“I love it.” He spun me around, making me laugh. “I love that you wanted to include some of my sister’s art in my home. I love…” He set me down, and I felt dizzy from his words.
We both stilled, and then he added, “I love the way you really care about what I would want.”
“I’m glad.” I was surprised my voice sounded so calm because my thoughts were racing. It almost sounded like…like he was telling me he loved me.
I knew he wasn’t, of course. Hunter wasn’t the type of guy to say I love you. And I wasn’t the type of woman to say it either. But the way he looked at me, smiled up at me as he twirled me around, felt a lot like love. And honestly…I didn’t hate it.
I pushed that thought away. Didn’t hate it? What the hell was I thinking?
“I know how much you treasure that piece she gave you for your birthday. And she has several that would look especially stunning in your home.”
Home,I thought. His house was coming to look more like a home every day. Soon, we’d finish decorating, and that would put an end to our lunch dates and shopping trips. And end to us.
He buzzed the doorbell, placing his hand on my lower back. Xander greeted us, and I wondered where Kate was.
“Xander,” I said, reaching out to shake his hand. “Nice to see you again.”
Xander and I had worked with each other in the past, though mostly through his agent and brother, Theo.
“You too.” He smiled.
Unlike the other times I’d seen him since his accident, he seemed happy. At peace. His eyes glowed with excitement, and I could feel it in the energy of the space. I had a feeling it had something to do with Kate, and I marveled at the change in him.
How could love be so transformative—in both good and bad ways? I could see its allure, its power. And I’d vowed long ago never to get swept up in it. Which was why I couldn’t get carried away with Hunter.
Because couples like Xander and Kate, Preston and Alexis, they were happy now. And I hoped they’d continue to be. But how long could it last? How long could two people continue to love each other, to stay faithful to each other, to actually want to be together? Was it even possible?
Naturally, my mind drifted to Hunter. I’d vowed never to get swept up in romance, love. But I felt like a lost cause when it came to this man. He seemed intent on making me happy, both in and out of the bedroom. And I found myself wanting to believe love could exist after all.
Hunter greeted Xander as Kate descended the stairs. She was gorgeous, and the resemblance to Hunter was unmistakable. I’d met her once before, briefly. But that was before Hunter and I were together. Since then, I’d been curious about her. Curious about the baby sister he was so protective of.
Kate rushed toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Hunt!”
“Kitty Kate.” I could hear the smile in his voice as he hugged her.
Though I wanted to laugh at their silly banter, I honestly found it endearing. I liked that he wasn’t one to shy away from affection for the people he loved.
She turned to me with a warm smile. “Lauren, right?”
I nodded. “Good to see you. How are you?”
“Good. So, what brings you in today?” she asked. “We have an appointment soon, but you’re welcome to look around.”
Xander hid a laugh behind his hand. “Angel, they’re the appointment.”
She glanced between Hunter and me. “So, Hunter is your client?” I nodded. “And—” Her brows furrowed. “Lauren’s your, and I quote, ‘extremely capable’ designer?”
“One and the same.” Hunter turned to me, a grin lighting up his handsome face.
Did she know?I wondered. Had Hunter told Kate about us?
The idea sent a little thrill through me, but I quickly shut it down. This was no strings, just sex. I shouldn’t be interested in getting to know his family. I shouldn’t want them to know that we were together.
“Shall we?” Xander asked, gesturing for us to follow him.
As we walked through the space, I admired the design. It was clean and minimalist, but colorful. And it definitely felt like the perfect studio with all the natural light streaming in.
Xander pointed out some pieces, and Hunter and Kate trailed behind. While Xander spoke about the art, I kept one ear on the conversation behind me.
