He nodded. “That works.”
I was so excited that I couldn’t enjoy my steak as much as I’d have liked. Hunter and I were going to see each other again soon. Sure, I’d have to find him a date but I wasn’t going to dwell on that now.
“I should be going.”
“I’ll follow you home.”
“No. You’re not responsible for getting me home safely. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
“I’m still coming with you.”
“You sound like my brother,” I complained, but I wasn’t upset at all. Hunter gave a damn whether or not I made it home safely, and I loved that.
“How’s he doing?”
“Good. His leg is healing nicely. He’ll have his surgery to get the IIizarov off in a few weeks. Ellie is his nurse, you know.”
“I know. Izzy, I’m making sure you get home safely.”
Hearing him call me by the nickname made me melt inside. I tried to act put out. “Are you this bossy with all women?”
“I’ve had no complaints.”
I scoffed. “You wouldn’t. I’m sure women are tripping over themselves at the chance to spend time with you.”
Several seconds ticked by, before I lifted my chin and saw his floored expression. Interesting. Hunter McAllister had no idea how desirable he was.
“When are we going to get together again?” I tried not to sound too eager.
“Dinner tomorrow?”
Since jumping up and pumping my fist in the air would be a bit too over-the-top, I settled for a calm smile. “I don’t think I have any plans.”
“I’ll pick you up at six.”
Hunter drove me to my car, followed me home and walked me to my apartment. Just like before he came inside and made sure everything was secure before he left. I didn’t want him to leave.
I didn’t get any more texts from Scott, and I slept peacefully all night. Maybe things would work out after all.
Chapter Five
“I think Reed is sleeping with Ellie.”
Choking on my coffee, my eyes watered and I gasped for air until my lungs were finally clear. “Amber,” I said wearily. “You’ve got to stop obsessing.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Ellie is dating a doctor. She’s not trying to steal Reed from you.”
Tapping her manicured nails on the table, she sighed. “I just have a feeling, and I’m usually right about these things.”
“Have you talked to Reed?” I asked patiently.
“Not about Ellie. I’m not sure he’d tell me the truth.”
The last thing I wanted to do was get involved in my brother’s love life, but Amber was my friend and her parents had always looked out for Reed and I. It wouldn’t hurt me to talk to Reed and find out what was going on with him. After all I knew that he was in love with Amber. Unfortunately, Reed didn’t trust easily and Amber had broken his heart when she’d left him for someone else while he was in Afghanistan. It was going to take time, and Amber wasn’t the most patient person.
“I’ll talk to Reed, okay?”
“Thank you! You’re the best Isabelle. Saturday night drinks are on me. I’ve been dying to check out this new club downtown, and you can tell me what you found out about Reed.”
I frowned. “I’m spending the day on the lake with Cora and Ellie. You can come too.”
Amber pouted, looking put out. “You’re always doing stuff with them. I miss it when it was just the two of us.”
“Fine. We’ll do something with just the two of us. Let me know when and where.”
“Saturday.”
“Amber.”
“Alright, fine. Friday night. We’ll check out the new club.”
“Awesome.” I forced a smile and tried to look like I couldn’t wait to check out the hot new club, but it wasn’t something I wanted to do.
After I left Amber, I drove to Reed’s house and found him lifting weights on the deck.
“You call this taking it easy?”
He laughed. “I call this getting my ass back in shape. I’m tired of sitting around.”
I glanced down at his left leg, which was encircled with the IIizarov device. “You should be careful.”
“Isabelle. You worry too much.” Reed sat up on the workbench, grabbed a towel and grinned. “Tell me you’ve changed your mind about moving in with me.”
“I’m not moving in with you, Reed.”
“Why the hell not? I’ve got plenty room and that dump you’re living in isn’t safe.”
“Stop. You sound just like Hunter.”
This caught his attention. Reed’s brows rose. “Hunter?”
“Captain Hunter McAllister? You remember him. He’s Ellie’s dad?”
“I know who he is, Isabelle. I’m just surprised that you’re calling him ‘Hunter’.”
“We’re not kids anymore, why wouldn’t I call him by his first name?” I tried to sound casual.
“I didn’t mean anything by it Isabelle.” He frowned. “Is that jackass still bothering you? Did you go to the police?”
I shook my head, hating that I’d upset Reed. He should be concentrating on getting better, not trying to protect his sister. “No. Jeez, little brother. You’re the one that worries too much.”
“Okay,” he replied carefully. “So you didn’t meet Hunter again at the police station. Are you dating him?”
Just the mention of dating Hunter McAllister made my stomach do a slow flip. How could I ever have thought I was in love with Scott when another man’s name had such a profound affect on me? “We’re just friends. I should never have brought him up.”
Reed’s gaze sharpened. “You like him.”
“Of course I do. He’s Ellie’s dad.”
“That’s not what I mean and you know it.”
I sighed. “I didn’t come here to talk about my love life. I came to talk about yours. Amber thinks you’re seeing someone else.”
A flash of irritation crossed his face. “How about we not talk about either of our love lives.”
I stared at my brother in astonishment. “You are seeing someone else.”
