Hale: A Single Dad Sports Romance (Hale Brothers)

At eight a.m., I stretch under the blanket. I slept like an angel, and now I feel rested and full of energy. Since we arrived in Minorca, I’ve barely done anything. This little vacation is a welcome break from my routine, and I’m trying to enjoy it to the fullest.

I toss the covers aside and walk to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The view is magnificent. The Mediterranean Sea is clearly visible from my room, and the blend of turquoise and azure hues makes it impossible to look away. The pines surrounding it only add to the picturesque and unique atmosphere. I’ve never been to Europe before, and I had no idea what to expect. Now? I’m in love. I’m enjoying every second of my time, not only because of the people I’m with, but because of my surroundings. Cala en Turqueta caught me off guard, and I won’t be able to forget it anytime soon. If ever.

With a smile on my lips, I go to the bathroom. I hope I’m the first to wake up, because I want to cook breakfast for everyone. Willow has been doing it every morning since we got to this villa four days ago. I want to show my appreciation for Hale’s family…and for Hunter especially. The man is so deep under my skin, there isn’t a minute in which I’m not thinking about him. He’s everywhere I go and everything I see. He’s all I want, and I’m grateful his parents are with us. Or not. Sometimes I hate it. One stolen kiss in the middle of our first night is nothing compared to how much time we spend together at his house in LA. My need for him is only growing, just like my self-control is slowly disappearing.

Leaving my room, I go to the kitchen. The villa Hunter rented is quiet and peaceful, and I move as silently as possible. I don’t want to wake anyone up. But the second I open the door, I know I’m too late. Willow is sitting at the table with a book in her hands and a plate of pancakes in front of her. Hesitating, I step into the room.

“Good morning, Piper.” Willow puts her book on the table and takes her mug in her hands.

“Good morning.” I come closer and lower myself onto the chair across from her. “I didn’t think anyone would be up yet.”

“I’ve always been an early riser, no matter where I go,” she says, taking a sip. “I made coffee, if you want some. And pancakes. Go grab a mug and a plate so you can eat.”

“Thank you.” I stand up and quickly pour myself some coffee. The aroma is strong and awakening, but there’s no cream and it tastes bitter. It’s not how I usually take it. Not how Hunter loves it either. My stomach twists in annoyance with myself. Yes, my breakfast plan failed, but that doesn’t mean I have to be a bitch about it. “Any plans for the day?” I ask.

“I don’t know. Colin wants to visit Ciutadella, and I’ve been thinking about taking Story with us.” She gives me a little smile as I sit down. “She’s been spending way too much time with you on the beach. I want her to explore, to see the history of these old buildings and beautiful streets.”

“Sounds good. I’ve been telling her the same. There’s so much we haven’t seen on the island, and we’ll be leaving soon. If you need my help to convince her, I can do that with ease.” I put three pancakes on my plate and dig in.

“That would be great. Thank you, Piper.” Willow becomes serious in an instant. “I’m going to take this opportunity, since it’s just us. I know there’s something going on between you and my son.”

Holding her gaze, I chew my pancake with intentional slowness. I don’t show a single emotion, just keep my face straight. After swallowing my food, I pick up my coffee and take a sip.

“I’m his daughter’s nanny.”

She looks down for a moment, then looks back up at me. “Why is his daughter’s nanny on vacation when she’s clearly not needed?”

“I’ve been with Story⁠—”

“I’m not saying you weren’t with Story. I’m saying there are people here who can look after her, including her own dad. And yet, Hunter insisted on you coming to Spain.” Willow sets her elbows on the table, leaning forward. “I’m not here to judge you, Piper. I’ve known you for a very long time, and I love you dearly. The only reason I decided to bring it up is because I don’t want you to get hurt.”

I’ve lost my appetite, and my mood has plummeted. “No one is going to get hurt.”

“Piper,” she sighs, “my son is not who you think he is. He’s not built for marriage or a committed relationship. His whole world revolves around soccer and Story. There’s no room for anyone else. Trust me.”

“And yet, he was with his ex-wife for eight years.”

“Do you think that was a happy relationship?”

I blink. A nauseating feeling forms in my chest. “I don’t know.”

“I do. The only reason they stayed together for so long is because they were both constantly on the road. A child will never be the glue that holds a family together, no matter how much their parents love them.” Willow stands up and puts her mug into the dishwasher. Then she picks up her book and hovers over me. “Be careful with your heart, Piper.”

She skirts me and heads to the door. I keep my mouth shut until it becomes impossible to stay silent.

“Hayden doesn’t know.”

Willow halts in her tracks, glancing at me. “I’m not going to tell him anything.”

And then she’s gone, leaving me alone in the suddenly cold kitchen. This isn’t how I imagined starting my day. The worst thing? The tiniest part of me thinks it’s already too late. My heart is going to get hurt anyway.

“Where are we going?” Story asks as we climb inside the car. I shrug, shaking my head. I have no clue, and I don’t know why it’s just us. “Daddy?”

“Do you remember Angelo?” Hunter looks at us over his shoulder, and Story nods. “We’re going to dinner with him.”

“Is Cissy here?” Her excitement is visible, while I’m fiddling with the skirt of my dress. Who the hell is Angelo?

“No, sweetie, it’s just Angelo. He had a game, and took the ferry to come here.”

“I love Cissy,” Story whines. Then she turns to look at me. “Angelo is my dad’s best friend. He’s Atlético Madrid’s goalkeeper…right?”

