Can't Help Falling in Love

by Samantha Chase

  Option number two was what he was sincerely hoping for.

  “Okay, then,” she said, walking away from him and toward the frozen food aisle. “I think I know the perfect dessert to have.”

  Mutely, he followed and stopped beside her when they were standing in front of a large variety of ice cream.

  Would it be way too obvious for him to gush about how ice cream was literally his all-time favorite dessert?

  Probably.

  “What’s your favorite flavor?” she asked, but her eyes were scanning the selection.

  “Mint chocolate chip, all the way,” he said confidently as he reached into the freezer and snagged a pint. “What about you?”

  “I prefer cookies and cream but with chocolate ice cream. It’s super hard to find.” She crouched down slightly and then said, “Yes! Found it!” before grabbing a pint of her own. Straightening, she smiled triumphantly. “This is turning out to be an excellent night.”

  Figuring he’d go big or go home, he carefully took her hand in his as he balanced the beer and his ice cream in his other hand. “And it’s just getting started.”

  Wait, did that sound completely lame? Am I this out of practice? Is she going to regret agreeing to have dinner with me?

  “Ooo…I like a confident man,” she said, her voice a little low and husky. “Come on, let’s go check out before our ice cream melts and go grab our pizza.”

  They did all of that while talking about the town, some of the places Katie had taken her to, and what she was still hoping to see and do. When they got to Hunter’s truck, he loaded all the food in. “If you want to ride with me, I can bring you back to get your car later.”

  She nibbled her lip again. “How far do you live from here?”

  “Three minutes away.”

  With a knowing smile, she said, “I think I can handle following you then. I’m in the blue Hyundai SUV over there. Give me a minute and then you can lead the way!”

  Hunter watched as she jogged over to her car and admired the way her shorts showcased those fantastic legs of hers.

  And yeah, he was totally staring at her butt too.

  Which was equally phenomenal.

  The ride to his house really was only three minutes, and it wasn’t until he saw Violet getting out of her car that he started to second-guess himself. This wasn’t something he’d ever done–inviting a woman to his house. It was always something that was off-limits, even on the nights Eli wasn’t with him. So why now? Why her?

  Are you insane, dude? Look at her!

  Okay, yeah. Even when she was telling him off the first time they met, he was attracted to her.

  The circumstances…everything about them…wasn’t the norm. She was only here in Magnolia for a short amount of time, living with a friend, his life was pretty much in a perpetual state of chaos so…

  If for right now–tonight–he was a little impulsive? So what? For all he knew, they were just two friends hanging out and having some pizza rather than eating alone. Why was he making more out of it than he should?

  “Wow,” she said as she walked over to him. “Your house is exactly what I envisioned it would be–all Craftsman bungalow and beachy!”

  “Uh…thanks,” he said, unsure what the proper response was to her observation.

  Together they grabbed the food and went into the house. Hunter was thankful he wasn’t a slob and didn’t have to worry about what she was going to see when she came inside.

  It wasn’t until the ice cream was in the freezer, the beer in the fridge, and the pizza on the table that Violet spoke. “Oh, Hunter, this house is perfect,” she said with a little awe as she walked around from room to room without even asking if he’d mind.

  The house wasn’t huge by any stretch of the imagination, but it had a fairly open floor plan–living room, dining room, and kitchen all in one big area and then a hallway with his bedroom at one end and Eli’s at the other. And with the help of his brothers and a bunch of his firefighter buddies, he’d done the entire interior over from top to bottom within the first three months of buying it.

  Why? Because he liked things orderly and couldn’t live in chaos. He needed the house to be a clean and stable place for him and his son.

  “I love how you kept so much of the original charm even though it’s all been updated.” Looking over her shoulder, she smiled at him. “I have a feeling you did a lot of this yourself, right?”

  Nodding, he walked over and followed her to Eli’s room. “He wanted boats, so we went with a nautical theme in here.”

  “Oh, my goodness! Did you build the boat bed yourself?”

  “Yeah. My sister Scarlett saw a picture on Pinterest and helped me build it.”

  Her eyes went wide. “Really? Your sister helped you build this?”

  That made him laugh because most people didn’t know just how crafty and hands-on his baby sister was. “C’mon. Our pizza’s getting cold. I’ll tell you all about the amazing dog houses Scarlett builds. But when you meet her, you can’t let on that you know. She’s weird about it.”

  “Um…okay.”

  Together they sat at his dining room table and Violet served their pizza while Hunter opened their beers. “It’s sort of this secret hobby of hers. She designs and builds dog houses and donates them to one of the local animal shelters.”

  “That is incredibly sweet! Why doesn’t she want anyone to know about it?”

  “Scarlett’s a bit of a badass–or at least she thinks she is. She thinks people will make fun of her or something. It’s crazy and more people know about it than she realizes, but…I’m not going to tell her that.” He took a bite of his dinner and watched her do the same.

  After a moment, she asked, “How many siblings do you have?”

  “Three. Scarlett’s the baby of the family and the only girl. My brother Dean is older than me and my brother Kyle is younger. So I’m kind of the middle child.”

