I lifted my glass, tilting it toward them. “You guys are next.”
When my phone lit up on the table a few minutes later, I leaped to check it. But it wasn’t from Hunter, and I tried not to let my disappointment show.
Luther:Cheers to a new year and deepening our relationship.
“Ugh.”I tossed my phone in my purse, not bothering with a response.
“I’m guessing that wasn’t from Hunter,” Juliana said.
I shook my head, wondering how long I’d have to wait for Hunter to respond. Or if he even would. I stared ahead, willing him to say something.Anything. My heart was racing, and I felt like I was going to be sick, and it wasn’t from all the champagne I’d consumed.
As everyone started counting down to the new year, my phone sat heavy in my purse, and I remembered why I didn’t do relationships. Why I didn’t do feelings. Because they only made you feel like a fool.
By the time I got home a few hours later, Riley was asleep on her bed. She barely stirred when I came in. I still hadn’t heard from Hunter, despite having sent two more text messages and a call that went straight to voice mail. The clock had struck midnight, but the spell had broken long before. And as I stared into the mirror in my bathroom, using a cloth to wipe away my makeup, I had to face the truth.
Hunter didn’t care about me. He didn’t miss me. He hadn’t even bothered to wish me a Happy New Year. It was like out of sight, out of mind.
I hated feeling this way. And I’d sworn I’d never let another man have this kind of control over my heart.
I slipped beneath the covers, the sheets cool against my skin. The chill reminding me of just how alone I was. But for the first time, it wasn’t by choice. And the bed felt very empty.
Three simple words, eight little letters, and…one big idiot.
I tossed and turned. Then, with a huff, I rolled over and threw off my covers. I reached into my nightstand, grabbing my favorite vibrator and switching it on. I didn’t need a man; I didn’t need anyone. But as I lay there, writhing on the sheets, attempting to reach an orgasm that wouldn’t come, all I could think about was Hunter.
The way he tucked my hair behind my ear. The way he kissed me, with tenderness and devotion. I slammed my eyes shut, trying to block out the onslaught of feelings.
I was a sweaty, out-of-control mess. But still, no orgasm.
Finally, I gave up and switched off the vibrator, tossing it across the room before flopping back on the bed. For the first time—maybe ever—I hadn’t been able to make myself come. I blamed Hunter. I blamed him for his gorgeous body, his talented hands, and his giant cock. But a small part of me, a part I really,reallywanted to ignore, knew it was more than that.
I groaned and threw my arm over my face. The new year was off to a fantastic start.
* * *
“Hey, Hunter. It’s me,”I said into my phone, pacing along the windows at the back of his house.
I’d gotten his voice mail for the second time in days. I hadn’t heard from him since New Year’s Eve. It had been two days, and it didn’t take a genius to guess the reason why.
Feelings.
Specifically, mine.
I blamed them on the alcohol I’d consumed that night and all the amazing sex we’d had the past few months. But I knew that wasn’t entirely true. So, when I’d finally gotten the courage to text that I missed him, his response—or lack thereof—was…more than disappointing.
I was crushed and hurt. And mad at myself for listening to Juliana and Harper in the first place.
Want to talk about regrets?
I regretted texting him because now I couldn’t go back to the way things were. Which could only mean one thing—I had to end this.
It was the perfect time. I’d finished decorating his home. The team fromCasa Beautifulwas here to shoot it, and after that, we’d have nothing keeping us together.
“Where the hell are you?” I wondered aloud after I disconnected the call.
Vivian, the woman in charge of the shoot, came over to me. “Where’s Hunter?”
“He must have gotten stuck in traffic or something,” I said, though I was wondering the same thing. “I just left him another message. Hopefully he’ll be here soon.”
