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“Damn. Why do I keep getting so nervous around her?” I lay my head back, waiting on the light to change. A flower shop just ahead catches my attention just as the traffic begins moving again; I should swing by and grab some for dinner tonight.
“It would be nice if Hunter was there tonight, but then again, keeping her at arm’s length is the better plan.” I flip my signal light on and take off, so I don’t have a chance to change my mind. “How can one woman make me this nervous? I’ve gone up against giants in the courtroom, but Hunter is my kryptonite.”
I run into the florist, picking the first thing I see to take with me. As I drive around the old neighborhood, my mind is flooded with memories of Raith and me growing up together. We stayed into trouble, “Momma used to say it was no wonder I become an attorney because one of us would need help one day.”
Eventually, I stop by and grab some papers to check the classified ads. If I plan to get the house on the market, I need to figure out a price to get back to my life. “Being home with Hunter next door is proving to be more difficult than I thought it would be.”
The sun begins to fall into the ocean, letting me know it’s time to head over to Raith’s. “Alright, you need to get control of yourself and stop painting over Hunter like you’ve never seen a woman before.”
I pull into Raith’s driveway and park right behind Hunter’s SUV. “There you go, Black. Put as much room between you and Hunter as possible.”
As I climb off my ride, Raith bolts out of the house, flipping me off the entire way. “Man, it’s so fucking good to see you.”
“I can tell; nice welcome sign you’ve got there.”
“What the hell ever!” Raith pulls me into a bear hug, slapping my back as hard as he can. “C’mon, outback, this bunch is ready to eat, and the beer is cold.”
“Let’s do it!” My chest tightens as I scan the yard for Hunter. The minute I lock eyes with her, her smile brightens, and my head spins. Hunter’s beauty still makes me dizzy and takes my breath away.
Raith interrupts my thoughts, dragging me back to reality. “Man, have I missed you? It’s so good to see you, brother.”
“Hell, it’s good to see you too.” I grab a beer from the cooler in front of us. There are five children running around and playing, three girls and two boys. “So, which one of these screaming banshees is yours?”
“Can’t you tell? I know you’ve met Taylor.” Raith points in the direction where Taylor and Hunter are swinging. Her long hair billows in the wind behind her.
“What?” I shake my head, turning to him. “Of course, I see him on the swing set, but I haven’t had a chance to see Mia.”
“You can’t miss her; she’s her mom.” Raith quips.
“No shit.” I scratch my beard, thinking about how gorgeous Hunter has always been, and then Mia runs across the yard in front of me. Her long hair sways behind her, just like Hunter’s does. “She’s her mother, for sure. By the way, how is she doing?”
“She’s good.” Raith frowns as he looks over at Hunter. “Considering she’s raising twins and working full time, she’s always handling things her way.”
“Calm and cool,” I can’t help but smirk. “unless she’s wearing a towel.”
“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that.” Raith’s brows knit tightly; he throws his shoulders back with defiance. “Hell, Hunter handles her shit and always has. She’s amazing, and I’m proud of her for leaving that fucking asshole.”
“So, what did happen with that? I thought he vowed to treat her like a queen.” I clear my throat as my thoughts grow dark.
Raith adjusts his feet, turning to the side. “It didn’t last long; he found a different woman to love.”
“He cheated on Hunter?” I growl, and Raith’s eyes dart to mine.
His voice now matches mine. “With women and drugs, which is his true mistress.”
“Son of a bitch.” My words tremble as anger grips me. “She doesn’t deserve that; Hunter’s amazing.”
“That she is, my friend. Keep your hands to yourself, Black.” Raith rears back on his heels.
“My hands are right here, shithead.” I bristle, walking away. “If memory serves, you never said anything about hers.”
Chapter 5
Hunter
Raith and Haven invited me over before the streaking incident, or I think my brother would’ve never brought it up because putting Griggs and me together is like oil and fire.
By the time I wrangle the twins into clothes and the car, I feel like I’m the loser in a bullfight. No one tells us that kids are more demanding than they look; it’s always about how precious they are to have.
