Page 46 of Reforming Hunt
Hunt scanned their casual clothes and wrinkled T-shirts. Didn’t look like they had plans. “You don’t look busy.”
“Some of us like to spend time with our women on the weekend,” Levi said. “What’s your problem, leaving your wife the day after your wedding? Didn’t think you’d be looking for an escape this soon.”
There it was, the judgment. Levi assumed Hunt didn’t take the marriage seriously. He might not be doing it for the normal reasons, but he couldn’t be more serious about caring for Abby and Noah.
Hunt pushed down the anger Levi’s words filled him with and focused on why he’d come. “Have any of you thought about the house and what we’re going to do with it?”
As far as Hunt knew, none of them had set foot inside their family home since their father’s death two years ago. The only person who entered the premises these days was Esther, their father’s old receptionist.
Esther had always maintained their father’s Tahoe mansion while he was alive. Made sense to have her check in on the place every once in a while, in between her “silver dating” life and senior boot camp classes.
“Haven’t thought much about the old place,” Levi said. “Been too busy keeping the resort going. Besides, Esther has things in hand.”
“She says it’s in good shape,” Emily said. “But Esther also told me that it’s pretty outdated. I’ve never personally seen the place.” Emily shot Levi a glare, and Levi’s eyes widened like a deer caught in the headlights.
“What?” Levi said. “That place is haunted, Emily. None of us want to go there.”
“Yeeeah,” Hunt said. “About that. What do you think about fixing it up? Maybe get the old house ready to sell?”
Adam stretched his arms above his head. “I suppose we should sell it. None of us want to live there.”
“Well,” Hunt said. “Maybe one person.”
Adam’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
Hunt needed a respectable place for him and Abby to live with Noah. The lawyer hadn’t said as much, but it made sense for them to live in a home where no one could doubt their financial stability. Abby hadn’t wanted to make any major changes in Noah’s life after the wedding, but there would be weeks before the Cade estate was ready to live in. If there was any house in Lake Tahoe that impressed, it was the Cade mansion, and Hunt wanted to put his best foot forward in case CPS came sniffing around like they had a few weeks ago.
No one hated their family home more than Hunt. The inside was cold as hell. Fortunately, the outside had been Hunt and his brothers’ domain and haven. Their father never cared what they did outside, as long as the inside was pristine for the work associates he entertained.
“If you’re interested in fixing the place up and selling it,” Hunt said, “I could do the remodel. But I’d like to live there with Abby and Noah.” No need to mention why he wanted the house for him and his new wife. His brothers were suspicious enough. If they knew his marriage was a farce to make it look like Abby was providing a solid foundation for her son, his brothers would never trust him again.
Trust was a fragile thing. Once you lost it, it was difficult to build back. Hunt had learned that the hard way.
“I suppose it’s not the worst idea,” Levi said. “As long as Abby doesn’t mind. Could be messy remodeling.”
Hunt leaned his shoulder against the wall. “I’ve considered that. I’d have Lewis do the demo and rough-in first.”
Levi frowned. “You’ve already spoken to Lewis? And he agreed?”
“Well, not exactly.” Construction during Tahoe summers was busy as hell. Which was why Hunt had broached the idea of the remodel with their friend Lewis, who owned Sallee Construction,beforehe brought it up to his brothers. “He’s busy, but one of the projects they were about to work on is being held up in the permit department. He has a waitlist, but he’s willing to put us at the top, if we can start now.”
“No point in holding on to the place if we’re not going to use it,” Bran said, shrugging. “The resort is stable and running efficiently. It’s not a bad idea to tackle this now.”
Levi scowled. “I don’t know.”
Hunt internally groaned. Of course Levi would doubt him.
“I’m game for Hunt to spearhead it,” Bran said, and looked at Wes.
“Game,” Wes agreed from the couch.
Adam checked his watch. “As long as I don’t have to do it, I’m open. Maybe we should hire a decorator for the upgrades, though. I’m not sure I trust Hunt’s taste.”
“First of all,” Hunt said, “I have excellent taste. However, Lewis already put me in touch with a decorator, because I can admit when I’m in over my head.”
“Not always,” Levi mumbled.
Hunt stretched his neck, the tendons popping with the motion. Cool, he needed to remain cool. Leaping across the room to tackle his brother because he was being an ass wouldn’t convince the rest of them that he could do this. But before Hunt could explode all over Levi, Adam saved him.