“Amber and I aren’t getting back together. I’ve told her that.”
“Reed—“
“Isabelle, I know Amber is your friend. I’m sorry.”
“She’s been your best friend since kindergarten. I know how much you love her, and her family is the only one we’ve ever known.”
His eyes darkened. “I know, but things change.”
“This isn’t because you’re worried about your leg, is it? Because Amber will love you no matter what.”
“It’s not that.” Raking a hand over his jaw, he changed the subject, “I like McAllister. If you were interested in him, I think he would be good for you.”
“Men like Captain McAllister don’t date women like me, Reed.”
“What’s wrong with you, Isabelle?” The question was softly spoken and deceptively casual, but I knew my brother was ready to leap to my defense if I answered the question wrong.
I met his deep blue eyes that were the same color as my own. “You know what’s wrong with me.”
“You should talk to someone.”
“Have you talked to anyone about all the bad shit that’s happened to you?”
“That’s different. I’ve gotten over it. You’re still thinking every guy you meet is going to turn out to be like Darryl.”
“I know not all men are like him.” I refused to say his name. “We should call a truce and not bring up Amber or Hu—Captain McAllister.”
We talked for another hour. I felt bad for Amber, and I knew that Reed really did love her, but I also knew that I’d pushed enough for one day. He needed time.
Reed walked me outside, and I was glad because chill bumps had popped over my arms. Glancing around, I saw only a few kids playing in the cul-de-sac, a man mowing his yard, and a woman on her way to check the mail. There was no sign of Scott. He didn’t even know where Reed lived.
Still, as I drove away I had the strangest feeling that someone was watching me.
I ignored my unease, thinking I was overreacting. Glancing in the rearview mirror, I relaxed. My imagination was working overtime. I looked nervously over my shoulder as I got out of my car and hurried up the stairs to my apartment. Once inside I let out a deep breath.
Hunter had called me earlier asking where I wanted to go tonight. I’d told him it didn’t matter, and that was the truth. As long as I got to spend time with him, we could go anywhere and I’d be happy.
He’d said that he’d take me wherever I wanted to go or we could come back to his place and he would cook for me again. I didn’t care what he intended to make, but I wanted to go back to his house. So we were dining in.
I showered and blow-dried my long dark hair. While I was putting on a little make-up, I tried to decide what I should wear. After changing five times, I settled on a black knit dress and sandals. Beneath it I wore a black two-piece bathing suit that looked like a one piece. Hunter had said to bring my swimsuit if I wanted to get in the pool, but the thought of being that close to him wearing so little wired my nerves enough to make me realize I’d be in danger of making a fool of myself—again.
A half an hour before he was supposed to pick me up, I started getting anxious. What if he forgot? I thought about texting or calling him, but that seemed a little too desperate. Instead, I turned on the TV and flipped the channels while I waited to see if Hunter would remember our date.
At six o’clock someone knocked on my door. Jumping up, I turned off the TV and grabbed my bag. My heart was racing with excitement, and I forced myself to pause, take a deep breath and pretend that I wasn’t as ecstatic about going out with him as I was.
Pulling open the door, my heart thumped madly when my eyes crashed over Hunter, and I savored the sight of him like a fine wine. He was dressed in slacks, a crisp white dress shirt with tie and a holster strapped to his shoulder. His shiny badge was pinned to his belt.
I lifted my gaze and met his intense blue eyes.
“You look surprised to see me. Did you forget I was coming over?”
Was he serious? His brow furrowed at my hesitation, and I was totally amazed. Maybe I wasn’t as obvious about my interest in him as I’d thought. “I didn’t forget. You just look different dressed up.”
“I got tied up at the station and didn’t want to be late so I came straight here.”
My heart warmed at his consideration. My brain scolded me for being thrilled that a man picked me up on time. Really, I should expect more from the guys I date but it was less disappointing to have low expectations.
“If you’re not ready, I don’t mind waiting.”
“No, I’m ready.” I said this too quickly and stepped out of my apartment with my bag already on my shoulder. If he noticed my eagerness, he didn’t comment on it.
When we got to Hunter’s expensive SUV, he walked with me to the passenger side and I shot him a look of confusion. “Aren’t you going to drive?”
He cast his eyes down at me and frowned. When he opened my door for me, I felt ten shades of foolish. I’m sure my face was flaming, but he didn’t comment on my blunder.
I slid inside the soft leather seats that molded to my back and inhaled the new smell of his SUV even though I knew he’d had it for a couple of years. Hunter got in and my gaze caught his defined profile with a strong, chiseled jaw that was covered with a shadow of scruff and was sexy as hell.
I glanced away, unsettled. Even though I acted normal, it was unusual for me to think any man was sexy but my body reacted to Hunter in a way that I’d never experienced with any other man.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, glancing over at me. “Having second thoughts about our deal?”
“I’m looking forward to it,” I told him with a smile.
“I hope you like lasagna.” He glanced at me with concern. “If not, I can make you something else.”
It fascinated me that he wasn’t the least bit cocky, despite how incredible he was. He even cared if I liked what he’d made for dinner. My heart swelled like a balloon.
