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"Okay," I said, and Amy and I left the gym, now that the fight was over and Hunter was going to the hospital.
"He's seriously hot," Amy said when we got back into her car for the drive back to the dorm. "Even with the bloody nose. I like his tattoo. And everything else. He reminds me of Heathcliff or something with that dark hair and fair skin, blue eyes. To think he took the fall because he was mesmerized by seeing you…"
"Oh, you," I said, although I completely agreed with her. "You are such a romantic."
I smiled inwardly at the fact that he had indeed taken a hit because he saw me. Part of me felt bad for Hunter, but a secret part of me felt elated. He saw me and couldn’t focus on the fight.
That meant something, right?
We drove back to the dorm and went to our respective rooms, texting each other that we'd meet for coffee the next morning before our first classes.
I took off my clothes and got into my pajamas, then crawled into my tiny bed, picking up my Kindle so I could read the latest novel I'd downloaded. It was just after midnight when my cell dinged.
I pulled it out of my bag and checked my messages.
Hunter: Hey, Celia. Are you still up?
I almost dropped my phone when I realized Hunter had texted me.
Celia: Yes, I was just reading. How are you? Is your nose broken? I feel so bad that happened to you.
Hunter: That's what I get for paying too much attention to beautiful women.
Celia: I'm so sorry I distracted you. I feel responsible.
Hunter: Don't worry about it. It had to happen sooner or later. They won't be able to call me Pretty Boy Saint anymore, I guess…
Celia: Oh, no! Is it really badly broken? Are you in pain?
Hunter: No, it's not bad. The ER doc said it would be fine. Not broken. They gave me some nice pain meds so I'm good. In fact, maybe a bit too good, which is probably why I broke down and texted you when I know I shouldn't.
Celia: Oh, no, you should text me! I wanted to know how you are, so now I can relax and know you're okay. Will this prevent you from starting boot camp?
Hunter: No. I'm lucky it's not broken. If it was, they might have disqualified me at intake. The Marines have the highest number of broken bones in the service during boot camp so you should be in top shape to go.
Celia: I'm glad you're okay. I'll miss you when you go.
Hunter: I'll miss you, too. I'll miss Graham and Boston…
I didn't know what to write and there was silence for a moment.
Finally, I texted him back.
Celia: Well, I hope everything works out for you, Hunter. Take care.
Hunter: You too, Celia.
I sighed and lay back in bed, remembering our kiss, wishing there had been so much more. I doubted I'd find another guy like Hunter. He was just everything I could want in a man. Hot. Sweet. Funny. Smart.
I tossed and turne
d in my tiny bed, wishing that he wasn't going away and that we'd get together, but I realized it was just another silly girl fantasy.
The next day was a blur for me as I ran from one class to another, with barely enough time to breathe. I didn't mind, because I got to return to my dorm room and to the peace and quiet – and most of all, the freedom from Spencer – that I felt there.
I met Amy for dinner in the cafeteria and then went back to my room to study for the next day. At around ten o'clock, my cell dinged and I got a text.
It was from Hunter.
