Page 50
“You’ve become one of mine,” he says.
“That’s crazy, right? We haven’t even known each other for that long.”
“I didn’t see it coming. But you’re my favorite person, and I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.” His words wrap around me like a warm blanket. “I’m sorry for leaving that night. It was a shitty thing to do.”
“We’re such in a different place now than where we started. But I want you to know that I think you’re total bullshit,” I say. His brows furrow. “You once said you aren’t a good man. I know that’s bullshit.”
“My ex-wife and about ten other women from my recent past would disagree with you.”
“Niko said Jemma wanted to save her marriage.”
“She wanted to. But I couldn’t handle that type of betrayal. Even if I pushed her into his arms.”
“I get it. But just because you weren’t the best version of yourself in that marriage doesn’t mean you’re not a good man. I’m the last to give relationship advice, but you have to forgive yourself for the part you played in the demise of your marriage.”
“You’re so innocent,” he says almost somberly.
“Maybe. Or maybe it’s just that I see you.”
A beat passes between us.
“I won’t fuck this up,” he finally says.
“I trust you. I trust our friendship. And neither of us will do anything to jeopardize that.”
Hunter leans over and kisses the top of my foot, causing pleasure to pulsate between my thighs. “Are you ready to go to bed?” he asks, and my mind immediately goes to the gutter.
“No. I’m not tired yet.” It’s a lie, but telling the truth means ending our night, which I’m not ready to do.
“Me either.”
“I guess this isn’t over—our night, I mean.”
“Not even close,” he says, and my stomach does a little flip. I wish I could blame it on Liam. But I can’t. This is all his daddy.
* * *
The sun set hours ago. We’re on Hunter’s deck watching a movie under the stars. To offset the chill in the air, we share a blanket and sip hot apple cider as Love Jones plays on the outdoor projector. Even though I chose the classic 90’s movie, I can barely keep my eyes open.
“You’re exhausted,” Hunter says close to my ear.
I open my eyes and turn my head in his direction, realizing how close we are. In a shared lounger, I’m leaning into him, and his arm is around me. When did that happen? And how long have I been asleep?
“A little,” I say, separating myself from his body heat.
“Let’s go to bed.” He gets up from the chaise lounge, taking my hand and helping me up. There is nothing between us but my baby bump as he drapes the blanket around my shoulders.
“I had fun tonight.”
“Me too.”
Neither of us moves except for his hands rubbing my shoulders, and for a moment, we don’t speak as our eyes lock.
He’s the first to put some space between us, dropping his hands and taking a small step back. I swallow and tighten the blanket around me, unable to find any words. We walk upstairs to our rooms, with Hunter pointing out the bathroom along the way.
When we reach my door, he puts even more distance between us, almost standing against the opposite wall. “Good night, Yasmine.”
“Good night, Hunter.”
