Saved by Him

by Kristie Leigh

  I was a little taken aback. I mean, I knew Hunter was a nice guy, but I had taken over his whole weekend. I would’ve thought he was done playing house for the day but decided not to question him.

  “Well, thank you. I appreciate you being there for us today. You were a tremendous help and support.”

  “Anytime. I mean it.”

  When the sun set, I took my little man up to bed. Since he had such a late lunch, he wasn’t interested in dinner. He asked for Hunter when I put him down, but I distracted him, thinking that Hunter might be freaked out by so much “parenting.”

  When I came back down the stairs, Hunter was on the sofa, waiting. He looked up and smiled, so I sat down beside him. Nothing was said as he just stared at me.

  I started to feel self-conscious, so I looked away, but as soon as I did, he touched my cheek to turn me back to face him.

  “Please don’t look away. I’ve been deprived of looking at you for so long that I can’t take my eyes off you.”

  I smiled shyly but said nothing. He said the sweetest things sometimes.

  He stroked my cheek and said, “Thank you for today.”

  I scrunched up my face in confusion, and he laughed.

  “I loved hanging out with you guys. I wish it were under better circumstances, but being with the two of you has quickly become my favorite thing in the world.”

  “Yeah, that’s because you’re still new to Calum. Just wait until you aren’t a shiny new toy. He’ll show his true colors, and you’ll be running for the hills.” I laughed, thinking he hadn’t seen anything yet.

  “I can handle anything. Trust me. I won’t be running anywhere.” He looked me square in the eyes thoughtfully.

  “Famous last words.” I slapped him on the arm, trying to lighten the seriousness his tone brought to the conversation.

  “I guess I’ll just have to show you.”

  “Guess so.” I leaned back on the sofa to avoid eye contact and take a breather.

  “I should head out. I have to be up at five in the morning.” He groaned.

  My stomach sank just thinking about him leaving. Geez, Jules, get a grip. It wasn’t like he was moving in.

  “Okay.” I was sure he could hear the sadness in that one word.

  He stood up and reached for my hand. “Walk me out?”

  I smiled up at him and took his hand. He led us to his truck, where he turned to me. “I really did have a great time today, and I’m really looking forward to Friday.”

  “Me, too, and I’m sure Calum is going to be over the moon to go in the truck again.”

  “I’m glad.” He took my face in his hands and gazed into my eyes before leaning in, kissing me.

  I wrapped my arms around him. I didn’t ever want to let go, but I had to.

  He pulled back before I was ready. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow?”

  “All right.” That was all I could get out without begging him to stay.

  “Night, Jules.” He kissed my forehead.

  “Night.” I stepped back to allow him to get into his truck.

  He got in and started the engine. I watched him for a minute. He looked as torn as I was, but eventually, he put it into reverse.

  Walking back inside, I felt lonely for the first time in a long time. How could he have such an impact on my life when he had only been back in it for such a short time? What was going to happen after six months?

  I pondered that while shutting off all the lights and locking up.

  Walking into the living room, I stared at the sofa. I was exhausted and wanted to pass out, but after seeing Mama’s video today, I felt like I should try harder. So, I decided to try sleeping in her room again.

  I slowly walked upstairs and stood at the entrance to her bedroom. Instead of the usual anxiety, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I climbed onto the bed and breathed deeply into her pillow, hoping to find a trace of her. Her scent no longer lingered, yet I felt her presence, and that was enough.

  “Night, Mama.” I rolled over and fell into a deep sleep, knowing she was watching over me.

  12

  Hunter

  “Listen, Mike, I don’t give a shit. Can we just get this over with? This week has been the slowest of my life.” I sounded like a whiney teenage girl, but I couldn’t care less.

  “Stop your bitching. You’re just dying to see Jules and taking it out on us.”

  I rolled my eyes, although I knew he was right. I hadn’t seen Jules since Sunday, and it’d been pure torture. I told a little white lie when I said it wasn’t a big deal to take a couple days off, so I’d worked my ass off night and day to get ahead of schedule so I could take off with them for a long weekend.

  “Man, you need to get home and sleep, or you’re going to be one grumpy motherfucker. I don’t think that will score you any brownie points with Jules.” He laughed and slapped me on the shoulder.

  Fucker.

  I sighed. “I know, all right? Let’s just get this header in place and call it a day.”

  By the time I got home, it was seven. I was starving and completely exhausted. After a quick shower, I grabbed my phone. I hadn’t had a chance to check it all day.

  Emerson: How you feeling about this weekend?

  Me: Bro, I can’t wait. I feel like such a chick, but I’m dying to see her.

  I opened my conversation with Jules. We’d kept in contact all week via text and a few short phone calls. We had the flirty-banter thing down to an exact science at this point, but it wasn’t the same. I was dying to see her and feel her.

  Me: You guys all set for the morning?

  Jules: We’re all packed, and Calum is probably dreaming of trucks. That’s all he has talked about today. How was your day?

