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Quinn spoke up. “Hailey, would you feel more comfortable at our place?” he asked with a seemingly casual shrug. “Leo wouldn't know to look for you there. And you'd have the three of us to protect you if he did.”
I nodded. “I actually think that's a great idea.”
She looked at Quinn, then at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“It wouldn't be a problem?” she asked. “I don't want to impose.”
“Not in the least,” Quinn said, taking her hand in his.
He stared deeply into Hailey's eyes, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two in the room.
I cleared my throat and said, “We'd love to have you, Hailey. We have a fourth bedroom that's empty. It used to be our parent's before they moved out. You're more than welcome to stay there.”
I half expected her mother – a conservative woman from the south – to nix the idea immediately. Her daughter staying with three guys? The horror. The scandal around town. But when I looked over at Mrs. Roberts, she was surprisingly, nodding her head.
“I think that sounds like a great idea. You'll be safe there,” she said. “You are such good, kind boys.”
I looked away, remembering that perhaps she shouldn't trust us with her daughter, but Hailey was already on board with the idea. She smiled, wiping away the tears.
“I think it's a great idea,” she said. “At least until Leo gives up and leaves town.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN - CASON
I was in the living room when I heard the door open. Voices pulled me away from the game on TV and made me look, my eyes wide when I heard a female voice. A familiar female voice.
Hopping up from the sofa, I made my way to the foyer to meet Quinn and Bennett – and they weren't alone. Hailey was with them, carrying an overnight bag. I cocked an eyebrow at my brothers, not knowing what in the hell was happening.
“Hey, Cason,” Hailey said, some rosy pink coloring in her cheeks as she looked at me. “Your brothers said I could stay here for a bit.”
“Sure thing,” I said. “Not that I mind. Like, at all. But, any particular reason why?”
Hailey looked down at her feet, and Quinn took her hand, giving it a squeeze. I had an idea already, but I had hoped that I was wrong. After the other night, I thought perhaps Hailey and I might have been developing some chemistry between us. But now, as I looked at her standing with Quinn, I worried that I might have been mistaken about it.
“It's a long story,” Bennett said. “We can explain over dinner, if Hailey is up for it.”
She nodded.
“Let me show you to your room,” Quinn said.
He took Hailey down the hall to our parent's old room. Bennett followed, so I did too. I was confused and had no idea what was going on. So, I wanted to keep an eye on things, hoping there was another explanation to all of this.
“Here you go,” Quinn said, flipping on the light. “Home, sweet home for a little while.”
Our parents hadn't been back to visit in a while. They only came back for major holidays, most of the time expecting us to come visit them in Florida. The room was in pristine condition though, and was still decorated for them. Thankfully, our parents had decent taste in decor.
The walls were a light, powder blue with a white trim. Navy and white bedding made up the Cal-king sized bed, with more pillows than any one person should ever need. An empty dresser, a walk-in closet and private master bath were also at Hailey's disposal.
It was, by far, the best room in the house, and at different times, we'd debate who would move into it. Ultimately though, we kept to our own rooms, since none of us felt right about moving into our parent's space. Even if it did sit empty.
“Wow, this is really nice,” she said. “Better than any hotel room.”
Hailey placed her bag on the bed, and turned to us, her long, dark hair covering her shoulders and face. She wasn't wearing any makeup, yet her skin was so clear and porcelain white. Her green eyes were bright and vivid as she looked at the three of us.
“Dinner is ready,” I said, scratching my chin, still wondering what the hell was going on. “I can put out an extra plate. Didn't actually think Bennett would be here either, but there should be enough.”
“That would be great,” Bennett said. “We can help you setting the table and let Hailey get situated.”
As we left the room, I shut the door and waited until we were down the hallway and weren't likely to be overheard before rounding on my brothers.
