Dropping her hands, I cupped her face and lifted her chin until our eyes met. “It is possible. And if you allow me to, I swear to God, I’ll make every single one of your dreams come true.”
Smiling, she whispered, “I believe you. And I still want to marry you, Hunter. And I really, really want to move into this house with you and start a family.”
I leaned down and softly kissed her lips. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I pulled her body to mine.
When we both needed air, we broke the kiss. Bella looked up at me. “Do you have plans for the rest of the day?”
“Spending it with you. And then I thought we could go out tonight and go dancing.”
She chuckled. “Dancing? I haven’t been out since college.”
“I know. Kyle, Brighton, Bishop, Abby, Greer, and Hudson are all going to Brew’s Place tonight. Naturally, Willa and Aiden declined, with the new baby and all. I want us to go. Will you?”
“Of course, I’ll go! I’d love to.”
“Really? Perfect. I’ll let everyone know we’re in.”
She nodded. “I need to swing by my place to pack a bag for tonight.”
Jack barked, and I couldn’t help the smile that spread over my face. “That sounds like a good idea.”
Jack barked again and nudged himself between us, causing us both to laugh.
I reached down and gave him a good scratch behind his ears. “Jealousy doesn’t become you, buddy.”
Jack barked once more and then ran around both of us and to the front door.
“Looks like he’s ready to leave.” I said.
We headed toward the door. By the time we got in the truck and were headed back to my place, my body was practically humming. It was going to kill me not to touch Bella tonight, but if her having control helped in any way, I would do whatever she wanted.
Right as I pulled into the driveway of my house, my work beeper went off. I could see the look of disappointment on Bella’s face.
“Let’s head in and see what’s going on,” I said, grabbing the food containers while Bella let Jack out.
Jack ran up to the porch and waited for us to get there. I unlocked the door and swung it open. I had already given my code to Bella and told her she could come by anytime she wanted.
I pulled out my beeper and saw it was Kyle. “I’m going to run up to my office and call the station. You okay down here for a bit?”
Bella nodded. “I’ll put the food away, and I think I’m going to call Bree.”
That made me pause for a moment. “Why?”
Turning to look at me, she said, “I don’t have a thing to wear tonight, and Abby isn’t answering my texts. She must be busy at the tree farm, so I texted Bree. I’m going to need help picking out something to wear. She was over-the-moon excited about it. She mentioned going to Annie James. I know you and I were going to spend some time together, but…”
I stared at her for a long moment. “You texted Bree? I guess I’m just surprised by that.”
She smiled. “I know I’ve acted a bit jealous in the past about the two of you, but I truly do adore Bree, and I know you all are just friends.”
Nodding, I replied, “That’s it, Bella. Nothing more.”
“I know, Hunter. You don’t mind, do you?”
With a shake of my head, I said, “I don’t mind. It looks like I might have to run up to the station anyway.”
A brilliant smile appeared on Bella’s face, and I could tell the idea of going shopping was exciting her. “I honestly don’t even remember the last time I went shopping for an outfit!”
I laughed. “I’m glad you’re excited, sweetheart. Did you want to take my truck?”
Her phone beeped, and she looked at it and laughed. “Good Lord. She’s on her way here.” Her eyes lifted and met mine. “I might have just made the biggest mistake of my life.”
My own eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
Bella sighed. “Bree is probably going to keep me at Annie’s for a bit.”
I walked back over to her. “Go do some shopping, then I can either come pick you up, or meet you at your place.”
She smiled.
As long as Bella didn’t have an issue hanging out with Brighton, I wasn’t going to have an issue with it either. “Go and have fun, sweetheart. Just let me know about picking you up.”
She reached up onto her toes and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I will.” She kissed me, then said, “You better go make that call.”
“Right.” I kissed her on the forehead and then made my way up the steps two at a time. I shut the door to my office and called Kyle.