  Me: It was all right. No a/c on the jobsite. So I’m wiped from the heat. Glad to hear he’s excited. I can’t wait to see you guys.

  Jules: Me too. What time are you going to be here?

  Me: I’ll be up super early, so you let me know what time.

  Jules: Is seven too early? Calum and I were in the pool all day, so he crashed early. Which means an early wake-up call for me.

  Damn. Now all I could do was picture her in a bikini.

  Me: That’s perfect. I’ll grab caffeine and some breakfast on the way.

  Jules: Great.

  I saw the text bubbles pop up and disappear a few times, but after a few minutes, nothing came through.

  Me: What text did you delete?

  Jules: Nothing important.

  Me: You sure?

  I knew she was full of shit but decided not to push it.

  Jules: Yeah. I just wanted to tell you that I’ve missed you this week.

  God, I was such a pussy for this woman. My heart felt like it was going to pound out of my chest just reading that text.

  Me: That means a lot. I’ve been dying to see you all week. Work was insane. I didn’t want to leave any loose ends so we wouldn’t be bothered this weekend.

  Shit. I forgot to tell her I missed her too.

  Me: I’ve missed you, too.

  Jules: I can’t wait to see you. Wish you were here.

  Me: Me too. Only twelve more hours, and we’ll have zero interruptions for four days.

  Jules: Not going to lie, Calum will most definitely interrupt us.

  Me: Julianne Davis, get your mind out of the gutter.

  Jules: Like you haven’t had any dirty thoughts about this weekend. Nice try.

  Me: Me? No way, but I would love to hear what dirty thoughts you’ve been thinking.

  Jules: Uh-uh. Not happening. You’ll just have to wait and see what happens. ;)

  Me: Tease!

  Jules: You know it.

  Me: Well, since you aren’t willing to tell me a bedtime story, I should get to sleep. The sooner I’m out, the sooner I get to see you.

  Jules: Can’t wait. Goodnight.

  Me: Night.

  I placed my phone on the charger and turned out the light. Good thing my body was exhauste
d because my mind raced with all the possibilities of what this weekend would bring.

  I woke before my alarm at five and jumped out of bed with more energy than ever before. I had a couple of hours to kill until I had to head over to Jules’s. I decided to run off some of my energy.

  Grabbing my phone, I saw a few missed texts from Emerson that came in late last night.

  Emerson: You’re acting like a chick! Haha. But whatever. Get your girl. You deserve it.

  Emerson: Dude, where the fuck are you?

  Emerson: Are you sleeping? Wow. You’re such a pussy.

  I debated on whether to text back or leave him hanging, but I wanted to give him shit.

  Me: Fucker. I worked my ass off all week to take time off with her. Of course, I was sleeping. Plus, I promised I would pick them up early. Now I’m up and can’t sleep. FFS. I’m going for a run. Don’t bug me at all this weekend, dick!

  I slipped my phone into my armband, and I opened the door. A run would do me good since I’d be cooped up in the truck for four hours today.

  Less than two hours later, I rang her doorbell and heard Calum squeal excitedly on the other side. The door swung open to a freshly showered Jules in a fitted tank top and jean shorts with her wet hair in a messy bun on top of her head.

  “Hunter,” Calum yelled, pulling me out of my trance. He grabbed my legs to hug them, and I patted the back of his head.

  “Hey, buddy. You ready for a truck ride?”

  He looked around me at the truck and then reached up for me to take him. I picked him up without hesitation. I turned to find Jules smiling ear to ear. I leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Good morning, beautiful. Are you ready?”

  “Sure am.”

  “Let me get Calum situated, and I’ll be back to help you with your bags.”

  She leaned against the doorframe, crossed her arms, and smiled. “I’ll be right here.”

  I ran down the steps with a giggling Calum in my arms to the truck that was parked at the end of the driveway. Jules was still leaning in the doorway, smiling at us.

  “Point me in the direction of your bags, and we’ll head out. Your tea is probably getting cold.”

  “We can’t have that. The bags are right inside the door. Thank you.” She winked.

  After loading everything and everyone into the truck, we were finally on the road.

  I pointed toward the cup. “Tea just how you like it, and there’s some breakfast in that bag down there if you guys are hungry.”

  “Thanks, but are you sure you want Calum eating in your truck? It looks like it’s been cleaned recently, and he is definitely going to make a mess.”

  I laughed. “You’re kidding, right? It’s a work truck. It’s used to a lot of dirt.” I smirked.

  She laughed. “That’s true. I never thought of that.” She reached down and grabbed the bag of food. “Oh my gosh. This smells amazing. Maggie’s banana bread is to die for.” She took a piece out and popped it into her mouth, moaning slightly, and my dick twitched in my jeans. This was going to be a long drive.

  “You hungry, buddy?” She took another piece, trying to hand it to Calum.

  I watched him shake his head in the rearview mirror.

  “What? You don’t want banana bread? I guess Hunter will have to eat it.” She moved her hand close to my mouth.

  “Mmmm. This looks so yummy.” I played it up dramatically.

