Page 46 of Bargain with the Bachelor
Other voices came from around the room, supporting the statement and encouraging Kristal to stay.
“Pleasedon’t leave.” Hap clasped his hands dramatically. “Ireallycan’t re-casttwo of you.”
Some of the blustery wind left Reid’s sails. “It’s true.”
He let out a long breath, and when he continued, he did sound repentant. “It isn’t about you. I just… lost it for a minute there. That had nothing to do with you, Kristal.”
Turning to Hap, he said, “But I do need to be spending more time in Providence. I’ve been doing a lot online and by phone, but it’s my company—I’ve got to start putting in more face-time.”
Reid held up his hand with two fingers extended. “Two weeks. Okay? Two more weeks… and then I’m out of here.”
Looking around the room at all our housemates, he said, “No offense guys. I love you, but I’m not good company for anybody these days.” Then he turned to Kristal. “I’m sorry. Really. I shouldn’t have said that.”
She nodded, still looking as if she was on the verge of tears. “Okay.”
It definitelywasn’tokay, and I had a lot more to say to my longtime friend about it, but here in front of everyone wasn’t the place. I put a hand on Reid’s shoulder, squeezing hard.
“I was about to grab a beer and sit out on the terrace. Want to join me?”
He met my eyes, understanding from my look and tone it wasn’t a request but astrongsuggestion.
Reid grimaced. “Sure. Sounds good.”
I shot Kristal a quick glance that held a one-word promise—later—then steered Reid toward the back door where a beverage cooler and some serious straight talk awaited.
Chapter Thirteen
Like Siblings
Kristal
As soon as Reid and Hunter stepped outside, the entire room seemed to sigh in relief.
I looked around, feeling more awkward and uneasy than I had on my first day here.
Was there any truth to what Reid had said? Had I caused problems in the house? The thought of it made my stomach cramp.
Smiling as if nothing at all unusual had happened, Josh got up and walked toward me. “There’s pizza in the kitchen if you’re hungry. I’m going back for seconds.”
“More like thirds,” Hap corrected.
“Want me to get you a plate?” Josh asked.
“Oh. No… thanks. I’m just going to heat up a microwave dinner and take it upstairs. I need to shower, and then I’m going to turn in early. I have to work the breakfast and lunch shift tomorrow.”
As I moved past him, Hap’s hand tapped my arm, stopping me. He spoke in a low voice. “Don’t listen to Reid. He’s a bonehead. Everybody likes having you here—includingHunter.”
I tried to read his loaded, raised-brow expression. “Are you sure?”
“Of course,” Hap said. “You’re like a sister to us all. Sometimes siblings fight, but in the end, you’re still family.”
I nodded and walked away, eager to get my food and retreat to the privacy of my room where I could think. I truly hoped I wasn’t the source of some sort of rift between the guys.
I’d grown to care for all of them. Hunter most of all. The thought that my presence might somehow hinder his new company’s growth or upset his long-standing friendships tore me up inside.
What was it Reid had said?You’ve got him so twisted up he doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going.
What did that even mean? If he was suggesting Hunter was hung up on me, he was dead wrong. Since I’d moved in, Hunter had acted like nothing but a friend.