  She nodded. “It must have been nice to grow up with siblings.” Then she stopped and shook her head. “Sorry. Not trying to turn this into some depressing conversation. I have Katie and I had Morgan so…I did have siblings. Just a little later in life.”

  Something in her wording seemed off, but he decided to hold off on asking.

  The rest of the meal was spent talking about favorite things–music, movies, food, hobbies. She asked him about being a firefighter, he asked her about being a travel agent, and before he knew it, all the pizza was gone.

  “I’d like to pretend that I don’t normally eat this much, but I’d be lying,” Violet teased as they cleaned up their mess. “And pizza is one of my weaknesses, so…please don’t judge.”

  “Are you kidding me? I’m just glad you didn’t hold back because I probably would have eaten the entire thing myself.”

  Violet’s phone beeped with an incoming text and she excused herself to go and read it.

  “It’s just Katie,” she offered. “She’s curious about what I did for dinner.” She began typing. “I hope you don’t mind that I told her I’m here with you.”

  Mind? Why would he mind?

  “Of course not.”

  Her low snort of laughter came next.

  “What? What’s so funny?”

  Looking up at him, she held up her phone. “She wants to know if she should wait up for me.”

  Swallowing hard, he slowly walked over to her until he could read the message himself. They were toe to toe and he could feel the warmth of her body as his hands twitched to touch her. Her dark eyes met his as a mischievous grin crossed her lips.

  “Would it be too presumptuous for me to tell her no?”

  “Actually, I was hoping that’s what you were going to tell her.”

  Violet looked down at her phone and quickly typed out her response before putting it away and giving Hunter her full attention.

  “Done.”

  And yeah. So was he. For weeks she was slowly driving him crazy and now that she was here and they were alone–an
d clearly on the same page–he didn’t see the need to wait any longer.

  Lowering his head, he gently touched his lips to hers. For a second, she didn’t move or respond, but then she stepped in closer, smoothed her hands up from his abs and over his chest, and fully pressed up against him, and he was lost.

  They kissed like they had all night–which they did. It was a little slow and sensual, the kind of perfect first kiss where you were trying to learn something about one another. His hands reached up and caressed her cheeks and he felt her go up on her tiptoes to get her arms more comfortably around him. And as much as he hated to break the kiss, he knew they’d be much more comfortable on the couch.

  Slowly, he broke the kiss. “I think we’d be more comfortable…”

  “The couch,” she said breathlessly, placing light kisses along his jaw. “Yes, please.”

  He fought the urge to pick her up and carry her there, but it took less than a dozen steps to get themselves settled. Pulling her in close, Hunter was surprised when she climbed into his lap and straddled him. With her forehead rested against his, he said, “This is much better.”

  Mimicking his words from earlier, she said, “And we’re just getting started,” before capturing his lips and kissing him senseless.

  He lost track of time because he was consumed by this woman. His hands roamed and caressed and touched every inch of her that he could. She purred and hummed and moved against him in a way that had his mind screaming at him how his bedroom was only a few steps away. The thought of stretching out on his bed with Violet was almost more than he could take.

  Unfortunately, his conscience got the better of him.

  Hunter trailed a line of kisses that became lighter and lighter down her throat until he stopped and lifted his head. Slightly breathless, he placed one last one on her lips. “As much as I’m enjoying this, I think maybe we need to stop.”

  “Stop?”

  Nodding, he gently lifted her off his lap before he stood up. “How about that ice cream?” And he walked away before she had a chance to answer. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Violet jump up from the sofa and follow him into the kitchen. “Do you prefer a teaspoon or tablespoon?” And he didn’t even look at her as he asked it.

  “Um…what’s going on?” she asked. Her hand reached out and touched his arm, forcing him to face her. “Hunter, talk to me. Did I do something wrong?” Her dark eyes were soft and pleading.

  “No, of course not. Why would you even think that?”

  “Um…maybe because I thought we were on the same page in there and…and…it seemed like we were really enjoying ourselves and you just got up and walked away like it was no big deal. So…again, what did I do wrong?”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong, Violet. I just felt like…I don’t know…it would have been easy to keep going.” He moved in close and put his hands on her hips. “You’re an incredibly sexy woman, and believe me, I’d like nothing more than just to take you to bed and make love to you all night long.”

  Nodding, she said, “Yeah, that’s what I thought was going to happen. I thought…”

  Placing one finger over her lips, he stopped her. “That’s not the right thing to do,” he said and hoped she realized how hard it was for him to admit that. “This wasn’t even like a…a real date. You’re a friend of Katie’s and…well…my life is kind of a shit show right now. I don’t think jumping into bed with you…the timing just sucks, okay?”

  “Hunter,” she countered. “I get what you’re saying but…I’m only going to be here for another six weeks tops. I’m not asking for some big commitment from you. I know you’ve got your hands full with Eli and your job and…I don’t know. I just really enjoyed spending time with you–sex or no sex.”

  He seriously felt himself blush.

  “But for the record, I’d be totally on board with the sex.” She winked playfully at him. “But, I’m also on board with slowing things down and getting to know you a little more.” She paused. “And maybe watching some TV while we eat ice cream.” Reaching past him, she grabbed her pint and a spoon. “What do you say?”

