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hunter
With the helpof Georgia’s sister, Dakota, I got unhooked from the IV drip for a while to get properly dressed. With my hair brushed back and a dab of cologne on my collar, I set off to prepare a memorable date as best as I could with little to no notice.
There was a greenhouse-style cafe on a rooftop overlooking the patient pond at the back of the hospital property. Stealing an out-of-order sign, I hung it on the doors and began pushing all the furniture to one side, leaving an open space to lay out a bunch of the hospital blankets I’d stolen from a linen closet.
Then, Dakota delivered the take-out I had brought to the hospital while I finished tossing the flower petals from the bouquet Austin had left all over the blankets. As we finished, Dakota clapped me on the arm.
“Looks amazing. She’s going to love it.”
“You sure?” I glanced down at her. “She’s a tough sell.”
“She is, but she’s resistant to the idea that she can be loved. Prove to her she can be.” She patted my elbow before walking back into the hospital. I looked around to make sure everything was perfect when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
She was here.
Slowly walking back to the doors, I ignored the aching in my side. I needed to get through today. Then, whatever happened, happened. Hopefully, Austin was a match, and I’d get a piece of his liver. Then, Georgia and I could ride off into the sunset when I was out of recovery.
“Hey. Oh, wow.” I held the door for Georgia as she stepped out, taking in all the work I’d put in. She brushed her long black hair behind her ear before glancing up at me. “You did all this?”
“I told you I was serious, so I wanted to show you.”
“Right.” She smiled, a blush rising on her cheeks and making her look lovelier. “Okay, well, what’s first?”
“Nibbles and bits?” I grinned at her, offering my elbow. She reluctantly took it and let me lead her over to the blanket. I helped her sit before I dropped beside her, ensuring our thighs were touching.
“I had some help ordering something you’d like,” I admitted as I leaned forward to grab the tray and held it out to her. “But you always bring me what I like, so I thought I could return the favor.”
“I do?” She looked confused. “You like hospital food?”
“I like you,” I said with a grin before nodding to the tray.
“Oh.”
There was that blush again, and it made me want to kiss her. But, having learned my lesson, I kept my hands—and mouth—to myself.
She picked up a samosa and took a bite, humming softly in approval. A bit of the pastry broke away, and she quickly reached up to cup the crumbs in her hand, offering me a sheepish grin. “Honestly, eating in front of people makes me feel weird.”
“Really?” I said in genuine surprise, reaching out to take the samosa from her. She followed my every movement as I brought it back to her lips. “Don’t. You’re gorgeous, and frankly, watching you eat is a turn-on.”
She managed a choking laugh after taking a bite. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.” I nodded, keeping my expression flat.
“Why?”
“Oh,” I couldn’t stop my smirk, “I’m imagining what else I could serve to your mouth.”
“Hunter.” She tried to sound disapproving, but it missed the mark as her tongue brushed along my fingers, taking the last of the samosa between her lips.
It was my turn to groan in approval. “You’re killing me, Georgia.”
A long silence followed my admission while she thought and finished her food. Finally, she spoke, brushing crumbs from her lips. “I just … I don’t get it.” She shook her head. “I’m nowhere close to your age. I could practically be your mother. You barely know anything about me. We have nothing in common. What’s there to like?”
“Um,” I held up a finger to stop her from carrying on. “First of all, you couldn’t be my mother. I’m blond. You’re brunette.” She gave me a look that clearly told me that’s not how it worked, but I just grinned and continued. “Secondly, I know a lot about you. We have a ton in common.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“We both do the crossword in the morning from the newspaper like old people. You love hiking, and I love anything outdoors. You take care of people more than you do yourself, and I love caring for my woman, so that works perfectly. We could take care of each other and never have to change how we do things. You want to travel, but you don’t like traveling alone. I love traveling, but I haven’t been able to, so we could travel the world together and experience other cultures, foods, and architecture. But most of all, you want to be loved, and honestly, Georgia, that’s all I want too.”
