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“I don’t think so. But, like you said earlier, they won’t mind.”
“None of us will mind a bit. It might cramp your bachelor style, having a kid underfoot.”
Ryan scowls, staring down at his untouched beer.
“What is it?”
“Nothing.”
“Come on.” I sit on a stool at the island the size of Massachusetts and grin at him. “Talk. Tell Uncle Chase everything.”
“You’re an idiot,” he says with a half laugh and then sets the bottle on the counter and crosses his arms over his chest. “It’s really nothing. I’ve been kind of interested in a woman here in town, but it doesn’t look like that’ll pan out.”
“Who?” I narrow my eyes at him, mind whirling, wondering who it could be. “Spill it.”
“It doesn’t matter now. You just pointed out that I have a kid; I can’t be canoodling with a woman.”
“I mean, I think you can find the time to canoodle if you put your mind to it, and you’re a fairly intelligent guy. Who is she?”
He sighs. “This stays in this kitchen, Chase. I mean it.”
“Who am I gonna tell?”
He stares at me as if to say, “Really?”
“Okay, I won’t tell. I promise. I’m a vault. Who’s the broad?”
“Would you be okay with me calling Summer a broad?”
“For fuck’s sake, Ry, just tell me.”
“Polly.” He swallows hard, shakes his head, and reaches for the bottle again, and I stare at him in shock.
Of all the women in town, she might be the last person I would have guessed. Not because she isn’t pretty or smart or even successful. But she’s not the type that’s usually photographed on Ryan’s arm. He usually goes for the super tall, super blonde, super…model type. Polly can’t be five feet two in her sneakers, and she’s got curves for days. Not to mention her fiery red hair. She’s just the opposite of what Ryan’s known to date.
“I hear what you’re thinking, you know.”
“I didn’t say a word.”
“You don’t have to.” He takes a pull on the bottle and sets it aside. “She’s smart and funny, and she…well, it doesn’t matter. I have other things on my mind.”
“Let the dust settle,” I suggest, but then the hair on the back of my neck stands up. “Whoa. You already slept with her.”
His eyes whip up to mine, and he doesn’t deny it.
“You did.”
“We’re both consenting adults, so I don’t think we broke any laws or anything. At least, not in this state.” His grin is smug and satisfied, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Yeah, let the dust settle, then see what’s what. Polly’s great.”
My phone pings with a text, and I glance down to see Summer’s name.
Summer: We’re done here! I’m going to drop these flowers off at the shop so they stay cold. Charlie wants them for a wedding tomorrow. Then I’ll be home.
“Looks like the girls are finished with their first meeting,” I inform my brother as I type out my reply.
Me: Just drive safely. Need anything?
