Off Limits (Secrets Kept 1)

Talk about trying to be a martyr. “Don’t do that. Don’t take the blame for this as if you’re some kind of monster who doesn’t care about anyone else’s feelings. You’re the one who never gets considered by him.” I pointed to Grant, who ignored me.

“You made your choice, and now it’s time for me to make mine. Let’s go, Nora.” Grant turned and went for the door.

“Grant, don’t make any rash decisions,” Nora entreated. Grant didn’t answer, just opened the door and walked out. “I’m sorry. I know you didn’t mean for this to happen, and of course I want you happy, but you have to understand how hard this is for everyone.”

“Which includes Hutch,” I said.

His hand trembled in mine. “It’s okay, Mom.”

“I’ll talk to him. I’ll get him to come around. Just give him some time, okay?” She moved closer, and Hutch let go of me to hug her. “Give him some time,” she said again, but we all knew Grant. There was no changing his mind.

“I know. I will. It’ll work out. You should go after him and make sure he’s okay, and then…maybe call Maddy? I don’t want her to be alone.”

But it was okay if he was. It was so typical of Hutch to put everyone above himself.

Nora kissed his cheek. “I love you, honey.” She followed Grant, closing the door.

“Jesus, come here.” I weaved my arms around Hutch, holding him close. His face was in my neck, his breath hot against my skin.

Dad said, “Grant is stubborn. I know it’s not an excuse, but your grandfather…he was never very nice to him. He was extremely hard on him, borderline abusive, if I’m being honest. Grant was never very good at emotions except with Nora, and then Maddy, but he does love you. He very much subscribes to that macho mindset, and he puts his own insecurities on you. I promise you he loves you.”

I’d almost forgotten they were there. I appreciated Dad trying to help, though, that he was kind enough to support Hutch.

“That’s not a free pass for how Grant treats him,” I said just as Hutch replied with, “I know he loves me, but thank you for saying it.”

“Of course,” Dad replied.

Mom sighed. “You two don’t do anything the easy way, do you?”

“This is so fucking ridiculous,” Kinsley said, turning to our parents. “I can’t with the grudges you guys hold. Grant is bad, but you two aren’t innocent either. The way you went about the business was shady. If you all would have just been adults years ago, none of this would have happened. I’m pretty sure we’re about to have a plague on both our houses or some shit.” She winked at me.

“Do you have to be so crude?” Mom asked.

Kinsley just rolled her eyes, then told us, “I’m happy for you both. You make a great couple. I’m sorry your dad is a dick, Hutch, and I hope Maddy can get past this. She doesn’t deserve to be hurt, but regardless of what anyone thinks, intent matters. You didn’t try to hurt her. You’re in love, and asking the two of you to walk away from that is a bigger crime than the rest of it.” When no one said anything, Kinsley added, “Hint, hint, Mom and Dad.”

“We’re supportive,” Dad replied. “I’m not gonna lie and say this will be simple…or even that I don’t wish it was someone other than Hutch. But it’s not, so we deal with it.”

“Deal with it? Nice. My relationship is something to deal with. What the hell is wrong with us?”

“You know what I meant,” Dad replied. “But ultimately, even if it is with a Hutchinson, what I want is for my children to be happy.”

Without looking, I knew Hutch flinched.

“He didn’t mean…” Mom started.

“I know,” Hutch replied. “But it’s reality. Thank you for coming and for being supportive, but if you’ll excuse me, I need a moment.” He walked to the bedroom and closed the door, without as much as a glance at me.

“Fuck.” I ran a hand through my hair.

“How…?” Kinsley asked.

“We started talking online. We hit it off. We talked for weeks, almost daily without knowing who the other was.”

“Wow…that’s some destiny shit right there. Maybe this is one of those things where Hutch and Ryder’s love bridges the divide between two warring families and brings peace to the land.”

“It’s not a joke, Kinsley,” Dad scolded.

“You’re right, just absolutely ridiculous that it matters.” She rolled her eyes again.

“I can’t go back and forth with you guys right now. It is what it is, and whatever happens, I’m going to be by his side. I need to go and check on him. Thanks for being…you.” Because again, while I knew they didn’t love my being with Hutch, they would accept it and support me.