Finding Reason (Breaking Free Series Book 3)

by Becca Taylor

  Just as I finish flipping the first crepe, Lexi comes in wearing my t-shirt. Long, bare legs distract me. It’s the second time I almost burn food because of her, but the food survives.

  “Morning,” she says as she walks over to the coffee brewer and starts whipping up some fancy drink.

  I put the food together and drizzle some of my homemade caramel sauce over the top before I take both plates to the deck. Lexi follows with the coffee and silverware. When she takes the first bite, she stops. For a moment, I think maybe she hates it until she swallows.

  “Shit, Hunter. Where did you learn to cook? And how did you make it with what I had in the house? This is almost as good as sex.”

  “I told you; my mom and nonna taught me.”

  She takes a sip of her coffee before talking. “I know, but this is amazing. Did you go to culinary school?”

  I laugh. “Once I graduated, I worked. Construction, at first, until Caleb and Bentley’s food truck venture. I usually take a recipe and throw in some extra stuff. It’s not that hard.”

  For the first time, we sit and talk. She tells me more about her family, about how she’s an only child like me. When I asked her what she had planned for the week, she tells me about her new job and how her life is basically going to be as crazy as mine is. I take the opportunity to bring up the charity event.

  “You think you’ll be able to come to the fundraiser we are playing?”

  “Oh, I’m going to that. Aly and Kat already told me about it. I cleared it with work already. Since I’m not full time yet, it wasn’t a big deal. It sounds like fun.”

  “Good, then I’ll see you there.”

  “Definitely.”

  After a lazy morning, I take it as my cue to leave. I don’t want to overstay my welcome. The only problem is that I don’t have my car. Next time, she’ll be staying in my bed. And there will be many next times.

  I get out of the car but stop at her window. When she rolls it down, I lean in for one last kiss. One she’ll remember for the week.

  “Thanks for the date,” I tell her as I stand up again.

  “It was okay,” she says with shrug and a smirk.

  “Next time, we’ll actually go to dinner.”

  I’m only a few steps away from her when she says, “I don’t do dates, Hunter. This was an exception.”

  I turn, and she’s wearing a smirk. I love our banter and can give it back as much as she can.

  “Not a date, Lex. Just two people having fun.”

  This is going to take time, getting her used to the whole date idea. It’s going to be one hell of a fun ride, though.

  THIS IS CRAZY. This isn’t the little fundraiser I pictured. It’s over the top and just what I need: to have some good old-fashioned fun. I’ve been at my new job for two weeks now and completely love it. The guys on the team are all great, but then again, they need to be nice to the person who is working on their muscles. From here on out, it’s just me, though. Brielle is officially on leave in two days. Not this weekend, though—this weekend, I’m all about the fun.

  It’s a carnival. Rides are set up for both children and adults. They have those booths where you can win those hideous stuffed animals and food everywhere. It’s hard to decide where to go first. The plan is to spend the afternoon here then go back to Aly’s house and relax a little before getting ready for the nighttime while the guys get their equipment.

  I’m on my fifth try at the whack-a-mole game. The kid next to me can’t be older than fifteen, and we’re tied two for two. His friends are cheering him on, but I’m determined to win. The blinking light and bell go off. I start hitting those ugly moles because I need to win that stupid stuffed dolphin. It’s pink and sparkly. It’s mine. The bell goes off, indicating someone won.

  Motherfucker.

  The kid claims his prize: my pink dolphin. I figure it’s for his girlfriend, but he turns and hands it to me.

  “Thanks …” I say, not knowing the kid’s name.

  “Spencer,” he says with complete confidence.

  “Thanks, Spence.” I thank him with a kiss on the cheek. His friends all chant and holler. Hunter comes up next to me, standing with his arms crossed. He raises his chin to the kid, telling him basically to piss off. Spence winks at me then takes off with his friends, who are punching him in congratulations. In a few years, he’ll be a heartbreaker.

  “Little shit,” Hunter mumbles.

  “He’s a kid, Hunter. Are you jealous of a little boy?”

  “He fucking stole my kiss. I could have won that for you. Then I would have had that kiss. Now, the fucker’s going to go home and whack off to you, probably more than once.”

