“I—”
He hung up.
She stared at the phone. She’d almost told him that she loved him, something she hadn’t done since he had come back into her life. It was the truth. She’d always loved her father. When he was sober and attentive, and even when he was drunk and difficult, although she never liked him much during those times. She loved him even when he left.That’s why it hurt so much.
There was something shifting inside her. She was opening her heart. Not just to Hunter, but to her dad too. And it felt so good, like a snuggly blanket wrapped around her, making her feel warm and secure. A weird analogy for such a hot day, but it was true. After years of keeping her distance from everyone other than the few trusted people in her life, she was finally understanding the freedom of letting down her guard and letting someone in.
With a smile, she drove to Yo Jo’s, a tiny thrill racing through her as she saw Hunter’s motorcycle in the parking lot. She parkedthe car and hurried into the coffee shop. He’d already gotten a table and their drinks—double espresso for him and an Americano for her.
“Hi,” he said, when she reached the table. He stood and kissed her cheek, then scooted the chair next to his seat closer to him. As she sat down, he slid her drink to her.
“Thanks.” She picked it up and took a sip, still smiling. She probably looked like an idiot, but for once in her life, she didn’t care.
“Thanks for meeting me a little earlier than usual. Picking up the extra hours this week is going to put me in good stead with my boss.” He grinned. “You look happy today. And cute.” He touched her braid, running his fingers down the length of it. “I like it.”
“It’s kind of frizzy.”
“Didn’t notice.” He moved his hand and reached for hers under the table. “So what has you in such a good mood, other than being in my presence?”
Those words from anyone else would have been a turnoff, but she knew he was joking. “Nothing special,” she said, then hid her mouth behind the cup. “It’s a nice day, that’s all.”
“If you find oppressive heat and humidity nice.”
“Today, I do.”
He squeezed her fingers, his expression turning serious. “I’ve been thinking about some things this morning.”
“Such as?”
Hunter let go of her hand and put both of his on the table, folding them loosely. “There’s a first-shift job opening up soon. I was thinking about applying for it.”
“Oh?”
“That way I’d be on a daytime schedule and off on the weekends. We could go out Friday or Saturday nights. Or both, if you want.”
It did sound appealing, although there was still the niggling anxiety knowing those were the two nights when most people went out. “When will you apply?”
“Today, if it’s posted, which I heard it will be. If I get it, then I’ll have next weekend off for sure.” Then he paused, frowning a little. “Well, Friday night anyway. That Saturday I’ve got, um, plans.”
She waited for him to tell her what they were, but he didn’t, picking up his espresso and taking a gulp, somehow managing not to burn his mouth on the hot beverage. What plans would he have if he wasn’t working?
“Anyway, it’s not a done deal by a long shot, but it’s worth pursuing. And that leads me to my second round of morning thoughts.” He held the cup loosely in his fingers. “I want to go back to school.”
Britt’s brow shot up. “Really?”
“Yeah. I’m still not sure what I’ll major in, though. Maybe business.”
She nodded. “What about art?”
He shook his head. “Not practical enough, and I’m not talented enough.”
“But—”
Hunter put his finger over her mouth. “Shhh, little cheerleader.” When she smiled, he brushed his fingertip over her top lip. Quick. Light.
Shiver.
Putting his hands in his lap, he said, “Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy drawing and I’m going to keep it up. But I need to be realistic.”