  “I said it before and I’ll say it again. You have no idea how alike we think.” Hand in hand, they went back out to the living room and watched a couple of re-runs of Friends.

  Six

  As far as first dates went, Violet would say with great certainty that hers and Hunter’s had topped them all. Hunter Jones was sweet and sexy and funny; he was a great conversationalist, and he kissed better than any man she’d ever kissed in her life.

  However, finding time for a second date was proving to be a little more complicated than she imagined. She knew dating a single dad wasn’t going to be easy. Most of the time they would have more like family dates and do things with Eli like picnics and movie nights. Once Eli was in bed, however, she and Hunter would make out like two horny teenagers trying not to get caught. What she wouldn’t give for a full night alone with him!

  “Ugh…you’re doing it again.”

  Frowning, Violet looked up to find Katie grinning at her. “Doing what?”

  “Thinking about Hunter.”

  Her eyes went wide, but…why deny it? “How do you do that? How can you possibly know what I’m thinking when I’m sitting here pretending to work?”

  “Because I’ve known you for a long time. You’ve got this sappy little smile on your face, and every once in a while, you just sigh. It’s not rocket science, just good old-fashioned observation skills.” They were out on the deck, and the kids were napping. Katie sat down beside her. “What can I do to help?”

  “Believe me, I wish there was something you could do. It’s just bad timing. He’s got a fairly demanding job and his son is his top priority. There’s no way I’m going to mess with that and put any more pressure on him than he’s already dealing with. That would just be cruel.”

  “Yeah, I get that. But I can see it on his face that he’s just as frustrated as you.”

  That was new information.

  “Really? What do you mean?”

  “Vi, the two of you sneak off when he gets here and do some serious making out. You walk back in all breathless and glowy, and he’s got a look that says he’d like to sling you over his shoulder and take you home with him.”

  “Well…he is a firefighter, so if anyone can sling me over their shoulder, it’s Hunter.”

  “Mmm…now there’s an image.”

  “Eeww. Stop it. You’re not allowed to imagine that. Like ever.” She shuddered.

  “Please, I’m living vicariously through you. My husband is thousands of miles away, I haven’t seen him in over six months, and it would take a team of firefighters to haul me over their shoulder because I’m so big right now. So humor me.”

  “When you put it like that…”

  “Have you and Hunter talked about it? You know, going out on a real date? It’s been two weeks since you went over to his place for pizza, and you see one another almost every day, so…you’ve clearly gotten deep into the getting-to-know-you phase. Maybe talk to him when he gets here today about getting a babysitter or taking a day off so the two of you can have some alone time during the day when Eli’s here with me.”

  Violet glanced over at her friend. “Are you trying to get rid of me or something? Oh, my God! Am I like Rose? Are you going to suggest I find someplace else to stay?”

  Throwing her head back, Katie laughed hysterically. “Trust me, you are not like Rose! And believe me, I love her, I just don’t want to live with her.”

  “Which is kind of what I think you’re trying–nicely–to say about me!”

  It took Katie a moment to stop laughing, but when she did, she smiled patiently at Violet. “Sweetie, you and I spent many years living together, and I have loved having you here. But I want you to have a social life too. You don’t need to be hovering over me all day, every day. And it’s so obvious you and Hunter are into each other and I was just encouraging you to be bold and tell him what you want
!”

  “You know I don’t have a problem with that,” she began hesitantly.

  “Then what is it?”

  Sighing, she shifted in her seat to get more comfortable. “Hunter’s…different.” She paused to figure out how to say what she wanted to say. “He’s the first guy I’ve ever dated–and I’m using the term loosely–who has a kid. You know I don’t ever get seriously involved with men, and he’s not looking to get serious with anyone right now either, but…”

  “Maybe you’re feeling a little more than casual about him?”

  Groaning, she nodded. “It’s stupid, right? I mean…it’s just like a lust fog. Or maybe because he’s slightly unattainable because of Eli and it’s making me want him more? You know, like we always want the thing we can’t have?”

  No response.

  “C’mon! You know what I’m talking about! It’s like forbidden fruit!”

  “Hunter’s not forbidden, Vi. He’s just not readily available, that’s all. And I think you’re making up excuses rather than dealing with the fact that you might actually like him.”

  “Of course I like him! He’s a great guy! But I don’t…you know…like him, like him. No, it’s the lust fog or sex fog or…lack of sex fog.” Groaning again, she straightened and looked at her friend's slightly amused face. “Once we have a real date…”

  “You mean sleep together.”

  “Tomato-tomahto,” she corrected. “Either way, once we have a real date, I’m sure my logical side will return.”

  “I’m guessing it will be happening soon.”

  Violet shrugged and then froze. “Wait…why do you say that? Do you know something? Did Hunter talk to you about this?” Her hands flew up to cover her face. “Oh, my God! I’m beyond mortified!”

  Katie smacked her hands away and gave her a stern look. “Would you relax? Geez! You and I have talked about boys since the day we met! I know about every guy you’ve ever crushed on, kissed, and slept with so quit pulling the embarrassment card.”