by Leesa Bow
‘I get it,’ he added quickly, before I could mention Connor’s name. We continued slowly, and silence fell for a moment.
I wanted to press on, ask him about Connor. ‘I’ve been talking with Connor.’ Our eyes met again, and this time something crossed his. ‘He’s coming home for Christmas.’
Hunter’s gaze lifted to the sky before finding mine, searching. ‘I know it would make Mum, and you, happy if I forgave him, but it’s not that easy. I’m willing to speak to him but I doubt we’ll ever be close.’
It was a start. ‘Thank you,’ I whispered. I glanced up when seagulls squawked overhead. Hunter turned his focus to the ocean, to a group of surfers catching waves. Despite our surrounds something still troubled me and it needed to be discussed. ‘Sabrina wasted no time throwing the fact that you ran back to her in my face.’
And that stopped him dead in his tracks. ‘What?’
‘She’d warned me that you would. But I just believed you when you said there was nothing between you anymore.’ Even with sunglasses hiding his eyes I could sense emotion brewing within him.
Hunter released my hand, and trod towards the waves breaking along the shore. He stood there for a few moments gazing out to sea. I figured he needed a little time to compose himself or explain. He turned and looked at me, pushed his fingers over his hair like he used to do when he had hair. I smiled in a forgiving way. It was the past and I wanted to move on. I walked over and touched his hair, allowing my hand to linger and feel the soft stubbed ends against my palm. I dropped my shoes and reached for his sunnies, and propped them on top of my head. I looked into his eyes. He was watching me.
‘I like your hair,’ I said, attempting to calm him. ‘More importantly, it tells me who you really are.’ I placed both my hands on his chest and tapped the area over his heart.
Hunter grabbed my wrists and stared at me, and my own heart seemed to lodge in my throat. I swallowed when I saw his agonised expression.
‘You,’ he whispered. He pulled me into his chest and wrapped his arms around me as if it were the last time we’d see each other. Then he kissed the top of my head. ‘Why can’t we always be like this?’
‘We can.’ I froze as soon as the words left my mouth. ‘But it’s complicated. We both have trust issues.’
He took the sunglasses from my head. ‘Do you remember what I told you at my house, about Sabrina?’ His chin rested on the crown of my head.
Oh, we were back to her.
‘Refresh my memory.’
‘I asked you not to listen to what anyone said without talking to me first.’
‘And . . .’
‘Do you believe her?’ He grabbed my shoulders and leaned back, and I was grateful to be able to see his eyes.
‘At the time, I did.’ My chin dipped and I stared at our bare feet together in the sand.
He placed his finger under my chin and lifted my face to meet his gaze.
‘Why?’
‘Because she made sense. She said that you could never stay in a long-term relationship with anyone. I know about Samantha, what happened between you and Connor.’ His eyes widened and his hand fell away.
‘And what would that be?’ he asked in a low voice, eyes never leaving mine. I stepped back. ‘Never mind,’ he said quickly. ‘I don’t want to hear it.’
‘Will you tell me about her?’
‘Another time. She has nothing to do with us.’
It wasn’t a no.
‘I’m more concerned with the garbage Sabrina’s been feeding you. Let me clarify something. Everything I told you still stands. I have not slept with Sabrina for months.’
I recalled what Sabrina had told me and when I looked back Hunter was staring.
‘Shit, Aubree. You think I did?’
‘No makeup sex?’ I whispered.
‘No. She’s a friend . . . was a friend. I thought she’d changed and I could trust her, but clearly she had her own motives. And what was that about a long-term relationship? Do you think I’m not capable of being faithful?’
‘Not about being faithful,’ I said in a soft voice. ‘It’s about you not committing to any girl since . . .’
‘Who the fuck thinks that and why are people so concerned about my love-life?’ His hand slid down his face before he spun around to the ocean. ‘Fuck,’ he yelled.
My whole body jerked. I bent to pick up my shoes. ‘I think it’s time we headed back.’
Hunter turned back to me, eyes moist. He stepped forward and grabbed both my shoulders. ‘Can’t you just ignore all this bullshit and give us a chance? Let me prove to you how wrong people are?’
I froze. ‘What are you saying?’
