Passionate Kisses 2 Boxed Set: Love in Bloom

by Magda Alexander

  “Partly,” Becca admitted. Her stomach growled. When had she eaten last? Something on the road on her drive here. Not enough to fill her.

  Hunter pulled the door open to the diner and held it for her to enter. As he followed, he put a hand on her shoulder. “Is the other part because I haven’t shown up the past few years?”

  The sign up front read ‘Seat yourself’. Becca found a booth near the window that faced the ocean and scooted in. What an eerie, beautiful image outside. She kept her gaze on the scene, memorizing every detail in order to paint the landscape later.

  “Becca?”

  Oh, that’s right. Hunter had asked her a question. Heat flared in her cheeks as she met his inquisitive stare.

  “It’s a mix of things, to be honest. Yes, you’re part of it, but not the only factor. It’s been twenty years. How can I keep holding on to the past? It doesn’t do me any good, and maybe I should get on with it.” The words came out so harsh that she flinched. Goodness, when she was tired, words had a way of not coming out right.

  Hunter’s face fell and his hands shot across the table to cover hers. “Do you really feel that way?” he asked softly, his eyes never leaving her face.

  “I don’t know what I feel anymore. I’m stuck in the midst of people that tell me what I should think and feel, and quite frankly, it’s tiresome on my mind. I need to get away from that chaos for a while, which makes this trip even more needed. Everyone looks at me and I know even when they don’t say it, they’re thinking, ‘Why can’t this woman get over her past?’ It makes me wonder if coming here is useful or not.”

  “Here’s the thing. Only you can decide that, Becca. If this is what you need then you should do it for you, not for anyone else. Don’t let other people’s thoughts and words sway you from doing what’s best for you.” Hunter squeezed her hand before letting go, busying himself with searching the menu.

  His words hit her right in the heart. He had a point. Why did she continue to allow her grandparents, Vince, and all those people rule her mind? They had no idea what she went through. Still, twenty years after the crash, she should learn to stop reliving the events in her mind and stop being so fearful. Right?

  “I’m just so sorry I fell out of touch. I regret that more than you know. I promised to always be there to talk to you, and I haven’t kept up very well.” A deep, sad emotion fell into Hunter’s dark green eyes. He hid a pain there. What happened to him? He looked the same and in some ways acted the same, but the more he opened his mouth, the more Becca realized that he had changed. People do that, especially after so many years, but it made her curious. After all the years they’d written letters and made their annual trips to the island, he’d been so much more open. Now, he acted like a shadow. His eyes held an untold story that she couldn’t decipher.

  “I just assumed that you’d finally moved on. Maybe I was a part of your past you felt like you had to let go.” Their last meeting, something had changed with them. Maybe he hadn’t liked where things were going. Hunter had tried to take her mind off the breakup with Justin, which had devastated her! After almost three years together, she thought he was the one. How wrong she’d been. Justin only wanted things for himself. According to him, Becca didn’t fit the bill anymore. She’d come to the island feeling a little lost and was trying to keep it together.

  Hunter squeezed her hands and shot her a wounded look. “That was never it! I’ve always enjoyed having you in my life, Becca. So many times I wanted to reach out and talk to you.”

  “Why didn’t you? Did something happen?” Hunter was acting strange. His words were so vague.

  He shifted and stared out the window a long while before he faced her again. “I think this is a conversation for another time, if that’s all right. I’m still processing things and I don’t really have the right words to say. Please understand. It’s been a rough few years. I need to get some things off my chest, but right now isn’t that moment.”

  Becca nodded. She wouldn’t press him if he wasn’t ready to talk about it. “Of course. Just know I care. I’ve never seen you like this.” Not even after the crash. Hunter had managed to overcome that event so much better than she had. Now it seemed like he slid in reverse. She just had to give him time.

  “So what have you been doing? Are you still teaching? Have you taken your art further? Do you have anything new that I can take home as a souvenir?” His eyes lit up for the first time since he met her by the swing. “I have your paintings framed on the walls all around my house.”

