Jack nods. “Couldn’t agree more.”
“Well.” I lower my head, deeply grateful for having this contact in my friend and family circle. “I appreciate all your help.”
“You’re very welcome. Let me know if you need help with anything else. I’m just a phone call away.”
Noah walks over to us. “How do you feel about defamation?”
Jack tilts his head but doesn’t react otherwise. “It’s not my main field, but I could manage it, or refer you to someone else if needed.”
Noah nods, appearing satisfied with that answer. “Do you have another few minutes, or do you need to get back home?”
Shit, I didn’t even think about having taken this man out of bed and away from his family in the middle of a Sunday night.
Jack’s gaze goes from Noah to me. “I can stay if you need me.”
“Shouldn’t take long.” Noah looks at me. “You want everyone to see the video?”
“Sure.” I shrug because for one, they’ll all probably see it anyway. And second, I was going to tell them about everything that happened anyhow.
Noah tips his head toward the sectional and picks up the TV remote to find the video on the online app. When he finds it, he sits on the corner of the couch, and we all stare at the screen. The video starts in the dim hallway at the bar. My back is to the camera, so the person filming was somewhere behind me.
Asshole.
The same frustration as last night rushes through me as I watch everything happen again.
Jace leans forward, as if the few extra inches will actually help him see better. “Pause it for a second.”
What’s gotten into him? “What is it?”
He glances between me and the screen a few times. “Is that Harper?”
I frown. “You know Harper?”
“Really? Of course I know Harper. You know I’ve trained with Bill forever, and Harper used to visit him over the summer when she was younger.”
A burning sensation ignites in my chest at the knowledge he’s known her for such a long time, and I haven’t. I know it’s irrational, but I can’t help it.
It’s because you love her, you idiot.
I lower my head into my hands and rub the back of my head.
I love her.
I really shouldn’t be surprised, it’s not like I didn’t know I was having feelings for her for a while now.
And now she’s on the other side of the country and I can’t reach her.
Shit.
Hunter blows out a loud breath. “I’m lost. What’s going on, and who’s Harper?”
Noah opens his mouth, but I beat him to it. “I met Harper on New Year’s in New York, and she’s Coach Martin’s daughter, but I only found out last night. That’s what the video is about.”
“Ouch.” Hunter grimaces. He’s never one to hold back.
“Yup. She’s also pregnant.”
Hunter and Jace both rear back with identical wide eyes and open mouths.