‘Just that. Give me—us—a chance. Talk to me if you ever doubt how I feel for you.’ He looked at me wide-eyed, waiting for an answer.
‘You’re asking me to be with you?’ I said every word carefully. Yet his eyes told me exactly how he felt. ‘Okay.’
A grin spread across his face from ear to ear. He pulled me into him and cradled my head against his chest.
‘If you’re with me, then you’re only with me, Aubree. Do you understand?’
I knew exactly what those words meant so I answered, ‘Yes.’ I leaned back and added, ‘But I need you to trust me.’
Hunter tilted his head as though he wasn’t following.
‘Just because I have male friends doesn’t mean I’m cheating on you. The way you reacted with Connor was wrong.’
Hunter tipped his chin. ‘I know, and I’m sorry.’
‘If this is to work between us you have to trust me.’
‘I do.’
He studied my face a moment before he lowered his lips to meet mine.
As soon as I entered the kitchen an aroma of basil and pan-fried steak hit my senses. I walked up to the stove where Maddy stood stirring.
‘Looks like you’ve been busy.’ I breathed in and wafted air with my hand towards my nose.
Maddy did a double-take. ‘You look happy enough. Where’s Hunter?’
‘Locking the garage. Thanks to you, we’ve worked things out.’
‘And?’ She raised her eyebrows in question.
‘And?’ Hunter interrupted in a loud voice. I cringed and gave Maddy an I’m-sorry face. ‘I’d like to hear Aubree’s reply,’ he said.
Both Maddy and I gawked at him and he winked at Maddy. He walked across the room and stood behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist and leaned over my shoulder to inspect Maddy’s cooking. ‘Smells good, cuz.’ He gave me a quick squeeze. ‘Maddy’s waiting.’
Maddy grinned. ‘Stop teasing her.’
‘We’re giving it a chance.’ I hesitated, not sure how to say we’re together, kind of, without giving it a label.
‘Thank Christ,’ Maddy exclaimed. ‘You two have been impossible.’
A freshly showered Shenae walked into the room. Seeing Hunter’s arms around me, she grinned. ‘So he won you over.’
I shrugged.
‘Only because I refuse to lose,’ Hunter goaded.
‘Unbelievable.’
‘This only needs to simmer for a while. Grab some glasses, Shenae. It’s wine time. We now have something to celebrate.’
‘Like you ever need an excuse.’ I grinned.
Hunter chuckled. ‘I’m having a shower. Care to join me?’
I slapped his arm and gave him a don’t-you-dare look.
Maddy laughed. ‘Go on, you know you want to.’
‘Stop. Now,’ I warned.
Hunter’s lips brushed my ear. ‘Make sure the sand’s washed off your feet before you get in my bed tonight.’ Without another glance he headed towards his room.
My cheeks warmed and my stomach tightened in excitement. There was no denying I would sleep with Hunter. Damn him. He was right, again. I was definitely breaking the out-of-bounds-bedroom rule.
I looked at Maddy. ‘I’ll take you up on that wine.’
After dinner, we sat on the balcony until we drained the second
bottle of wine. Shenae suggested watching a movie, so the four of us headed to the family room upstairs. When the credits rolled over the screen Maddy searched the drawer for a second chick flick.
Hunter lightly tapped my shoulder. ‘Well, I’m beat since I didn’t get much sleep last night.’ He looked accusingly at Maddy and Shenae. ‘Think I’ll call it a night. You coming?’
My body sprang to life. I looked at Maddy and she waved her hand. Hunter helped me up and out of the chair.
Then I remembered what he’d said about my sandy feet. Standing at the top of the stairs, I said, ‘Meet you later. I need to shower.’
The sensation of water pounding my skin helped relax my shoulders. My heart hadn’t slowed at the thought of Hunter Stone lying in bed waiting for me.
I shaved my legs, scrubbed myself with a frangipani-scented wash and removed the small amount of makeup from my face; wondered whether to reapply more. I sighed, feeling lost. I dressed in the only pyjamas I’d brought with me. Pretty, but not sexy lingerie. I brushed my hair, cleaned my teeth, moisturised my skin, then sprayed my favourite perfume. The entire process felt alien. With no other ideas on how to improve myself, I headed down the stairs.