“Hey, I thought it was best if I paged you like it was from the department,” Kyle said.
“Smart thinking. Did you find anything out?”
“Yeah. I only read the letters from senior year, since that’s when it happened. I found one where she tells you about the study group. She mentioned a girl named Sarah. And I was talking to Aiden. I had to be sneaky…but I got the name of the girl who found Arabella.”
I fist pumped the air. “What’s her name?”
“Lori Dexter.”
I glanced at the door. “I can’t talk now, but Bella’s going shopping with Brighton to find an outfit for tonight.”
“Wow. I don’t know what’s more shocking. Bella going out, or Bella going shopping with Brighton. Isn’t that kind of weird? Your girlfriend hanging out with your ex-lover?”
I brought my hand to the back of my neck. “Kind of, but if she’s not bothered by it, then I guess I’m not either.”
“Until they start comparing notes on your dick.”
I rolled my eyes. “Shut the fuck up, Larson. I’ll call you when I’m on my way. Meet me at the station.”
“Sounds good.”
After I hung up, I headed back downstairs to find Brighton standing in my living room. Okay, it was a bit weird to see the two of them together. I cleared my throat and they both turned to look at me.
Brighton beamed with happiness. “I’m stealing her for a few hours. We’re going to swing by her place, pack a bag, then go shopping. You can pick her up later at Greer’s house.”
My brows rose. “Come again?”
Bella’s cheeks flushed.
Brighton crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ve got a lot of work to do since this is Arabella’s first night out in nearly ten years. You’ll be okay for a few hours on your own.” She winked. “Do whatever it is guys do, just don’t wank off. Save that for Arabella later.”
“Oh my God! Brighton!” Arabella gasped as I shook my head. Good God, something was wrong with Bree.
“What? You said you planned on—”
Bella slapped her hand over Brighton’s mouth and looked at me with a horrified expression. “We’re leaving now.”
I tried not to laugh. “Okay, Jack and I need to head to the station for a bit.”
Bella dropped her hand from Brighton’s mouth. “Is everything okay?”
Making my way to her, I placed my hand on the side of her face and smiled. “Everything’s fine. Kyle and I are working on a case, and he just needs to show me some things.”
It wasn’t really a lie. We were working on something.
She grinned and leaned into my hand. I bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. “I love you, sweetheart.”
It almost felt as if Bella purred. “Mmm, I love you too. Be careful, okay?”
Brighton made a gagging sound and headed toward the front door. “Ugh. Love sucks. I mean, I’m happy for you two, but, ugh…love sucks.”
We both looked at her, then at each other. Shrugging, Bella grabbed her coat and purse before giving Jack a hug and kiss goodbye. “See you in a few hours!”
I waved. “Be careful.”
Bella slid into the passenger seat of Brighton’s BMW. Once they pulled away and turned at the corner, I grabbed the keys to my work cruiser and headed to the door.
“Let’s go, boy. We’ve got someone to track
down.”
Jack barked and whined as we made our way to my Tahoe. He clearly thought we were going to work, because he paused at his work vest before following me out the door. With two names now to work with, I was hoping we were on our way to finding the asshole who hurt Bella.
Revenge was that much closer.
Arabella
Brighton sighed for the third time. “For fuck’s sake, Arabella, just come out of the dressing room.”
I stared at myself in the mirror and shook my head. “It looks like I’m wearing an oversized shirt!”
“If you don’t come out here, I’m coming in!”
It was my turn to sigh as I slowly turned the door handle and peeked to make sure no one was around. I stepped out, and Brighton let out a low whistle.
“Holy shit, why do you hide that rocking body?”
I chewed nervously on my lip. The dress I had on was a sleeveless V-neck that tied at the waist and barely covered my butt.
“Your tits are amazing, Arabella. If I wasn’t into men, I’d be so turned on right now.”
I couldn’t help but laugh while I rolled my eyes.
