
“If you’re sure,” I said reluctantly.
Now I sounded like a worrywart. Not exactly an attractive trait in a man. Not that I thought there was any possibility of Bailey finding me attractive, anyway.
She was vivacious. Fun and bright. At parties, she was in the middle of the dance floor, while I hung back on the fringes, wishing I was at home with a good book. I had no place thinking about her like that.
Mum cleared her throat. “Kennedy, how is my grandbaby doing?”
I also turned to Kennedy, grateful for the change of subject.
Kennedy swallowed before replying, “Healthy, according to the obstetrician, although my hips have been aching, and the baby keeps kicking my bladder.”
Mum’s expression was sympathetic. “At least it’s only another two months.”
“Although you’ve got to go through labor first,” Toby muttered, then grunted when someone—Liam, I assumed—kicked him under the table.
Kennedy paled slightly but tried to smile. “We have a plan. Besides, the ache means that my body is making more room for them, which will make the birth easier, right?”
I wasn’t going to point out that no birth could be considered easy. She already knew that. She was trying to reassure herself.
“Of course,” Grace said, cuddling Finn to her chest. “Our bodies are incredible, and trust me, you won’t regret a moment of the pregnancy or birth when you hold your baby for the first time.”
Bailey bounced out of her chair and reached for Finn. “Can I? I haven’t had my baby snuggles yet today.”
Grace handed Finn over. Bailey held him naturally in a way that made it clear she had experience with babies and cooed at him. Her smile lit up her whole face, and my heart yearned to see her holding her own baby.
Our baby.
She would make a wonderful mother.
Get a hold of yourself. That’s never going to happen.
I looked away because at least that way it was more difficult to imagine how perfect she would look with our son or daughter in her arms.
I tried to keep my distance for the remainder of brunch, but when we all walked out to our cars, I made a point to stroll alongside her.
“Good luck with your hike.” I again resisted the urge to invite myself to join her.
She swept her silky black hair over her shoulder. “Thanks. I’m looking forward to it.”
As she got into her car and I climbed into mine, I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like if I had the chance to be with her.
Would I be invited on those hikes without it being considered odd? Would she tell her obsessed fans that she was unavailable?
Stop dreaming, Max. This is real life. You’re not the kind of guy who gets the girl.