Tentatively, I pushed open the door to Hunter lying in bed with a mass of pillows behind him. My stomach tightened at seeing him bare-chested, the sheet covering his hips.
He looked up from his iPad. ‘I was starting to get worried and was about to come looking for you. Thought you might’ve changed your mind. I kept thinking about you in the shower . . .’ He placed his iPad on the bedside table and gave me a quizzical look. ‘What is it?’
‘Nothing.’ I walked over and climbed under the covers. He immediately rolled onto his side to face me.
‘I can tell when something’s bothering you.’ His brows furrowed.
‘It’s nothing, really.’
He leaned over and kissed my neck. ‘You smell delicious.’ I smiled, thinking I’d done something right. When his mouth brushed the sensitive spot at the back of my neck I shuddered. A second later his lips trailed kisses to my shoulder, down to my chest. Instinctively, my hands moved to his back. I rubbed in a circular motion, moved them lower and froze. Hunter was already naked.
‘Relax,’ he whispered. His hand edged under my singlet, finding my breast. I closed my eyes, concentrating on his touch to calm myself. Being intimate with Hunter was not new to me, so why did I feel so nervous?
With one finger and thumb he tweaked my nipple, and I felt it bud. I moaned as warmth rushed through me. His hand cupped my breast and squeezed. I arched my back, grabbing hold of the sheet beneath me. ‘Aubree, sit up.’
I did as he instructed. He pulled my top over my head and lowered his gaze. My breath caught as I watched him study my body. He ran one finger over my stomach, up to one breast, and then to the other. Propped on one elbow, his gaze met mine.
‘Thank you,’ he murmured. ‘I was afraid I wouldn’t get another chance to touch you.’
My fingers brushed his cheek. ‘It scared me to think of us as over, for good.’ My hand traced an invisible circle between us. ‘This, with you, still makes me nervous.’
He lowered his head, placed a delicate kiss on my lips and lifted his eyes to meet mine. ‘Imagine a packed stadium during a finals game. The siren blows and I’m awarded a free kick to win the game. That pressure is nothing compared to what I’m feeling now. I’m afraid of making the wrong move, saying the wrong thing and having you bolt.’
I gave him a look. ‘You have before,’ he reminded me.
‘Not anymore.’ I ran my hands over his broad shoulders. I didn’t want to run, but there was no denying that us being together spooked me. My thoughts raced to the future, my heart breaking for some stupid reason . . .
When I looked up I found him watching me carefully. I cupped his cheeks and guided his head towards mine until our lips touched. I pushed my tongue inside his mouth and found his. A moan sounded from his throat, urging me on. My hand trailed down his stomach, found the length of him and caressed the velvety skin. He pulled at my pants with a sense of urgency.
‘Fuck, this is crazy. I don’t think I can last another minute.’ He tugged and I lifted my rear so he could remove my clothes. Seconds later I saw them fly across the room. His fingers found me ready.
‘Christ, Aubree.’ His mouth found mine again in a desperate kiss as his fingers continued to work me. I squirmed against his hand, moaning into his mouth.
He homed in on the swell just inside my entrance. Rubbing . . . flicking . . . adding pressure. I moaned and then the sensation disappeared. My eyes flung open wondering why he’d suddenly stopped.
Oh.
Hunter was crouched, head between my legs. His eyes darkened and both hands pushed my legs further apart. ‘No,’ I croaked.
He lifted his head. ‘What are you afraid of?’
‘This. I’m not sure. Your mouth there.’ I pointed to my barest part. ‘It’s like I’m giving you all of me. If you take all of me . . . then there’s nothing left for me to give. It’s like stripping me bare. If you do,’ my tone changed, ‘I’ll expect more from you. And I’m scared you won’t be able to give me what I want.’
Hunter hovered over me. Our eyes met and he looked uncertain. ‘What do you want from me?’
‘If I tell you then it’ll be for me and not because you want to.’ I could feel tears burning my eyes. I imagined relationships took time, but I was taking giant steps. I wanted to trust him and yet something still held me back. My sex throbbed wanting more, yet my brain screamed no in warning.
