Page 16 of Reforming Hunt
Yes, he loved women. Yes, he wanted to protect them and make them happy. But he’d never put himself out there the way he was right now. Not since Lisa.
Nearly a cool decade had passed since he’d fallen in love with Levi’s girlfriend when Hunt was only a senior in high school. After that monstrous shitstorm, Hunt hadn’t had a good enough reason to be protective over anyone.
It was the kid. Hunt wanted Noah to be safe and secure, and in order to do that, Noah’s mother needed support, that was all.
This was a bad idea, but he couldn’t stop himself. He was going to do what he could for Noah and Abby, no matter the consequences.
Hunt stretched his neck and let out a harsh sigh while he watched Noah and his mother exit the club.
His brothers didn’t think him capable of caring for someone other than himself—nor did anyone else, for that matter—but hewascapable.
Once Abby had told him about the vise grip Noah’s grandparents had on her son, Hunt had been furious. Oh, he hadn’t shown it at the time, but he waspissed.
How dare anyone take a child from his mother? A good mother, no less. Sure, she didn’t always pick up Noah on time, but it was clear she loved him. Hunt saw the way Abby looked at Noah, saw the love that glowed between boy and mother. The vision was so damned endearing that it had nearly caused him to shed a tear.Nearly.Let’s not get crazy. Hunt had been raised by his raucous brothers; he’d rather break a pinky finger than show that kind of emotion.
Speaking of his raucous brothers, Hunt went in search of them. They had a standing date for beers every week, typically in the Fireside Lounge at the club, but tonight they were going Mexican. Over the last few years, significant others joined them, which initially bothered Hunt. He realized now that the ladies offered better advice and were good to have around.
“You want to do what?” Levi said, his deep voice rumbling like thunder an hour later.
Hunt reached for a tortilla chip and dipped it into the extra-spicy salsa from the club’s Mexican restaurant. “Free enrollment for Noah. A special exception.”
Levi looked at Emily, his girlfriend and head manager at the club, as though saying, “Are you listening to this?”
“Hunt,” Emily said gently, “what happened?”
Hunt chewed his chip and took a gulp of one of the restaurant’s massive margaritas, complete with mini-bottles of Corona upside down on the rim. “His mom can’t afford it anymore, and I think we should have a scaled payment plan.” He shot a glare at his brother. “Not every kid grows up the way we did. We’d be dicks to only allow in kids who could afford our higher-than-average pricing.”
Levi scratched his stubbly chin. “Fair enough. But we can’t afford to give every kidfreetuition. Scaled is one thing, but free? That wouldn’t be fair to the parents who pay.”
Hunt leaned back, considering. He shrugged. “I’ll pay for it.”
Levi looked at their brothers this time, all of whom had been quiet since Hunt had brought up Noah and his mother.
“What?” Hunt said.
Adam cleared his throat. “It’s a little odd, is all. You taking such interest in a kid. Or—anyone.”
Typical. People always underestimated him. Especially his brothers.
“Not odd at all,” Hunt said patiently. “I enjoy hanging out with the kids at the club. Noah just happens to need my help, and I don’t want to see him suffer. His mom’s got shit going on with her in-laws. Well, technically not in-laws. She was never married to Noah’s father, and Noah’s father passed away years ago. The point is, she’s a single mom doing her best, and I want to make sure she’s supported—that Noah’s supported,” he clarified.
Bran pointed. “That’s the part that throws me. You’ve never wanted a girlfriend. Well, not since… Anyway, you haven’t gotten serious about a woman in years, and now you want to take care of this mom and her kid?”
“Not take care of her. I want to help Noah.” Okay, he wanted to help Abby too, but saying as much put stupid thoughts in his brothers’ minds.
“Interesting,” Wes said.
“What do you mean, ‘interesting’?” Hunt glared and leaned back.
“Oh, nothing. Justinteresting.”
Hunt swiped his hands down his face. Why were his brothers being so difficult? This was no big deal. “You assholes have been hounding me about my shallow hookupsfor years, and now, when I show an interest in helping out a small family in need, you’re the shallow assholes. What gives?”
“Ignore them,” Kaylee said, holding Harlow in her arms as the baby played with her hair. “I like it, Hunt.” She looked at the others. “Noah really is a sweet kid. Everyone at Club Kids has gotten the impression things aren’t easy for him at home. Now we know why. I’m all for helping him.” She smiled at Hunt.
Finally.Someone with some sense.
“Plus,” Kaylee said, “Noah’s mom is pretty. I can see why Hunt likes her.”