“This isn’t the right look for you. We need innocent sexy. Something that says I have a hot body, but you’re only getting a peek of it.”
Nodding, I said, “Yes. Let’s go with that.”
Brighton handed me three more outfits. “Try the blue one first.”
“You know, Willa warned me going shopping with you could be hazardous to my wallet.”
Placing her hand over her chest, Brighton feigned surprise. “I have no idea why she would say that. Now try on the damn blue dress.”
I saluted her and made my way back into the dressing room.
Holding up the dresses, a white one caught my eye. Even though Brighton had wanted me to try on the blue one, I was going with the white.
Once I slipped it on, I turned and stared at myself. It was a knee-length dress with a V-neck that showed just enough cleavage to be sexy, but left something to the imagination as well. Lace covered most of the bodice and trailed down into a tulle skirt, giving it a softer feel. It was strapless, but I could easily wear a shawl over my shoulders.
“Is it on?” Brighton asked.
Turning to look at the back, I smiled. It showed the perfect amount of skin without showing too much.
“Arabella?” Brighton called out as she knocked on the door.
I opened it and stepped out. Brighton gasped and covered her mouth.
“I wanted to see what the white one looked like.”
Brighton slowly shook her head, taking in the dress. She dropped her hand and smiled. “Goddamn, I’m good.”
I laughed. “You told me to put on the blue one first.”
She narrowed her eyes at me. “I’m also the one who picked out this dress. This isn’t the dress for tonight, though. This dress…this dress needs a special night out.”
Glancing down, I nodded. “I think so as well. It doesn’t really scream Brew’s Place.”
Brighton stared at me and nodded. She brought her hand to her mouth and started to chew on her thumbnail. Then she smiled. “Stay right here. I’ve got an idea.”
“Do you want me to put the blue one on?” I called after her.
“No!”
I blew out a breath and turned and looked back at myself. I smiled. I hadn’t felt this sexy since I was in that ridiculous outfit Brighton made me wear at Greer’s house last fall for girls’ night.
Suddenly, Annie popped her head around the corner. “Brighton said get undressed and put these on.”
Annie held up a pair of black tights. I raised a brow, and she simply smiled. “I’ve learned not to question Brighton Rogers.”
Sighing, I headed back into the dressing room and took off the white dress, and somehow managed to get into the tights. A knock on the door had me jumping, and I put a hand over my heart.
“Okay, here, put these on.” The door cracked open, and Brighton handed me a white long-sleeve shirt and a small black vest.
I held the shirt up and opened the door some. “Is this a shirt or a dress?”
She shot me a warning look. “Put it on.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I teased back.
Once I got the white shirt on, I turned and looked at the back. At least it covered my butt, though just barely. It was tapered at the sides, and I was surprised by how cute it looked. I slipped the little black vest on and grinned.
“What size shoe do you wear?” Brighton asked.
“Seven,” I called out.
“Thought so. Damn, I’m getting better with shoe sizes. Are you dressed?”
I opened the door and Brighton gasped. “YAAAAASSS! Holy crap. This is it. This. Is. It. Here, put these on.”
She handed me a pair of black-heeled ankle boots and black ankle socks, and then called out over her shoulder, “Annie, come look!”
As I slipped the socks on, Annie appeared and handed Brighton something.
“I thought this might look cute draped around her neck, but left untied,” Annie said. “I bought it for Ray a few days ago and never did bring it home.”
Brighton pulled Annie in for a hug as I slipped on the black boots. “Annie, you’re brilliant!”
“Wait, I’m so confused,” I said with a frown. “That’s a bowtie.”
Turning to face me, Brighton put it around my neck, tucked it under the collar, then spun me around to look into the mirror.
My eyes went wide while I took in how I looked. “Wow,” I whispered.
Annie started to roll up one of the sleeves just below my elbow. Brighton placed her chin on my shoulder and smiled. “You look sexy as fuck, yet innocent as all get out. Hunter’s gonna shit his pants when he sees you. You’re welcome.”