  “No. Mine. Me. Me. Me,” he said with grabby hands.

  We both hid our smiles, and Jules handed the piece to him.

  “Is he always this stubborn?”

  She turned and laughed. “When it comes to food, yes. Ninety-nine percent of the time he says he doesn’t want anything. It can get quite frustrating.”

  “Like mother like son,” I said half joking.

  Her jaw dropped in mock horror. “Me? Stubborn and frustrating? No way. You must be thinking of another Jules because that sounds nothing like me.”

  I nearly choked on my sip of coffee. “No. Never you.”

  She slapped my arm playfully and laughed. Kicking her shoes off, she pulled her legs up under her to get comfortable for the long ride.

  “More, Mama.” Calum stretched his hand out.

  “What do you say?”

  “Pease and tank you.” He smiled big, still holding out his hand.

  “You’re welcome, buddy.”

  Jules handed him some more banana bread and placed a fruit cup in one of his cupholders.

  “Mmm. Nummy in my tummy.”

  He was so adorable. I wasn’t used to being around kids. I honestly didn’t know anyone other than a handful of employees with kids, and I only saw them at the annual Christmas party. But I could tell that Calum was cool.

  “If you want to put on some music there’s a cord in the center console. The Bluetooth won’t connect when we’re driving.”

  “Are you going to bitch and moan about what I pick?” she asked accusingly.

  I glanced over, eyeing her suspiciously. “That depends. I can’t do jazz, blues, or heavy metal, and I’m really not in the mood for something sappy.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  She grabbed the cord and plugged her phone in, and Luke Comb’s “Hurricane” played through the stereo.

  “This I can handle.” It was a little slower than I liked, but I could deal.

  Growing up in small-town Florida, country music was a must. It grew on you. I was so glad we were on the same page as far as music went because a four-hour drive was a long-ass time with a bunch of shitty music.

  Jules must have put on a playlist as we had been listening to back-to-back country now for the last hour, and I was positive she knew every song. She’d been singing along and bouncing around in her seat the whole time.

  I needed to break the silence. I mean it wasn’t awkward or quiet with the music on, but I wanted to talk to her. I turned down the volume, using the steering wheel controls, and I saw her whip her head toward me out of the corner of my eye.

  “That was a good song.”

  “Sorry. I just thought we could talk for a bit.”

  “All right. What’s up?” She turned toward me in her seat as much as her seatbelt would allow.

  “What did you do this week? Other than count the days until you saw me again?”

  She grinned. “You wish. Not much. I spent most of my time lounging with Calum. I was thinking a lot about Mama’s video and her requests. I watched some decorating shows to get ideas of what I can do to the house that would make her proud.”

  “Oh yeah? Did you come up with anything?”

  “Oh yeah. Tons. I made a Pinterest board. Do you know what that is?” She arched a brow.

  “Of course. Half of my clients’ dreams are on Pinterest. I encourage it as it helps to create a bigger picture for both them and myself.”

  “Well, I’ll have to show it to you. Will you be able to do the work? I know you’re super busy, so let me know when you’re available to schedule me in.”

  Wow. I was actually really surprised she was going through with this whole renovation thing. It was going to be hard, but I thought it would be good for her in the end. I thanked God Stephanie made that video, and Jules was now here for at least six more months.

  “Whenever you’re ready, just say the word, and I’m all yours.” And I meant that in every sense possible.

  “That’s great. I have the cosmetic stuff covered, but any ideas you have on the construction side, let me know.”

  “I’ll see what I can come up with.” I reached down into the door panel, pulled out a small set of plans, and handed them to her. “Before I forget, these are the cottage plans that Casey drew up. There are even some design drawings as well to show the interior spaces.”

  She opened them and gasped. “Wow, this is beautiful. I can’t believe it.” She reached over and touched my forearm. “Is that what the view really looks like?”

  I glanced down at the plans quickly, then back up to the road.
>
  “Pretty much. I mean the drawings don’t do it justice, but you get the idea.”

  “One day.” She squeezed my arm. “This needs to come to life. What a shame it would be to let her dreams die along with her,” she said in a soft tone.

  “I couldn’t agree more. No matter where the future takes you, having that cottage would be an amazing retreat for Calum and you.” I just hoped it’d be with me.

  “Definitely. Thank you for bringing the plans and for taking time out of your busy schedule to bring us up to see the land.”

  “I haven’t looked forward to anything in a long time. I’ve worked pretty much twenty-four seven since you left, trying to busy myself in work, growing the business. It feels really good to get away, and I couldn’t have asked for better company.”

  I looked back at Calum in the rearview, and he was passed out. I chuckled, and Jules looked back at him and laughed softly.

  “He’s always been a car sleeper. He’ll sleep most of the way there I bet. So, what do you have planned for this weekend?”

  “Nothing planned, really. I brought some fishing rods for all of us as well as a small rowboat. Other than that. I haven’t thought much about it. Just looking forward to a peaceful weekend in the outdoors with you guys.”