  He’s actually huffing. This grown man has a pout on his face, and it’s adorable.

  “How about you buy me one of those funnel cakes? The smell of them is driving me crazy. Then maybe, just maybe, I’ll reward you with a better kiss than one on the cheek?”

  Where the hell is this coming from? We are just supposed to be hanging out with everyone. Yet somehow, everyone has disappeared, and Hunter and I wind up alone.

  He takes my hand in his as we walk to the line where they are making the oh-so-bad-for-you deliciousness. Mallet is behind the deep fryer cooking. Hunter mentioned to me that this benefit is for a family that his friend Rich knew.

  With our piping hot cake covered with powder sugar in hand, we sit at one of the tables they have set up. I break off a piece of the dough and take a bite. Hands down, it’s the best funnel cake I’ve eaten in my life. I offer the second piece to Hunter. He wraps his lips around my fingers as he savors the taste. Just as I’m about to lean in and lick the powdered sugar from his lips, he stops me.

  “Not now, Lex. Save it for later.”

  He kisses my ear after giving it a teasing nibble, knowing he’s driving me crazy. Kat, Aly, Deanna, and Jade walk up to us.

  “You two look cozy,” Kat says.

  I give Kat that look, letting her know not to push it. The truth is that I don’t know what’s going on between Hunter and myself. I like him. He’s awesome to hang out with. We connect sexually, there’s no doubt about that. I’m just not ready to analyze it. Fun. It’s nothing more than that.

  Hunter stands. “You want something to drink?”

  “Just water.”

  As soon as he walks away, I turn back to Kat. “Where is Caleb? He’s the only one who can keep you quiet.”

  “Getting us food.”

  “Not fast enough,” I mumble.

  The guys come back, hands loaded with food and drinks. The guys start talking about music, going over their set for tonight, while the girls talk clothes. Specifically, what we are wearing tonight.

  Hunter leans close to me again. “I can’t wait to see what you choose tonight. While your shorts and tank top are cute, I’d like to see you in some sexy number.”

  “You’ll be busy playing and won’t be able to see what I’m wearing,” I tease.

  “Just make sure you are close to the stage. That way I can see you.”

  After we finish eating, all the girls pile into Kat’s SUV. The plan is to relax at Aly’s until it’s time to get ready for the evening, but Kat has this crazy idea of making t-shirts. She starts passing out Slither t-shirts tailored for each of us.

  The backs clearly state who we belong to. Kat’s says Caleb’s snake is mine, while Aly’s states Bentley’s snakes is mine, and Deanna’s closely matches with Jeremy’s snake is mine. Kat hands Jade hers—the back says My snake is battery operated—but there is no way she will wear that. Then she hands me mine, which says I’m riding the drummer’s snake.

  There’s more, though. Since the shirts are far from sexy, Kat looks up a way to alter the t-shirts. Then it becomes a house of chaos. Clothes are being cut, shredded, and tied to give them style. Jade manages to keep her dignity and cuts a hole where the offending B.O.B. reference was, but we know it’s there. I have an image of someone asking her who she’s with and all of us cracking up in
hysterics. For mine, I went with a one-shoulder look and cut it short to bare my midriff. Hunter said he wanted sexy, after all, and it goes perfectly with my leather mini skirt.

  After craft hour ends, our makeup replaces the scissors on the counter, fifteen pairs of Aly’s shoes are on the bedroom floor, and why the heck we need three hair straighteners in use at the same time is beyond me. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. It’s just like old times when we were getting ready for a night out at the club; only this time, everyone has a man in their sights. All except Jade.

  Shit, is that what I’m doing, getting ready for a guy? Not just any guy. I’m doing it for Hunter. I sit on the toilet with a crash.

  Aly rushes up to me. “Lexi, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “I like Hunter.”

  “We know that, sweetie. Are you just realizing this now?”

  “No, I mean, I really like him. Fuck, guys. I can’t do this. I mean, I don’t …”

  Kat jumps in. “We know; you don’t date. Don’t stress, Lexi. Just relax and have a good time. Let it happen naturally. Things seem to be going well this far.”