I laughed.
The bell above the front door rang and Annie sighed. “As fun as this is, I need to leave you two to finish up. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Will do,” Brighton and I said at the same time. Her eyes met mine in the mirror. “How do you feel in this dress, Arabella?”
I looked at myself again. “Do you mean this long shirt?”
She winked.
“I feel…I feel like a slightly sexier version of Cinderella dressed in Prince Charming’s shirt.”
She chuckled. “It makes you happy, then?”
Nodding, I replied, “Yes.”
“It’s a sexy look, but at the same time it’s not revealing too much.”
“Unless I bend over, then my ass will be on display.”
Bree wiggled her brows. “But what’s nice is Hunter knows what’s underneath, and it will drive him insane.”
“Like the cheerleader outfit from Greer’s party last fall you made me wear?”
An evil smile spread over her face. “Pretty sure that boy went home and took a cold shower.”
“Do you really think Hunter will like it?”
Her smile widened into a full-blown grin. “I think Hunter would like you in a potato sack. But to answer your question, yes. I think he’s going to lose his mind and not be able to keep his hands off of you.”
Turning, I glanced around to make sure we were alone before looking back at Brighton. “Things with me and Hunter are complicated, kind of. Um…”
She took my hands in hers and squeezed. “You don’t have to say a word. And even though you think we’re alone, trust me, this store has ears, so don’t say anything else.” Brighton put her finger to her mouth. “I know what happened, Arabella.”
My eyes went wide. “How?”
She drew in a deep breath before letting it out and then lowered her voice. “I’ve done a lot of pro bono stuff for a women’s shelter in Boston. It wasn’t hard for me to recognize the signs. I’ve seen that look in a woman’s eyes one too many times, trust me.”
I slowly shook my head. “You know I was…”
Brighton nodded, this time bringing her finger to my lips. “I know. And I also know that Hunter loves you
with everything in his soul. We’ve already talked about this, how he talked about you so much with me. Confessed he was still in love with you. Nothing could taint you in his eyes, sweetie. Nothing.”
Tears pricked at the back of my eyes. “Thank you, Bree.”
“Sometimes it takes the touch of a man who truly loves you to wipe away the bad memories; trust me, I know from experience.”
I was sure my face turned to one of surprise.
“No, nothing like that ever happened to me. But I once had a boyfriend who got angry one too many times and took it out on me.”
I gasped.
“By the third time, I threatened to rip his balls off and shove them up his ass and out his throat. That was the last of him.”
I quickly wiped away a tear before I pulled Brighton in for a hug. “Thank you for being such an amazing friend to me, Bree.”
She squeezed me, then stepped back and rubbed at her eyes. “Now look what you’ve gone and done. You’re making me leak this foreign salty shit.”
Laughing, I wiped my nose with the back of my hand while Brighton snarled her lip. “Gross. Don’t get snot on that dress or those black leggings.”
“Stop closing your eyes, Arabella!”
“You keep coming at them with a stick!” I protested.
Bree rolled her eyes. “It’s called mascara.”
I glared at her. “I know what it is, Bree. I wear it.”
She forced herself to smile as she drew in a breath through her nose. “Then let me put it on.”
“It just makes me nervous. Why can’t I put it on myself?”
“For the love of all things!” Greer said as she walked into the bathroom. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear the two of you were sisters with how much you bicker.”
“She won’t let me put on mascara! Oh! Wait, let’s do your eyeliner.”
I held up my hand and shook my head. “No, Bree!” I shouted. “I don’t wear a ton of makeup, and I don’t want to draw attention to myself and have some strange man gawking at me.”
Greer and Brighton both stared at me and I looked away. I swallowed hard and started to wring my hands in my lap. I never raised my voice, and I knew they were only trying to help.
Surrender to Me (Boggy Creek Valley Book 4) Page 14