  Becca giggled. “No you don’t! Stop teasing me.” Could he really be serious? No one else took her art seriously. To them, it was just another side passion that kept her in her own childish world. “I’m still teaching. I love it. The kids I work with are wonderful. Some of them have such a love of art and it makes me happy.”

  “You doubt me? Have I ever lied to you?” Hunter feigned hurt, flashing her a smile. “If I had known that, I would have taken pictures to show you. How do you not know how much I believe in your talent?” Hunter frowned. “Wait. Don’t answer that. This coming from the man that stopped contacting you for years.” He shook his head with a sigh. “I’m glad you’re enjoying your job. I remember how excited you were when you got that call.”

  So did she. So excited that when Hunter went to kiss her cheek, she’d moved and their lips met. Talk about awkward. She remembered that day well.

  A perky waitress sauntered up to them to take their orders. After she walked away with the promise of drinks and the night’s special, Hunter turned his attention back to Becca.

  “You have this knack for memorizing every detail and then capturing it on canvas later. Everyone who visits me asks about your paintings. I tell them that the artist is special - one of a kind. I’ve even had a few people offer money to take your art home. I’ve had to turn them down.”

  Becca opened and shut her mouth again. He had to be pulling her leg on that last part.

  “I’m serious. If I could take you home and introduce you, I bet you’d have people lining up to meet you.”

  She let out a laugh, but it came out more like a squeak. “You still have that way about you that flatters me every time.”

  “I’m sure you get flattery all the time. But I mean what I say.” Hunter extracted his hand from hers and reached in his pocket. “I brought you something.”

  Before she had time to protest, Hunter pulled the item from his pocket and handed it to her. It was a small box, wrapped up in pretty blue paper. He pushed it across the table, urging her to open it.

  Sometimes he acted like four years hadn’t passed between them. Becca shook it off and reached for the box, carefully removing the perfectly wrapped ribbon, then tore into the box.

  He didn’t get her just one thing. There were multiple items inside. She held up a small seashell and a key chain.

  “It’s from Mexico. I bet you don’t have anything from there in your collection.” At her silence, Hunter bit his lip. “Do you still collect them?”

  She certainly did. She used to keep all her small keepsakes like these in a chest that had a lock on it. That way her grandparents could never get into the chest and search through her mementos and memories that only she would understand. Now that she lived by herself, she displayed them proudly. Hunter knew her fear of flying, so every time he went somewhere new, he’d send her a piece of the world.

  Hot tears pricked her eyes. “Thank you. They’re beautiful. Perfect. I can’t believe you remembered.”

  “I don’t ever forget things when it comes to you, Rebecca. I have more, but I thought I’d bring those for now.” A dark emotion flashed in his eyes. “I can’t make up for the years I didn’t show, nor will I try, because you can never make up for lost time. I just want you to know how important you are to me.”

  They spent the entire night talking and laughing and most importantly, bridging that four year gap. After dinner, they wound up looking at the stars and the water from her balcony. The nigh
t chill deepened. After another shiver, Hunter ran inside the room, returning moments later with a blanket, which he gently draped over her. Eyelids half closed, Becca smiled. “You shouldn’t have brought that blanket out. Now you’ve given me more reason to want to fall asleep right here.”

  Hunter laughed, still kneeling beside her. “I’ve kept you up so late. You look exhausted. Don’t you need your sleep?”

  “Of course I-” She let out a yawn. “Do. Oh good heavens, I can’t stop yawning all of a sudden.”

  Hunter surprised her when he scooped her up in his arms. He sailed through the open door of her room and set her down on the large bed. “We’ve got more time to catch up. I look forward to it. Call me when you wake up,” he pleaded, then rushed away to close and lock her balcony door.

  Becca’s eyelids were heavy with sleep, so she gave in and closed her eyes. “Thank you, Hunter,” she said in a soft, tired voice.