‘That doesn’t make sense.’
‘I want everything you have to give.’ My eyes burned as emotion rose within me.
‘I can’t give it to you unless you trust me, let me in. Do you trust me?’
I nodded.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes.’
He watched me intently as he crawled backwards, lowered his head and found the sensitive spot above my entrance. His tongue flicked, caressed, and I squirmed. Both his hands tightened around my thighs, holding me still as his tongue surged inside.
‘Hunter,’ I gasped. ‘Oh, God.’ My hands grabbed hold of the sheet beneath me. I held on as though it was about to turn magic and fly.
Pressure built inside me and I was close, so close, to exploding. ‘Hunter,’ I all but screamed. His fingers rubbed my bud as his tongue danced inside. When his thumb pressed firm on the spot I came apart. Hunter moved over me, and I slowly opened my eyes.
‘We’re not done yet, Aubs.’ He rolled me onto my stomach, and his knees edged my thighs further apart. His hand snaked under my tummy, lifting me gently, and then he was inside me.
I gasped, turned my head to the side and watched him move over me.
‘You feel fucking beautiful,’ he whispered in my ear.
I grinned, and then moaned loudly, as he drove himself into me, again and again.
An incredible fullness swelled, driving me to the brink. ‘Harder,’ I said, surprising myself.
Hunter obliged and I groaned into the pillow. He whispered my name in my ear. His tongue tickled my skin and his breath brushed my cheek. I sensed him peaking. I lifted my rear to meet his thrusts. ‘Fuck,’ he moaned.
His arm lifted me again. The angle sparked something new, something hot between my legs and I came, crying out in relief once more. Spasms rolled over me, little aftershocks. Hunter called out, stalled, withdrew and pushed again. He let out another moan then collapsed on top of me. His head rested to the side of mine, his laboured breath blowing against my ear.
‘Fucking beautiful,’ he whispered.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Something tickled my hip. The scent of Hunter, manly, musky . . . desirable, filled my nostrils. I opened my eyes centimetres away from his brilliant blue ones.
‘Good morning,’ Hunter whispered. ‘I’ve been waiting for you to wake up.’ He stopped tickling and stroked my skin.
‘What time is it?�
�� I croaked and then licked my lips, not wanting to think about how I looked.
‘Eight-thirty.’
‘What have you been doing?’ I curled into him and rested my head on his shoulder.
‘Thinking.’ He went to move closer and I pressed my hand on his chest to stop him. I remembered having a dream last night. He was younger, which was strange, but something clawed at my memory about his father.
‘I was thinking how I rushed things last night,’ he said, surprising me. ‘You do all sorts of crazy things to me, Aubree Taylor. I felt like an inexperienced lad ready to lose my shit if I didn’t hurry up and get inside you.’
I giggled. ‘You can make it up to me.’ He went to move again and my hand pressed harder. ‘First, tell me what happened to your father?’
His brows shot up. ‘What do you want to know?’
‘Why he left?’ I asked gently. There was so much I wanted to learn about him, break down the armour and discover what had turned Hunter into the warrior he is.
‘Because he’s an idiot. If he didn’t leave Mum would’ve kicked him out.’ I stroked his stomach in a calming way. ‘He was a womaniser and an alcoholic. It was better that he left, at least Mum could move on.’
‘How did it make you feel?’ I lifted my head and looked him in the eye.
His gaze moved to the ceiling. ‘He just left. It was for the better. Mum became happy again. End of story.’ He gave me a look of ‘discussion over’.
‘But you lost your dad,’ I pressed.
His chest rose and fell with a deep breath. ‘Do we really have to talk about this now?’
‘It would help me to understand you better.’ I thought Hunter’s dominant personality might stem from an abusive father or from not having his father around. Did he grow up believing the only way to keep control was to influence those he loved by showing authority?
‘What you see is what you get, Aubree. You of all people should know that. I’ve never pretended otherwise.’
I nodded. ‘Remember I lost my dad, in a different way, but we share a common ground. He was also an alcoholic. I just want you to know I understand how it feels.’
‘Just don’t get offended if I don’t want to talk about it. Unlike you, I’d rather forget. I’m nothing like him.’