Page 92 of Facing the Line

I open the door, then blink to school my features. “You’re not my GrubHub delivery.”

“I’m happy to say I’m not!” Natalie laughs, staring up at Hunter. She smiles wide, perfectly at ease in a simple black sundress.

He slings his arm around her shoulders, stretching his burgundy Wolves polo across his chest. “She’s officially retired from that.”

“This is an unexpected surprise.” I swallow as anxiety makes my heart beat faster. “What’s up?”

I open the door wider to the apartment, ushering them in, because what else can I do?

“We came to visit Natalie’s family and thought we’d swing by and see you and Hadley.” Hunter clears his throat and adjusts the collar of his shirt. “After she had to leave early, I wanted to check on her, make sure she was okay.”

“Oh, um, yeah, that’s awesome.” I run my hand through my sweaty hair. “We got back from a run a few minutes ago and ordered dinner. Mad Max. Wanna join us?”

Natalie’s eyes dart around the apartment, and Hunter pats his stomach. “Mad Max? Of course.”

“It should, uh, be here soon. Let me check.” A fine tremor makes my fingers shake as I pull out my phone. It’s a flimsy excuse, but I use the opportunity to text Hadley.

Jonas: Your brother is here. And Natalie. It’s cool but I wanted to let you know.

I hear a buzz. Her phone, lighting up on the kitchen counter. So much for giving her a heads-up.

Hunter walks farther into the apartment, raises a brow at the lack of furniture in the living room, and settles on a stool at the counter. “So, how was your time in Boston?”

“It was fine.” I shrug, not sure what to say. “We didn’t get to see any sights, but I think Marissa is recovering well.”

“It was sweet of you to go with Hadley and help,” Natalie says, leaning against Hunter.

“Yeah, you didn’t have to give up the rest of your vacation like that.” Hunter gives me an appraising glance.

“Just being a good friend. And getting some experience. It was like a real-life clinical.” I laugh. It sounds a little forced to my ears, but Hunter’s expression relaxes, and my tension ratchets down a notch, too.

Maybe we can pull this off. Maybe they won’t suspect. I mean, I wouldn’t care if they found out—I’d tell everyone—butit’s important to Hadley to keep things under wraps, so it’s important to me.

“How was the rest of the family event?” I ask, trying to shift the subject.

“Good.” Hunter nods, frowning. “I was sad to miss the fireworks with Hadley, though. It was our tradition, of sorts. Is she around?”

“Oh, um, yeah.” I guess I didn’t tell him when he arrived. “She’s just?—”

“Jonas?” Her voice carries through the apartment, and I try to send her telepathic messages.

Your brother is here. Do not say anything to imply I’ve ever seen you naked.

But telepathy does not work.

“I had to shower by myself. Why didn’t you join me? What gives?” She appears in the hallway, wrapped in a white towel. Her wet hair drips onto her collarbone, and her mouth drops open. “Hunter! Natalie. What are you doing here?”

Hunter stands, knocking over the stool. His hands fist at his side, and he glowers. “What the hell, Hadley? Why would Jonas be joining you in the shower?”

Chapter

Forty-One

HADLEY

“Um, I didn’t know we had company. I’m going to throw on some clothes and?—”

“I think you have some explaining to do.” Hunter cuts me off, eyes flashing, and takes a step closer.

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