  “For?” His voice came from nearby. The mattress sank beneath his weight. Then she felt his hand on her cheek, brushing her skin lightly.

  “For coming back. For not forgetting,” she mumbled, succumbing to sleep.

  The last thing she heard before fully conking out was Hunter’s voice. He kissed her cheek, then brushed her hair from her face.

  “You’re unforgettable. I never want to stay away for so long again. I’m glad you welcomed me back with such gentle ease. You’re amazing, Becca. Good night.”

  Chapter Two

  Hunter’s dreams were filled with Becca, but then they turned into nightmares when his past collided with his dream of her. He bolted out of bed, drenched in sweat and ran to the bathroom. The man facing him in the mirror could have easily been a stranger. He barely recognized the pale face with wet locks of dark hair sticking up everywhere.

  His mind went to Becca. He hoped she slept well after their long night. She had fought sleep as long as she could just to talk with him. He didn’t realize just how much he missed her until he caught her on that swing, having a carefree moment. Hunter couldn’t believe his luck. He didn’t think she’d be here when he arrived. He’d only had hope to go by. He could have called her beforehand, but wanted to see the utter shock on her face if she did make it. She’d sure been surprised.

  How dumb was he to let four years slip by without talking to her? No matter what, he should have kept in touch. He missed her. Damn, had he missed her. Even if he hadn’t been able to get up here the past few years, why did he have to push her away, too?

  His phone rang. At the sound of the all too familiar ringtone, Hunter groaned. The only time Shara called him was when she had an update. Lately, the updates hadn’t been good. He rushed to answer it, his heart thudding against his rib cage. “Good morning Shara. What have you got for me today?” He kept his tone neutral when on the inside he feared whatever she had to say.

  “She wants half of your net worth, or she plans to run away with the child.”

  Hunter swore. With shaky knees, he sank onto the bed and balled his fist. Damn you, Eva. She was going to go after him every which way she could. What had he ever done for her to be so vindictive? He’d given her all he could and it wasn’t enough. She wanted to make him pay, literally and figuratively.

  “Are you there? My advice for you is to not give in. You signed a prenup for a reason. It’s not like she can get anything from you.”

  “How can you possibly say that when my daughter’s life is at stake? I don’t trust her not to do something foolish, but everyone seems to be on her side. She’s not being a good mother. I just want Sienna to be safe.” His frown deepened. Shara had called Sienna ‘the child’ again, as if his baby girl was the enemy. But then, Shara wasn’t a fan of kids, and she’d been after Hunter for more than a working relationship for a long time. Why did everyone around him have an ulterior motive? They wanted this or that. “It’s not about the prenup and what she can get. It’s the fact that she’s using Sienna against me.”

  I’m so fed up with needy people that don’t tell me the truth!

  “She’s only going to dig for more, Hunter. You fight her on this. Why the hell would you run off now of all times to your stupid island?” Disdain dripped from her voice. Shara didn’t hide her annoyance at all.

  “It was suggested that I take a break before I end up in the hospital, so that’s exactly what I did.” And to find Becca. He didn’t know what he would have done if she wasn’t here. Honestly, he didn’t expect her to be here. Not after all these years. If the roles were reversed, he would have…

  Hell, who was he kidding? He would have been here every year. He would have been crushed if Becca had been the one to let go and lose contact. He was in the same boat. No one else understood.

  She had to be the only person in his life that loved him for him, not for his money or anything else. He’d been the one to leave her behind for far too long. Despite the tragic reason that had formed their bond, Becca was always the perfect constant in his life. He wished he could have her around a lot more than once a year. He should have reached out to her instead of detaching himself from everything.

  “You could have just stayed home and not gone to work or something,” Shara complained.

  “What difference does it make? I’m still available, aren’t I?” Hunter snapped. Silence greeted him. No matter how annoyed she got him, biting her head off wasn’t the answer.

