AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Feels good, yeah?” I sink my fingers into his scalp and lightly scratch.
He hums low under his breath as he looks at me for a few seconds, the longest he hasn’t had his attention on the road or the mirrors. He’s been overly diligent in his focus today.
“Are you fishing for another bath with me, sweetheart?” His lips curl into a playful smile, but there’s a dirty curve to it, pulling a chuckle from me.
“Depends. Will you join me this time?”
He drags his teeth over his bottom lip, stealing a glance at me. “You know I will.”
I arch a brow. “Will you still massage my head like you did last time?”
“Do you want me to?” he counters, his own brow raised.
I grin. “Hell yeah I do. That felt so good I could feel the tension sliding off of me.”
“I’ll do anything and everything you want, sweetheart. You know that.”
“I know,” I murmur.
A minute later, we pull into the driveway of a log cabin style home. It stands tall amongst the surrounding trees, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Its rustic charm is enhanced by the dark wooden beams and panels that make up its walls and roof. It looks cozy and inviting, with a stone chimney rising from its pointed roof.
Before Nova puts the car into park, the front door opens and a blur of color barrels out. It darts across the lawn and practically flies over the stairs. I push open my door and have just enough time to get my feet on the ground and stand up before it collides with my legs.
“Eve!” Hunter yells.
I bend over him, sliding my hands down his back to return his hug. I don’t care how awkward it is, or that mosquitos are currently feasting on me right now, nothing could pry me away from him. There’s been a vise around my heart for weeks now, and no matter how many times I assure myself I’m safe, it never eased.
I didn’t realize why until right now. I wasn’t anxious about myself. I was worried about Hunter.
“I’ve missed you, buddy,” I murmur, my eyes getting watery with emotion.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he says.
At least that’s what I think he says, his words are a little muffled as he’s still squeezing my legs in a tight embrace.
“I brought you a treat. Want to go inside and see what it is?” I smooth my hand around his back in big circles.
He pulls back to look at me, his eyes sparkling a little bit. “Did you bring me cookies?”
I nod, brushing his hair off his forehead. “Chocolate chip ones.”
“Yes!” he says, squeezing my legs in excitement. “But wait, I thought we were a cookie team, remember?”
“We are, my little muffin. But since we brought lunch today, I thought we could save some baking for next time. How does that sound?” I ruffle his hair.
He leans back but doesn’t let go of the back of my legs. “That depends. What did you bring for lunch? Because I don’t like tuna fish sandwiches—yuck.” He makes this exaggerated face like he’s going to throw up.
I chuckle at his dramatics. Relief sags my shoulders to see him act like the same kid despite everything that happened. Maybe he really was shielded from most of it. I should’ve asked what they told him about what happened, so I don’t stick my foot in my mouth.
“Don’t worry, bud, no tuna sandwiches today,” I assure him with a grin. “Your Uncle Nova and I brought some pizza! Those really big slices the size of your face, but we have to warm them up. Wanna help me?”
Hunter lets go of my legs to do a jumping fist bump. “Yes! I love pizza!” He turns around and runs back toward the house with nearly as much speed as he left it.
Nova tosses his arms up on either side, calling out, “What am I, chopped liver?”
Hunter’s giggles trail behind him.
“You’re the best chopped liver I’ve ever seen, Uncle Nova,” I tease him, looking over my shoulder to see his smile soften the edges of worry etched on his face the whole drive.