Hunter laughs, and for a moment our eyes lock. If he only knew how much I crave his touch, our intimacy…especially after my talk with his mom, but I prefer to keep things professional. For everyone’s sake.

“Angelo is indeed my best friend, and he does play for Atlético. I didn’t expect him to come, but I’m not surprised. The guy’s determination is unmatched.”

“Looks like you have a lot in common,” I say, making Hunter snort. Shaking his head, he looks away and starts the engine. “Why did your parents stay home?”

“The trip to Ciutadella exhausted them both. Or maybe it was Story.”

“Dad!” she yelps, folding her arms over her chest. “I didn’t do anything.”

I smile and relax into the seat, listening to their banter. I enjoy spending time with them. Their love for each other is overwhelming, and it makes me feel as if I belong, as if I’m a part of their little family…even if, in reality, I’m just the nanny.

A tall guy with jet-black hair stands up from his chair as soon as we enter the small, secluded restaurant. He has deep brown eyes, a little beard, and a radiant smile. His booming voice fills the whole space. “Hale!”

“Hola, Angelo,” Hunter greets him, stepping closer and hugging him tightly. They talk briefly in Spanish, and I’m mesmerized listening to his voice. Deep and penetrating, incredibly melodic. Heat ignites in my lower abdomen, and I’m instantly back in his room, in his bed, our bodies tangled. My memories are flooding my mind, and my cheeks warm up. I shift, crossing my legs at my ankles. Not the place for that, Piper.

“Story, oh my God! Such a beautiful girl.” Angelo steps aside and bends down to Story. She’s smiling, letting him take her into his arms. “Cissy was asking about you. I promised to bring her with me next time.”

“You should’ve brought her with you now. I love spending time with your daughter.”

“I know, I know. We’re going to visit you in LA as soon as the season is over. I can’t wait to see your new home,” he reassures her, and then shifts his gaze to me. Dilated pupils and a dropped jaw indicate his surprise, as if he’s finally noticed me. “Hunter?”

“Oh, right. Angelo, this is Piper, Story’s nanny.”

“Story’s nanny…” he echoes, glancing between me and his best friend. Setting Story on her feet, he steps to me and kisses me on both cheeks. “It’s very nice to meet you, Piper. I’ve heard a lot about you, so consider me intrigued.”

“It’s very nice to meet you too,” I murmur, smiling at him as he steps back. “I have no idea what you’ve heard about me.”

“Only good things, don’t worry.” And again he glances to Hunter. Does he know about us? Or is it just a suspicion? He keeps his gaze trained on me for a long minute, and then finally looks at his best friend. “Should we order something?”

“Definitely. I’m starving,” Hunter says as we all take our seats at the table.

I’ve been texting with Riley, as she’s preparing for a birthday party at her friend’s house. It should be way easier, but my mind is occupied with all the information I gathered today. It’s consuming and unsetting, and I’m having a hard time letting it go. I need Hunter.

A light knock on my door startles me, and my phone falls to the floor. “Come in.”

The door opens, and Hunter enters my room. He leans against the doorframe, peering at me. “How are you?”

“Good.”

“You looked pensive on the way home.” He narrows his eyes. “Is something bothering you?”

I look back at him without saying anything, then pick up my phone. I stand up and come toward him, but I stop within arm’s reach.

“I miss you.”

Hunter rakes his gaze over my face, then pushes off the doorframe. He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me to his chest. “I miss you too.”

This thing between us…I don’t know why I keep deluding myself. My heart is ready to jump out of my chest anytime he’s near me. The butterflies in my stomach assault me when his hands touch my body. He’s always on my mind and in my dreams. He takes up so much space in my heart, I genuinely wonder if anyone else will fit.

“Is Story asleep?”

“Yeah.” He inches closer, his hot breath fanning over my face.

“What about your parents?” Their room is on the opposite side of the villa, so I have no idea if they’re still up.

“Dad’s in the living room. He’s watching something.” I pout, exhaling loudly in disappointment. “Piper…”

“It’s nice here, but…I miss our time together.”

His deep green eyes darken; his lips hover over mine. “If you only knew how much I want to kiss you, to rip this fucking dress off you and fuck you till you pass out…”

I put my hand on the back of his neck, pulling him to me for a kiss and silencing him. It’s slow and gentle, because all I want is to savor the feeling, to enjoy another stolen moment.

Hunter presses me closer, deepening our kiss. The movements of his tongue grow demanding, daring. He wants more, and I know I won’t say no to him. His hand slides down to my ass, and he lifts the skirt of my dress. A muffled groan scatters all over my lips when he abruptly steps back.

Opening my eyes, I look at him through clouded vision. It was the most honest truth in the world when I told him that I feel high when I’m with him. I don’t want him to leave me alone. I don’t want this night to end, and I’m done playing fair. Being a villain feels great…especially when I’m the one who will suffer in the end.

“Your mom thinks we have something going on,” I mutter, watching him intently. To my surprise, he just shrugs. I open my mouth and then close it again, pinching my brows together. His reaction is pretty obvious. He knows what his mom thinks…and he doesn’t care. But I want him to. I want him to care about it, about us. “She’s afraid someone might get hurt.”

Me. I’ll be hurt when it’s time to say good-bye.

Hunter continues watching me with a calm expression, making me lose my shit. Why is he so calm?

“Let’s go for a ride,” he says.

It’s not a question. Not even a suggestion. It’s a demand, and I obey. “Sure.”