by Wendy Smith
Her eyes are so full of concern, that I can see this is a big thing for her. Of course it is. I’m the first man in her life for four years, and those boys need to know that I love their mother and that I’ll be there for them.
“Hunter, I became a mother at eighteen. I’ve not had a real moment to myself since.” She looks up at the ceiling. “I love my family, but this is my chance to experience so many things I never did without any extra pressure. Maybe I’m being selfish, but I can’t remember falling in love the first time around. I want that.”
As she moves her gaze back to me, I lean in and kiss her softly. “Then that’s what we’ll do. I already feel like I waited my whole life for you. What’s a few extra days.”
Her lips quirk. “Days?”
“Hours. How quickly can I get you to fall in love with me?”
Chloe smiles. “You have no idea what you do to me. It terrifies me but feels so good.”
“Tell me.”
Her lips twitch. “I can’t. It’s embarrassing.”
She laughs as I lean over and nuzzle her neck. “Tell me, Chloe. I want to know everything I do to you.”
“Well, that makes me tingle.”
“Where?”
“Everywhere.”
Her amused expression makes me smile as I raise my head. “Like here?”
I cup her breast, running my thumb across the hardened nipple.
“Uh huh.” She raises her eyebrows.
Sliding my hand down over her stomach, I slip a finger into her pussy. “And what about here?”
“Oh, definitely there.” Her eyes widen and her smile grows. “Oh, yes please.”
I chuckle. “You like that?”
“I like it a lot.” She raises her hand to run her fingers through my beard. “I like you.”
“Then maybe you’ve got a little more time for me to show you how much I like you?”
She reaches up to stroke my cheek. “I’m sure I can squeeze you in.”
I know I’ll wake to an empty bed, but she’s still warm beside me when I fall back asleep.
That’s the last thing I remember.
Fifteen
Chloe
I lie there in his arms until I’m sure he’s asleep.
Staying here would be the easiest thing in the world to do. The thought of being with him was both exhilarating and terrifying, but I conquered my fear and showed him how I felt.
All we need now is time.
My feelings are still confusing, but I know Hunter is who I want to be with.
I slide out of bed and open a drawer. A row of neatly folded shirts greets me, and I grab a button-down plaid shirt and slip it over my head. It’s large and long on me, and covers everything for my journey back home.
After one last look at him, I make my way downstairs, press the button on the back door lock, and sneak out into the night, closing the door behind me.
I shiver, wrapping my arms around myself and take a deep breath of the cool air. I did it. I took the leap I was never sure I would take, and it was so worth it.
He wants more. And I think I do too, but that’s another leap. I want to be decisive and push forward, but I owe it to myself to take my time and be sure. Once, I committed to spending my life with one person. Now, I’m starting again but still want to be able to commit to that. Whether it’s to Hunter or someone else, I want a partner for a lifetime.
I hope it’s Hunter; I want it to be.
Running through the backyard as the morning sun creeps into view feels scandalous. My bikini lies on the ground beside the lounger. I’m still not sure what possessed me to do what I did last night, but I managed to convey my message.
Reaching the inside of the house, I throw my bikini in the washing machine and head upstairs. My alarm’s set for seven and it’s six now, so there’s still a little time for sleep. I’ll go back to bed once I’ve taken the boys to school.
My bed’s cold, and I regret that I left a warm bed for it. I’m not even sure I’ll get any sleep because my heart’s still racing at the thought of our night together.
I’ll admit to mixed feelings because I never thought I’d ever be with anyone else, but for the first time in so long my heart is full. And I feel Hunter’s presence even if he’s still next door.
I close my eyes. In my head, I’m in Hunter’s bed with him, his arms wrapped around my body as if to protect me. With him, I feel safe in a way I haven’t felt for so long.
I can’t stop smiling to myself at the thought of his hands on me. And of course, it’s right as I’m drifting off that the alarm goes.
Braden and Xander are already in the kitchen when I make my way downstairs.
The sound of them scraping their cereal bowls clean fills the quiet kitchen as I put my morning coffee together.
The location of the coffee machine is still a mystery, but there are still boxes to unpack, and I’ve been a bit distracted lately.
I sit at the table with them.
“Are you okay, Mum?”
I blink and focus on Braden. “Uh, I’m fine. Just a little tired. I didn’t sleep very well last night.”
He shrugs. “I’m still getting used to this place too. I like it, though, and I’m glad we came here.”
I smile. “I’m happy to hear that.”
“Knowing Dad wanted us to live here makes a difference. I keep imagining what it would be like if he was here.”
Reaching across the table, I place my hand on his. “I know I’ve said this before, but he’d be proud of you.”
His brows drop. “Is that a new nightie? I’ve never seen that before.”
I freeze. Will he recognise this as one of Hunter’s shirts? I didn’t even think about it before I rolled out of bed.
“Yeah. It’s getting a little chilly at night.”
He shoots me a quizzical look because he’ll know I’m talking crap. But it’s the first thing I think of and it’ll have to do.