  Aly comes back with a shot in hand. I drink it down, wishing I had another. Natural. I can do that. Just be normal, everyday Lexi. Except I’m not just Lexi, and my shirt literally states it. This is why I’m nervous to see him.

  THE UBER TAKES us to the fairgrounds. First stop for me is the drink line. The shot I had did nothing to calm my nerves. Jade joins me.

  “Are you all right? You’re very quiet, which is not like you.”

  I lie. “I’m fine.”

  “Lexi, you’re not fooling me.”

  It’s not the time to discuss my messed-up head. Not happening. “Really, I’m great. This is just crazy, though. I’ve never seen this many people in my life.”

  “Way to avoid, Lexi. Okay, I’ll let it go for now. But this is insane. The good kind of insane.”

  Willow is behind the makeshift bar. “Hey, Lexi, what can I get you?”

  “A shot of something strong and five beers.”

  She gives me a funny look before mixing me a shot of who knows what. It’s red, and I slam it back easily.

  “What was that?” I ask her.

  “A redheaded slut.” Willow says the words so matter-of-factly that Jade starts cracking up beside me.

  “It’s not a lie. Hit me again,” I joke back.

  Even Jade and Willow join me in a toast to hot sexy bikers and riding their Harleys. We grab the beers and make our way through the crowd to the girls, who are swooning over their men as they organize their equipment. My eyes immediately fall to Hunter, who is crouching down by a case. The girls grab their drinks as I hand them out then I return to my view.

  “Thanks, Lexi. The lines must be insane,” Aly says.

  Hunter’s head snaps up as soon as she says my name. Those chocolate eyes of his darken as he scans me from head to toe. As he stands to his full height, his hand sweeps the short hair that’s been growing in lately. I bite my lip, wondering if he likes what I’m wearing. I want to go to him, but I stand, letting him get his fill. Besides, he seems to be enjoying the view as much as I am. He twirls his finger, indicating that he wants me to turn around to get a look at the back. When I face him again, that panty-melting smile of his is on his face. Yep, he likes it.

  He grabs the beer from me, handing it to whoever is closest. I’m not even sure who it is. The way his gaze locks on mine, I can’t take my eyes off him. He reaches around my waist, lifting me. Instinctively, my legs wrap around him. We’re on the move. The muffled sound of whistles and catcalls surround us, but the blood rushing to my ears dampens the full effect. I have no idea where until my back hits the side of his van.

  “Questo é dolcezza destra, il mio serpent é tutto tuo. Infatti, si é posseduta.”

  I have no idea what he’s saying, but it sounds hot. His mouth takes mine with a possessiveness that no one has before. I reach my hands and run them through the growing locks to pull him deeper. He pulls back from me, resting his forehead against mine.

  “I like the new look,” I say as I try to get my breathing under control.

  “I like the shirt. The Doc boots are hot. But this skirt”—he slides his hand along my ass— “is hot as hell. You’d better stick close to the bouncer while we are playing. No one had better lay a hand on you.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’m staying with the girls.”

  He lowers me to my feet. A whistle distracts us.

  “Hunter, get your ass back out here. We have to get this shit set up,” Jeremy yells from the other side of the van.

  “You’d better get back out there, Big Boy. Are you going to tell me what you said first?”

  “Not yet, Lex. But soon.”

  Everyone is staring at us when we head back over. I’m used to being the center of attention, but this is different. I know what everyone is thinking. Hunter made his claim on me in front of everyone.

  Hunter gives my ass a little smack as I head back to my girls. We still have at least another few hours before the boys start, so Jade and I decide to take a walk around. The kids are gone at this point.

  “What was that about back there?” she asks me.

  “Hunter was just being Hunter.”

  “I think it was a little more than that.” She raises an eyebrow to me.

  “I really don’t know what to say. We didn’t talk much. This is a new thing for me. And the truth is I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

  “Who says you need to be the one in the lead, Lexi. Let him steer you. I’m pretty sure he’ll carry you wherever.” Jade links her arm with mine as we look at all the booths.

  That will be new. I like to be in control, but for some reason, I like the idea of giving Hunter the reins. When I recognize Rich, I stop. He’s finishing dressing a tattoo. As soon as he strips the gloves from his hands, he replaces them with a fresh pair.

