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"Would you like to eat here?" Hunter asked, pointing to a flat rock before us. "Or is it too chilly?"
"No, it's great, and the view can't be beat."
He helped me onto the ground before settling down beside me and opening the basket. "Let's see what Cedric packed for us." Hunter pulled out two sandwiches wrapped in plastic, two cans of soda, a bag of chocolate chip cookies, and a container of strawberries.
"Oh wow, he took good care of us, didn't he?"
"Definitely. I think the other guys and I would starve to death without him."
I chuckled as he handed me one of the sandwiches. I unwrapped it and bit into a delicious blend of roast beef and Swiss cheese. "How long have you all lived together?"
"Talon and I grew up together," he answered through bites of his own. "We've been best friends for as long as I can remember. Grady, Felix, Enzo, and Cedric joined us over the years. We all have similar stories; our families disowned us either because of our sexuality or because they didn't agree with our life choices. We were turned away and shunned, but we found a new family in each other."
"That's beautiful." Having adopted Brady, I knew without a doubt that blood didn't make a family; love did.
"And then Talon met Brandon, and Cedric found Asher, and they joined our crazy little group. It feels like we were all destined to be together. I know that Fate gives us a soulmate, but I believe that She also surrounds us with friends and family who make our lives complete."
I finished my sandwich and took a long drink of soda as I pondered his words. He seemed sure of himself, but I still asked, "Do you really believe in soulmates?"
"Of course I do," he answered without even taking a moment to think. "I believe that we each have a person who is our perfect match in every way; the other half of our heart and soul. They make us happy and give our life meaning."
"That's a lot of pressure," I teased, though Iwasnervous. If that's what Hunter was looking for, I wasn't sure I fit the bill. "I'm just a single dad working at a coffee shop," I thought out loud. How could I be someone's soulmate?
Hunter set his drink on the rock and took my hand in his. His golden eyes looked sternly but adoringly into mine. "You're a single dad who works hard to take care of his son. You put Brady's needs and happiness before your own, and I admire you so much for that. But you are more than 'just'a dad; you are a sweet, sexy man who drives me wild. You're the man who makes my pulse race and my knees weak." His thumb caressed my knuckles when he ended in a whisper, "You're the man I love."
Mypulse raced as his words washed over me. Even though he didn't appear uncertain, my shock won out to question, "Me? Are you sure?"
He let go of my hand to gently place his palm on my cheek. His fingertips brushed my curly hair behind my ear, sending a shiver down my back. "I've never been more sure of anything."
"When we first met, even though I tried to push you away, I didn't want to," I admitted. "I wanted you to fight for me, and I'm so glad you did. Because I got to witness the care you have for my son, and learn how a man should treat us. You're an amazing man and I…I love you too."
Hunter's hand wrapped around the back of my head to haul me forward until our lips touched. I missed out on kissing him the night before, but it wassoworth the wait.
He covered my lips with soft pecks as he combed his fingers through my hair, taking his time to make me feel special, and showing me care like I'd never experienced.
Hunter dragged his tongue across my bottom lip, and I was quick to open my mouth, inviting him inside. His tongue slipped between my teeth and glided across my taste buds, painting my flesh with the subtle flavor of cola.
He kissed me slowly and deeply, tickling the roof of my mouth with his tongue and massaging my neck with his strong hands. We explored and tasted one another until we were breathless.
When our lips parted, I rested my head on Hunter's shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around me. I felt safe and protected in his hold, like he would fight off the world for me.
We stayed wrapped up in each other, watching the water fall over the rock's edge and swirl downstream. We fed each other cookies and strawberries as we cuddled until the sun dipped below the horizon and the moon hung high.
"I could sit out here all night with you," I told Hunter, "But I should probably give the guys a break from watching Brady.
“I’m sure they’re enjoying their time with him, but I do miss the little guy. We can head back anytime you want.” He kissed the top of my head before looking at me beneath an arched eyebrow. “But I’d love for you to stay with me tonight. We have an extra room for Brady.”
He hadn’t said anything provocative, but I knew - orhoped- what he was suggesting, and it was enough to set my blood on fire. I swallowed thickly and answered without hesitation, “I’d love to.”
Chapter Six
Lance
I heard Brady’s squeals of delight when we reached the porch of the lodge. “It sounds like they’re having a great time,” Hunter chuckled as he opened the front door. I appreciated that all of Hunter’s friends had pitched in to give my son a great day, and the two ofussome time alone.
We strolled through the front door and into the living room, and my heart dropped into my stomach as panic seized my chest at what I saw. My brain was struggling to process what my eyes were witnessing; my four year old son was sitting on the back of a huge, man-eating lion.
“Brady!” I bolted across the room and snatched my boy off of the beast before hustling back to Hunter, who was…just standing there.Why isn’t he freaking the hell out?I assumed that he was in shock, so I grabbed his hand and tried to pull him toward the door.