“I love lasagna. Actually, I love almost all food. I’m not picky. Did you make the lasagna?”
“This morning.”
“I can’t believe you’re still single.”
“I was thinking the same thing about you.”
When we got to his house, Hunter poured me a glass of wine and I sat on the back patio while he changed. I rubbed Jack on the head, admiring Hunter’s pool that included a spectacular waterfall and a hot tub.
A few minutes later Hunter appeared dressed in navy swim trunks and white t-shirt that clung to his sculpted muscles when he moved.
“The lasagna will be ready in about half an hour. You want a take a swim while we wait or do you want to get down to business.”
My gaze flickered over the pool with interest. “I’ll race you to the other side of the pool. Winner gets to ask questions first.”
“You like to make bets, don’t you? I’ll give you a head start.”
I stood up, suddenly realizing that I was going to have to take off my dress. Hunter pulled the t-shirt over his head and I froze. My blood heated, heart pounded and I was light-headed. Hunter McAllister was all lean, tanned muscle and he even had a six-pack. I stared. A fine line of hair tapered from his breastbone, over his flat stomach and dipped into his swimsuit. I could not look away.
Hunter stood still, watching me watch him.
“You’ll have to take off that dress,” he said softly.
With shaking hands I lifted the hem of my dress over my head and pulled it off, leaving me in only my modest swimsuit that made me feel completely naked and vulnerable. Folding my arms across my breasts, I glanced up at Hunter and saw that his eyes were steady on mine.
Hunter cocked a brow at me. “On your mark, get set…”
I dove into the water before he finished and began swimming as fast as I could for the other side. A few feet later, Hunter’s hand caught my foot, pulled me back and passed me.
Laughing, I swam on trying to catch up. It was a close race, but Hunter won.
“You cheated!” I said, half-laughing, half-sputtering for air.
He laughed and the sound rippled gently along my spine. “You didn’t wait for me to say ‘go’.”
I smiled over at him. “Rematch?”
He lifted himself easily out of the pool, sat on the edge, then turned and reached for me. I took his hand and he pulled me out of the water. “Maybe later. I’ll let you choose. You want to ask or answer questions first?”
Grabbing a towel off a chair, he handed it to me and I wrapped it around my shoulders. His question was a no-brainer since I hated talking about myself, and I was dying to know everything about him. “I’ll ask the questions.”
“Alright. Fire away.”
Hunter was close enough to me that his bare leg almost brushed mine, and it was difficult to think. “What do you look for in a woman?”
“I like women that I can have fun with, someone genuine.” Jack laid his head in Hunter’s lap. “She’d have to be someone that likes animals and doesn’t mind when I have to work crazy hours.”
“I suppose she’d have to be beautiful too.”
“That’s a bonus, but it’s not one of the top things I look for when selecting a date.”
“How old should she be?”
“No one younger than twenty-five. I wouldn’t want to date someone the same age as my daughter.”
“What do you like to do when you’re not working?”
“I like to run, play golf, fish. I like to cook.”
“You can’t be as perfect as you seem. Do you smoke? Chew with your mouth open? Ever cheated on a girlfriend? Have you lost your temper and hit her?”
He waited until I locked eyes with him to answer. “The answer to all four questions is no.”
“You are perfect.”
“No, I’m not perfect Isabelle.”
; I shook my head, thinking differently.
“I started drinking when I was ten.”
The startling admission ripped through me. My gaze flew to his.
“I stole my mom’s liquor and it helped take the edge off at first. Soon I started getting in trouble in school, my grades dropped, I got picked up by the cops a few times for criminal mischief.”
What he was saying went against everything I believed about him.
“I was drunk the night that Anna got pregnant.”
I froze. “Did she want to…” I couldn’t finish the sentence. It hurt too much.
“Isabelle, I’ve never laid my hands on a woman that didn’t want them there. I’d never hurt a woman.”
Swallowing a knot of emotion, I forced myself to look at him.
“I know you’ve got it in your head that I’m some hero because of how we met all those years ago, but I’m not anyone’s hero.”
He was just a man with flaws like everyone else. I tried to imagine Hunter stumbling drunk like Darryl, lying in a pool of his own vomit, raising his hand to strike a woman, but my mind refused to form the visual.
Hunter was nothing like Darryl, no matter what he’d done in the past. He’d said that he wasn’t anyone’s hero, but he was Ellie’s hero. He was still mine.
“I think you may be wrong about that.” I took a deep breath. “Hunter, I promise I’ll never repeat what you just said.”
“I know. I trust you, Izzy.”
His quiet admission filled a void deep inside of me.
“You going to tell me what you want in a man?”
The question caught me off guard even though I should have been expecting it. This was the reason we were here after all.
“Someone nice with a good sense of humor, employed and they’d have to like animals and kids.” I paused, nervous. “I guess you probably want someone nice and employed as well.”
“Hold on. We’re talking about you now. What else do you want?”
“What else is there?”
“A lot. Tell me what your interests you.”
“Friends, sunsets, running, fishing, movies, coffee…magic.”
Heaven With You Page 6