“Hey.” Hunter’s smiling face appears in the doorway.
“Hi.” My cheeks heat up, and I can’t help my shy reaction to him, as if he didn’t just spend most of the night with his hands all over my body, leaving me with this wonderful ache that won’t go away.
“Want a coffee, Hunter?” Braden’s on his feet, heading to the kettle before Hunter even responds.
He nods. “That’d be great. I just thought I’d pop in to see if you and your brother wanted a ride to school. I’ve got to go to the office, and it’s on my way …”
“Mum?” Braden turns to look at me.
“Sure. I don’t have a problem with that.”
Last time I agreed to this, I was hung over and felt like death. Allowing my boys to ride in a car driven by anyone else but me still scares me, but I trust Hunter. He’s done the school run before, and he’ll take good care of my boys. My first instinct is to wrap them in cotton wool, but I have to learn to let go a little. This is as good a place to start as any and will help his relationship with them.
“I’ll just make that coffee.” Braden turns back to the kettle.
I shift my gaze to Hunter. His smile makes me suck in a breath, and I shoot one back before looking down at my own coffee.
He’s the light at the end of the tunnel.
Can he be the same thing for my children?
It’s the weirdest feeling when they’re gone.
Last time Hunter brought my boys home, I was asleep. Now my nerves are eating at me as I watch the clock. All I want to do is go back to bed.
I pick up and put down my phone fifty times, worrying about them getting to school in one piece.
The door opens and sunlight floods the kitchen. Hunter fills the doorway, a big grin on his face. “I thought you should know the boys are safe at school.”
I stand as he walks in and closes the door behind him.
“Is that my shirt?”
I look down and laugh. “I stole it.”
“It looks good on you.” The butterflies in my stomach
take off as he draws closer. “But I think it’ll look better off you.”
My mouth falls open. “You are terrible.”
“I’ve been thinking about you since I woke up this morning.”
He closes the gap between us, pulling me to him and claiming my mouth with a crushing kiss that sears my soul.
There’s zero doubt in my mind that Hunter loves me.
“Come here.” He sits at the kitchen table and pulls me onto his lap. “What are your plans for the day?”
“I should be writing.” I lean my head to the side as he nuzzles my neck. “But I have a feeling you have other plans.”
“Actually, I thought I’d come over and sleep with you.”
“Didn’t we do that last night?” I laugh.
“I don’t know about you, but I could do with some more actual sleep.” The words vibrate against my neck and I sigh.
“Me too. Can we go to your place?”
He pulls me around so I’m sitting sideways on his lap and scans my expression. “You don’t want to stay here?”
I bite my bottom lip. “If it was just sleeping, I would, but … I don’t think it will be, and that wouldn’t feel right.”
“Why not?” He frowns.
I should just come out and say it. Relationships aren’t built on holding back.
“I still have the bed that Scott and I shared.”
Understanding crosses his face. “Then we’ll go to my place. I replaced my bed after … everything.”
“Hunter Emerson, are you saying I’m the first woman you’ve had in that bed?”
“First and only. I don’t want anyone else.”
I run my fingers through his hair. “Let’s go to your house, then. I’ll grab some clothes so I can get changed there.”
He nods. “That sounds like a plan.”
After one last lingering kiss, he lets me go, and I run upstairs and throw together a few things to wear. I grab my phone and keys on the way out and lock up the house.
This feels naughty.
It’s like I’m breaking every rule, but there are no rules.
I tug off the shirt before climbing into bed with him. It’s different in the daylight. He’s gentle. And I don’t ask him for anything else because I think it’s what we both need.
Now I know what falling in love is like. It’s the butterflies that persist even when I’m the one in his bed and in his arms. It’s those giddy moments when his lips graze my neck and his hands roam my body.
And if this is falling, I don’t ever want to land.
“Chloe,” he whispers, his thrusts long and slow. My spine tingles when he says my name in that deep voice of his.
I close my eyes as he kisses me, his lips caressing mine.
It’s so easy to lose myself to him.
And afterward, he holds me in his arms and says nothing. The moment washes over us peacefully as if we’ve been doing this every day for years.
He feels like home.
“Last night was one of the best nights of my life.” I raise my gaze to meet his.
Hunter’s dark eyes give away nothing, but his lips curl into a smile. “Last night was the best night of my life,” he replies.
I swallow hard and press my palm to his chest. “That’s a pretty big statement.”
“It was amazing. You’re amazing.” He places his hand on my palm. “I don’t want it to be a one-off.”
I smile. “Neither do I.”
“Then, let’s get some sleep before the boys need picking up.”
I roll to my side and he spoons me from behind, just as he did in my bed. But now it means more.
I’ve been alone for four years.
It’s a hard state to get used to when you’ve been with someone your whole life, but it’s even harder to process that I’m not alone anymore.
I have Hunter.
Sixteen
Hunter
It’s been two weeks. Chloe’s slept over most nights, though the weekends are a bit more difficult as the boys are up later.
