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“Is that why you only sent me one text?”
“I had to make sure you were safe. You should also tell Rory to check all the security on your networks and devices…though she probably already knows that, too.”
“She’s probably already done it.”
Hunter expelled his breath in a long rush. “Good.”
Aria studied him, a crease appearing between her eyebrows. She rested her hand on his chest. His heart sped up, thumping against her palm. The ground seemed to shift under his feet. How could he leave her? How could he not?
“Come with me.” She reached for his hand, her fingers closing tightly around his. She led him to the florist shop. She stopped and peered up at the building façade. “See if you can find the butterfly.”
“The what?”
“Every building on this street has a hidden butterfly somewhere on the exterior.” She gave him a smile so gentle it almost broke his heart in two. “Mrs. Paxton-Smith started the tradition. Over the years, when new properties were built, the architect would add a butterfly somewhere. Owners of the older buildings added butterflies, too. Some are carved into the concrete, others are painted. A couple even used tile designs.”
Hunter looked up at the old stone building. Hidden butterflies.
“It’s the Mariposa Street secret,” Aria said.
He searched the façade and pointed to a painted Monarch right beneath the awning. “Every building has one?”
“Every building.” She squeezed his hand. “So you not only helped save Mariposa Street, you saved the butterflies.”
“Where’s the Meow and Then butterfly?”
“You’ll have to find it yourself.”
Hunter rubbed his chest. If he wanted to find the butterfly—and he did—that meant hehadto come back. He had to figure it out, make a new plan. One that was much bigger than him, that encompassed so much more. One in which the most treasured spot was reserved for the woman who’d shown him how life was meant to be lived.
“I love you.” He stroked his fingers against her soft cheek. “By the way, you were amazing in there. I was so proud of you.”
She smiled again, her blue eyes shining with both warmth and tears. He curled his hand around the back of her neck and lowered his head. Heat and light exploded through him the instant her lips touched his. All of his unease and wariness solidified into the knowledge that he’d done the right thing—for himself, for the town, for Aria.
Now he had to ensure it stayed that way.
“I’m sorry for what a mess this all turned into.” He lifted his head, letting his hand linger on her neck.
“I’m not.” She curled her fingers around his wrist. “I take back what I said before the debate. If it weren’t for this mess, we wouldn’t have met.”
A smile tugged at his mouth. “And you wouldn’t have changed my life.”
He took a few steps backward, loath to turn and walk away from her. He imprinted the picture of her in his mind—blond hair shining in the streetlights, her skin flushed pink, her face as lovely as a painting.
“When are you coming back?” she asked.
“When I can offer you something better.”
“Hunter, all I want is you.” She wiped at a stray tear. “That’s the absolute best you can offer me.”
He shook his head. Pressing a hand to his heart, he lifted his palm toward her and then turned and walked away.
