Page 23 of Reforming Hunt
She seemed surprised, and then she shot him a saucy look. “It’s interesting you say that. I’ve heard your philosophy on women is quite different than the one you have for children. It appears you’re allergic to romantic relationships.”
“Ouch,” he said, and forced a grin. It was the first time that sort of comment stung coming from someone other than his brothers.
“Good thing I didn’t let things go anywhere the night I met you,” she said.
He frowned. What was that supposed to mean? “I’m a nice guy.”
She huffed out a breath. “I’m sure you’re a good person. And you’ve been kind to Noah. But nice guys commit to women they care for.”
She had him spinning in circles. What was she talking about? “Maybe I haven’t met the right woman?”
She waved him off and took a large gulp of her drink. The mule, if he wasn’t mistaken. “That’s what they all say.”
He’d been called a player. Many times. But for some reason, he didn’t like the implication from her. “Some guy treated you wrong, and now you hate all men?”
She glared at him, and his balls shriveled up.
Damn.Note to self: Abby had a scary evil eye.
“Why are women called man haters when they call out bad behavior from men? I don’t hate men. I have a son, for goodness’ sake. But men get away with too much, and women are held accountable.”
“So you were treated like crap by someone.”
She sighed, and her evil eye softened. “Trevor, Noah’s dad, was a good guy. He never cheated on me. But he was irresponsible.”
“He didn’t marry you after you got pregnant.”
Her shoulders tensed. “No… Yes… It was more than that. He thought he had all the time in the world to marry me, set up a trust. It turns out he didn’t.”
Hunt could imagine. The woman was working herself to the bone to take care of Noah. Not to mention the things she’d told him about Noah’s grandparents. Noah’s father hadn’t thought ahead.
People probably believed Hunt irresponsible too, but they’d be wrong. If Hunt ever had a kid, he’d take care of his son, full stop. He wouldn’t leave things to chance the way Noah’s father had. “Don’t blame all men for one man’s mistake.”
She rolled her eyes. “I don’t think about men, let alone take the time to put blame on ones I hardly know.”
“You sure about that?”
Her gaze darted to the bar, where Maria was talking to a decent-looking dude. “I should get going. Noah’s grandparents canceled at the last minute, and I had to find a new sitter. I want to make sure Noah fell asleep okay.”
It was early, according to Hunt’s standards. And this was why he avoided moms. They had responsibilities he wasn’t ready for. He’d be a good dad when the time came, but now? No way could he picture that.
Hunt lifted his chin. “You haven’t even eaten your food.”
Abby glanced at the bar where the food was sitting in front of Maria. “I’ll take it home.” She stood, and he did too. She wrung her hands. “Hunt, I appreciate you being kind to Noah, but I’d prefer it if you didn’t get too close.”
The fuck? “Noah’s a good kid, and he’s been at the club for a while. It’s natural I’d know him better than the other children, but I treat him like I do all the kids.”
She sent him a look.
“Well, mostly.”
“If it’s all the same, I don’t want him getting too attached,” she said. “It would hurt him if you suddenly weren’t around.”
He stepped closer, sensing the electricity that ignited when he did. Sparks flying between their bodies the way they had at Blue Casino, and every other time he’d been in proximity to this woman. He’d felt none of that when Carrie was sprawled all over his lap. But Abby was a foot away and he wanted to break past the electrical current and pull her to his chest. “Where is this coming from? I’m not going anywhere.”
She tucked that stubborn lock of hair behind her ear. “Maybe not. I don’t know. But now that I’m aware of your reputation, I think it’s best.”
Anger spiked. “For whom? Noah? Or is it best for you?”
