Page 58 of Shades of You

Stella turned to me, her expression growing serious. “Speaking of relationships, how does Brenna’s family feel about you two being together?”

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, avoiding her gaze. “She hasn’t told them yet.”

Gabe and Evan exchanged a look, and Maia cocked her head. “Really? Why not?”

I shrugged, feeling defensive. “I don’t know. She just hasn’t gotten around to it.”

Gabe leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Or maybe she’s worried about how you’ll be received.”

I bristled at his words, even though I knew he was right. “Look, I’m only telling you guys about it now, so I can’t get pissed at her for not telling her family.”

Stella sighed, her expression softening. “Hunter, I know this is new for you. But if you and Brenna are serious about each other, you’re going to have to face this eventually.”

Gabe sprawled back in his chair. A slow smile rose on his face, instantly alerting me. “Maybe it’s time to invite Brenna over for a friendly family dinner.”

I groaned, imagining the awkwardness, verging on horror, of that scenario. “That’s thelastthing she needs right now.”

Laughter rang around the table. I joined in, trying to shake off the unease that had settled over me. But deep down, I knew Gabe was right. If I wanted this relationship with Brenna to work, we needed to test the waters of this supposed feud and see what was really there.

As the laughter died down, our conversation returned to next week’s championship game. I pictured myself in the batter’s box, staring down the Barracudas’ ace. I glanced around the table at my brothers and sisters, and a swell of gratitude rolled through me at their support. Including Evan.

As the night wore on and the beer flowed, I let myself get swept up in the excitement of the moment. But in the back of my mind, I knew there were bigger battles ahead. Battles that had nothing to do with baseball and everything to do with the wounds of the past.

And I couldn’t help but wonder if I was ready to face them.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Brenna

Siesta Sunset Resortresembled a painted postcard as I pulled into the sandy parking lot, the seafoam green buildings gleaming under the midday sun. Plumeria trees swayed in the breeze, and the salty tang of the ocean filled my lungs as I stepped into the humid air.

After climbing a few stairs leading to a light-blue building, I walked through the open-air lobby, my flip-flops echoing on the tile. Comfy furniture with bright floral cushions was clustered in cozy seating areas. At the front desk, Harper grinned and waved me over, her golden-brown curls bouncing.

“Hey, baby sis!” she chirped, leaning over the polished teak counter to wrap me in a tight hug. Her usual cloud of coconut-scented sunscreen enveloped me too. “What brings you around today?”

“Just wanted to say hi.” I shrugged, tracing the mosaic of sea glass embedded in the countertop. The truth was I wanted to know if the Dove Key rumor mill had kicked inyet. I trusted that Ben had kept quiet about Hunter and me, but after our PDAs on Main Street, I was curious to see how the old homestead received our new relationship.

“Uh-huh. Hi yourself.” Harper arched one shaped brow. “You sure there isn’t anything else you want to tell me? Like maybe about your love life?”

And there it is.

My stomach lurched. “What about my love life?”

“Missy’s cousin swore she spotted you locking lips with Hunter Markham the other night. At Rousseau’s, of all places.”

I groaned inwardly. Missy’s cousin had a bigger mouth than a grouper, but it had to come out sometime, right? I met Harper’s guarded gaze. “It’s true. Hunter and I are seeing each other.”

She deflated before me, and alarm flitted over her face. “Come on, Bren. Hunter Markham? That man is trouble with a capital T. I saw him running the other morning and could hardly believe my eyes. Sure, he’s hot as a habanero, but he’s been a complete mystery for years. And what we have heard isn’t good.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t believe everything you hear,” I shot back. “People change.”

“Sometimes. But he’s still a Markham.”

Frustration welled that I couldn’t deny that, even if I thought the point was stupid. “So what? He’s also one of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever known. And I’ve known him a long time.”

Harper folded her arms on the counter and leaned forward. “I don’t want to see you get hurt again, not after Knox?—”

“I know,” I cut her off tersely. The last thing I needed was a reminder. “But Hunterisn’t Knox.”

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