  “Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I just don’t like this whole thing with Eva. She makes me nervous. I worry about you. So … is Becca there? Did you find her?”

  Typical Shara. She’d get annoyed, as she did easily, but when it came down to it, she was there for him. Most times, he knew she wanted the best for him. In tough situations, they both butted heads because they were too wound up and worried.

  “I’m sorry too, Shara. This isn’t the ideal situation for anyone. I do have things to tend to up here. I did find her though. She’s been here every time.” Regret smacked him right in the heart. “Let me get back to you later, okay? Thank you for all your help.” Without another word, he disconnected the call and shuffled toward the balcony. The ocean before him was a picturesque view. The waves crashed upon the shore. What he wouldn’t give to take a run along the waves right now. Maybe that’s what he’d do. He wanted to feel the cool rush of water at his feet. Maybe he’d even take a swim.

  The sun rose over the horizon, casting an array of colors on the water. A silhouetted shadow caught his eye. Hunter squinted to get a better view of the shadow. Was Becca up already? This early? Oh, he saw exactly what she was doing. She was capturing the sunrise on canvas. He smiled and hurried to get dressed in hopes of catching her still on the beach while he could.

  A brisk breeze ruffled his hair outside. Birds sang happily while flitting from tree to tree. Nothing beat the sound of the waves rushing back and forth across the sandy shore. He caught the backside of Becca. She wore a blue tank top. She’d brought out a folding chair which she perched on right in front of her wooden easel. Only Becca. Who else did he know that would come out here like this with an easel and paint the world’s beauty? He let out a breath that sounded like a hiss as his pulse quickened just thinking about her.

  Becca managed to capture his heart. She’d been in a fragile place four years ago after breaking up with her boyfriend of three years. His off again status with Eva further proved that they weren’t a good match. He’d always known that, but he’d done his best. Then he learned the news that changed everything.

  He should have told Becca. He should have called her and explained to her what happened. Never before when he’d left did it leave such an emptiness inside. It was odd. His feelings were conflicted, just as he knew hers had been. Though they only saw each other on a yearly basis until his absence, she always got him. Always. Their connection went deeper than the tragedy that bound them together.

  Now closer to her, Hunter sighed in relief when she put the brush down. He would startle her, not on purpose of course, but he couldn’t make her aware o
f his presence without her messing up the piece she’d been working on. She’d captured the sunrise perfectly. It was stunning, just as she was. “I didn’t expect to find you up so early after our late night,” Hunter said softly, plopping down in the sand beside her.

  With a gasp and a slight jump, Becca faced him. Her lips curved up into a smile. “The same goes for you.” The smoothness of her voice ran over his skin in a wave of chills.

  “Sleep hasn’t been on my side lately,” he admitted.

  “No offense, but it shows. You look exhausted.” Concern laced her voice as she studied him.

  “None taken. I agree with you. I know it shows.” Time to take the subject off his lack of sleep. He gestured to her canvas. “It’s beautiful. God Becca, you should be in a gallery somewhere with your talent.” He knew her grandparents held her back, as they had with anything she wanted. So many times while writing back and forth, phone calls, or visits, he’d wanted to sweep her away from them. Becca had so much to offer, but because the only family she had to take care of her sheltered her so much, she wasn’t shining as she should. So many of the doctors she’d seen dubbed her a lost cause. They’d claimed she wouldn’t be normal again. Apparently, her grandparents took that to heart instead of seeking other opinions. Becca had other plans. She refused to give up. It took them years to leave her be when she finally pushed herself to walk again. The first time he convinced her to come visit the island with him, she was nearly eighteen. That year surprised him. Becca had been declared emancipated and she finally began opening herself up. She was like a flower that wouldn’t fully bloom. Even now, Becca hid within the walls they had confined her in. With her revelation of this older man they wanted her to marry, Hunter knew things hadn’t changed.

  “You’re the only one that says such things,” she said softly, lowering her eyelids slightly. Moisture glistened on them when she met his stare once again.