And I’ve been terrible as far as the romance goes.
She arrives, and we end up in bed, which is amazing but not all I want with her.
But that’s about to change.
The day seems to take an eternity, but thankfully, I’m busy with work.
“How’s Gary doing?” I ask Liz.
“He’s good. The counselling seems to be helping. You haven’t had any late night calls, have you?”
I shake my head. She’s much better at the HR side of the business than I am. I need to just hand it all over to her.
“What I do need to do is work out whether to send him to get his First Aid certificate renewed.” She chews on her bottom lip. “Or do we wait a bit longer?”
“If it’s due, send him. You know I like the guys to be up to date with their training.”
She nods. “I was just thinking if he does end up leaving, or we have to terminate him, there’s the cost to be recovered.”
I blow out a breath. “Let’s just do it and swallow the cost if we have to. He’s making the effort we asked him to, even if it’s a bit late.”
“You’re a good man, Hunter.”
I tap her desk with my pen. “And you are a good woman. I think we need to take another look at your job because you’re doing things I never anticipated, and you should be rewarded for that.”
Liz grins. “Whoever this new lady is must be doing you the world of good.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You already pay me a generous wage, Hunter.”
I shake my head. “With everything you’ve done lately, I don’t think it’s enough.”
“Well, let’s deal with it tomorrow because I’m sick of today and ready to go home.” She smiles.
“Sounds good.” I grab my jacket. “I’ll probably be in the office at some point in the morning. We can discuss it then.”
Liz slings her handbag over her shoulder. “We can.”
She switches off the light and locks the door behind us. I wave and walk to my car, my steps lighter than usual.
Chloe’s waiting.
Even if we’re keeping us a secret for now.
Chloe: I’ll be over about ten if that’s okay.
Me: I’m ready when you are.
Chloe: I can’t wait to see you.
I have plans for her tonight. I’m sure we’ll end up in bed, but I can’t stop thinking about what Chloe’s brother said.
She needs more.
She deserves more.
So I prepare and wait.
A little after ten, she appears in the doorway, breathless, her eyes filled with need.
“I’ve been thinking about this all day.”
I pull her into my arms. “Me too.”
“Take me to bed,” she whispers.
“I feel like I’ve been waiting years for you to say that to me.”
Her lips twitch. “Less talk, more action, Emerson.”
“Sorry for the delay.”
She squeals as I bend and throw her over my shoulder. Instead of heading upstairs, I carry her into the living room and deposit her on the couch. Her eyes widen at the candle-lit room and the big bowl of popcorn on the coffee table.
“What’s going on?”
I lean over and give her a tender kiss. “I thought we could cuddle on the couch and watch a movie. It’s your choice. The last Avengers movie, or The Notebook.”
Her face lights up in a dazzling smile. “I love that idea. Which one do you want to watch?”
“I haven’t seen either, and I’m happy either way. I just want to spend some time with you.”
She bites her bottom lip. “Well, I’m way more partial to action movies.”
“I remember.”
For a moment, her expression blanks, but then she blinks rapidly, and waves of emotion seem to overtake her. “You remember?”
“I fell in love with you when we were fifteen years old. I remember.”
Chloe’s eyes light up. “Hunter.” She reaches over, caressing my cheek with her palm. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I know you loved him, and I’m not trying to replace him.” I draw a deep breath. “All I want is a part of your heart just for me.”
Her eyes mist over. “You’ve got it. A rather large chunk of it if I’m honest.”
I smile. “Really?”
“Hunter, I’m not just here for sex. Although, it is amazing.” She pauses, sucking on her bottom lip like she’s trying to work out what else to say. “I miss having a companion. I miss having someone to share those special moments with.”
“I’ll give you all the special moments.” I adore this woman. She’s everything I ever thought she’d be. I want her and only her.
She smiles before leaning closer and pressing her forehead to mine. All I can smell is her lip gloss.
“Let’s watch this movie,” I say.
Chloe pulls back a little, and my heart leaps just looking at her. She gazes at me with so much love in her expression, and I’m right along with her. Our past and attraction to each other is one thing, but this friendship we’ve formed has turned into something else. And for the first time in so long, I have hope in my life.
I think I’ve given her the same.
She reaches for the popcorn.
“Let’s get this movie started. It’s long,” I say.
“There’s a good chance I’ll fall asleep.”
I laugh. “If that happens, it happens.”
Chloe smiles, tosses some popcorn into her mouth, then snuggles back into my chest.
Life is perfect.
It’s one in the morning when we finally get to bed.
We lie in the quiet, and I close my eyes and listen to the soft sound of her breathing. It’s comforting, but knowing she’ll leave in the night makes my heart ache.
“What are you thinking about?” I ask.
Chloe plants a kiss on my chest. “How good this all feels. I know you have my back. It’s been a while.”
I run my hand up her arm. “That’s because I want to be with you. Not just in the night, but for always.”