  He pats the chair. “Step into my office, Red.”

  Unsure if he’s talking to me, I point at myself. I thought about getting one before but never went ahead with it. A tattoo is permanent. I think, why not? I’ve seen his work all over Hunter’s body; he’s a talented artist. So I decide to sit in the chair.

  “What do you want? And where are we putting it?” he asks, not wanting to waste any time.

  I unbutton my skirt to reveal the top of my hip. “A small dolphin.” I explain what I envision while Rich listens.

  At first, he starts drawing freehand then starts getting to the real work. To distract me from the pain, he talks to both Jade and me the entire time. Even though the needle hurts, Rich’s touch is gentle. Since the tattoo is small, he’s done quickly. Jade has been fielding the incoming texts as to where we are.

  Rich sprays something and wipes my tattoo clean. “All done. Go check it out before I bandage you up then we’ll go watch your old man play.”

  It’s perfect. I stand to look in the mirror. Not too big and better than I thought. The dolphin is jumping from the water beneath, much like me emerging into a new life. “I love it. Hunter is not an old man, though. He’s the same age as you are.”

  Rich just laughs at me as he puts some goop and plastic over his work. I take out some money to pay him, but he holds his hand up. “I’ll just charge your boy extra next time.”

  I put the money in the tip jar since I know it’s all going to the fundraiser. We head back out to the gang. Bands have been playing the entire time we were away, so Kat texted to tell us that they were up front and waiting for us. We head to grab drinks for everyone before heading up to the stage. The stage is being set up with Slither’s equipment just as we reach the girls.

  “Thank God. I am dying of thirst. Where have you been?” Kat says as she takes the drink from me.

  Rather than tell her, I show everyone.

  “Holy crap. You got a tattoo,” Aly says surprised. I know she’s been itching to get one. “I’m jealous.”

 
“Hunter is going to flip, in a good way, after he spanks your ass for not having him with you. Did Rich do it?” Kat asks.

  “Yes. I figured he’d be okay with it as long as his friend did it,” I tell them.

  “Um, you’ve met these guys, right? Any man touching any of us equals growly possessiveness. Caleb stood over Rich the entire time he did mine. I think he took longer than necessary just to piss Caleb off. It was funny.”

  I look up when the crowd starts screaming. They don’t waste any time getting right into it. My ears tune right to the drums. It’s only the second time I’ve seen them play, and they are truly amazing. The band’s stage presence is amazing and affects everyone. You would think we were at a real concert.

  Bentley’s voice is sick: rich and infectious. Add in Caleb’s voice in the background, and it screams sex. Jeremy’s hands work the guitar as if it is an extension of his fingers. Then there’s Hunter. Watching his muscles move is something I can’t explain. There are just no words. They each interact with the audience in their own way. I can see why Kat, Aly, and Deanna are swooning over the guys. Hell, even I’m ready to toss my bra on stage, but sadly, I’m not wearing one.

  The first song was fast, to fluff the audience. The next song is quiet to start. Bentley starts singing, and I know it immediately; only it’s the original song.

  Kat screams, “I love this version.”

  I lean in so Kat can hear me. “Why do I know this?”

  “‘Blank Space.’ I Prevail did a cover version,” she answers back.

  The whole band kicks in, playing. The song changes and it’s hard and heavy until I hear that gruff voice come through. I almost think I heard wrong. Then Kat looks at me. Our heads all turn to look at Hunter. He looks directly at me and winks.

  The initial shock wears off, and we start moving to the music in more of a jump than dance. When Hunter sings again, my panties instantly soak through. Ruined. I might as well just throw any panties I own away when I’m around Hunter because he is just going to destroy them all with his voice alone.

  SLITHER WAS PLAYING late, and it ends up being a long day for everyone. Everyone decided to go home instead of staying with the late nighters. Jade comes back home with me. Bringing home a man with us was not in the plan. She needs to get up early to go shoot some pictures of sea turtles with a preservation group. Reluctantly, Hunter lets me leave but not before he examines Rich’s work in the back of his van. The girls were right; he wasn’t happy that a man was touching me without him being there. Before I leave, he also convinces me to have a lazy day with him tomorrow.