She slumped down next to him. “Some people swear their parents are from another planet. Mine really is. I don’t know where that woman is from, but it’s certainly not Earth. I’m sorry she was so rude to you.”
“Haley? I’ve met enough people like Patricia over the years. Including Patricia. Trust me, I’ve heard a lot worse criticism. On national television and right in my face.” He nudged her with his shoulder, setting down his breakfast and rising to his feet. He returned with the paper bag and the coffee he’d poured for her.
“Thanks.” She snorted, “At least I know she won’t tell anyone.”
“If it helps, she’s never liked me. I’m sure she’d reconsider if she saw my bank account. Although I’m no longer the middle-class kid that distracted her son from whatever shit she’d enrolled him in, but instead as a hedonist athlete, I’d rather not win her over with practical financial investments and a pristine background check, maybe a few personal references from old girlfriends.”
“Oh god no, that would make it so much worse. She’d drive right over and demand you propose on the spot. After she convinced you to take some job on SportsCenter or something glamorous.” She took a testing sip of coffee, realizing it was already cold, she converted that to a huge gulp. “I don’t think she realizes her stiff expectations and snobbery are part of what drove me right to the repressed adulthood I’d let myself settle for. What wouldyourmother say, finding you half naked in some married woman’s desolately unfurnished house?”
“First, it’s not desolate at all; it’s got promise. Second, it’s not your fault you’re still married. Third, she’d undoubtedly meddle a bit. Must be a mom thing. Not that Pops isn’t known to meddle now and again.”
Meddle.Sure.Popswasprobably watching the driveway already, waiting for the report. He’d try really, really hard to not turn on his GPS locator Finn had actually appreciated, spending so many years on the road. It was nice to have someone know where he was.
Nah, he probably turned it on halfway through his coffee. Nosy man.
Finn probably should head home. He had to work tonight. Instead, he indulged.
Pushing to his feet, he crumpled up their breakfast wrappers and did a quick tidy of the kitchen. Last night, after they’d finally gotten around to dinner—actually, a pretty great meal of roasted veggies and walnuts with chicken—they’d cleaned up their mess and left the kitchen spotless. The countertop was still a hideous pink tile, and the cabinets were sturdy but outdated. She’d already done all the floors in the house, painted the main rooms.
“What’s your plan next? Furniture soon or the kitchen?”
Haley joined him, topping off her coffee and scanning the great room. “I would love to do the kitchen, but I need a place to sit. I had no idea it was possible to live with so little. But, the limited distractions have helped with my productivity. I’m officially months ahead on my posts.”
“Need help with anything?”
“Most of the living room furniture should arrive Monday, and I’ll piece it together in a few arrangements for the blog.”
“Don’t forget the vlog.”
She blushed, biting her cheek. “I don’t know. I’ve been working on it, but I feel silly. The blog is so anonymous, but a vlog… that’s all me.”
“I’m sure it’s great. It’s damn hard to decorate a place. People will appreciate some sound advice and classy ideas.”
“Maybe. I’m going to do some creative edits before I upload anything. For now, I’m keeping the bulk of my focus on the blog.”
“Can I see what you’re working on?”
“Now?”
“Yeah. The blog. You ended your last post with a cliffhanger. Will the bathroom paint stay dark or dry to a spa-like finish?” He grinned, loving watching her reaction. She’d doubted he’d actually follow, but it was actually entertaining, full of humor and creativity.
“Who’s stalking who?” She grabbed her laptop from her purse and set it on the countertop. At his side, she pulled up her unfinished post and stepped back, holding the coffee cup in front of her mouth. Watching his reaction.
So put-together, positive… he was beginning to suspect she worked damn hard to either hide or overcome her insecurities. Maybe she got it from Patricia, that need to make things look composed on the outside, or maybe it was from being the perfect housewife for years… or maybe she was just plain tough and didn’t let things get to her.
At the top of the page, she had a high-definition wooden banner with pink flowers scattered across, her blog name at the top. Scrolling down, he found links by category and a crisp, colorful lead-in to the latest post. He scrolled down and was brought to a fucking fantastic pic, a side view of her standing in front of ripped up flooring and a half-painted blue wall with a huge blue smudge on her cheek, her adorable lopsided that was laced with ornery.
He knew she loved her work, and it showed. Part of him wanted to rage and fly down to San Francisco and kick Nate’s ass through the uprights. Haley was smart and bright and creative… yet she’d dropped out of college because it hadn’t worked with Nate’s schedule. Fucking asshole. It’s not that she needed college to prove anything, but the fact that the asshole hadn’t considered her future as important as his…
Jaw clenched tight, he heard that familiar squeak that told him to calm the fuck down before he cracked a damn molar. Air heavy in his chest, he stepped back. Haley watched his expression, his fury, holding the coffee mug to shield her expression.
Shit. Stepping closer, he hooked his hands into the waistband of her jeans and looked her in the brilliantly blue eyes. “I like your blog. I think your vlog will be fantastic.”
Nodding, she bit her cheek and stiffened.
“Haley?”
“Yeah?”
